This series looks at what happens when the FM17 Draft Mode is used to create a World Cup where each nation is represented by players who play in each country. For the full explanation of how this tournament will work, see our Introduction.
We’ve got through twelve brutal qualification groups, with the very last one delivering the biggest shock as Brazil, no less, failed to qualify for the inaugural Draft World Cup. All teams who finished 1st or 2nd in their groups made it through, whilst those in 3rd place were ranked according to their performance, with the top four also being awarded automatic qualification. This ranking ended up like this:
We’ve got through twelve brutal qualification groups, with the very last one delivering the biggest shock as Brazil, no less, failed to qualify for the inaugural Draft World Cup. All teams who finished 1st or 2nd in their groups made it through, whilst those in 3rd place were ranked according to their performance, with the top four also being awarded automatic qualification. This ranking ended up like this:
|
So Turkey, Peru, North Africa and Bulgaria are already through, but the other eight have one last hurdle to leap. They are placed into an unseeded draw, which gives the following ties:
Former Yugoslavia vs. Slovakia
Chile vs. Austria
Norway vs. Hungary
South Korea vs. Mediterranean
Chile vs. Austria
Norway vs. Hungary
South Korea vs. Mediterranean
Each play-off is the usual two-legged affair, whilst each team are limited to a maximum squad value of £200m (as they were in the qualification groups). Additionally, the matches will be played at neutral venues, which means that there is no away goals rule – if matches are level after two matches, then we are going old-school and having a replay! And with no further ado, let’s get started with the matches!
First leg: Former Yugoslavia vs. Slovakia
Former Yugoslavia got to this stage only through a late winner by Duljevic against Australia in a winner-takes-all final fixture. This was a particularly creditable achievement given that they also had to finish above the highly-rated Colombia. They proved very hard to beat, as they went the first six matches unbeaten, however they did struggle to score the goals that would have made qualification smoother. Their total squad value of £44m is one of the lowest of the play-off teams, but their opponents’ value is only £6m higher, so we should see a very even contest.
Slovakia were up in the first qualification group, and stormed to the top of the table halfway into the campaign. However, a run of two points from their final four matches meant they clung onto their top-three place with a nervy 1-1 draw with Serbia. Their midfield was their strongest element, but they really were a team of no clear stars, nor no obvious weak links.
Former Yugoslavia replace underperforming right-back Raspopovic with Celikovic, whilst they turn to Sasa Kajkut to lead the line after Krstanovic and Stojkov didn’t carry enough threat when they had their chances. Slovakia however elect to stick with the XI which played the majority of their group games.
First leg: Former Yugoslavia vs. Slovakia
Former Yugoslavia got to this stage only through a late winner by Duljevic against Australia in a winner-takes-all final fixture. This was a particularly creditable achievement given that they also had to finish above the highly-rated Colombia. They proved very hard to beat, as they went the first six matches unbeaten, however they did struggle to score the goals that would have made qualification smoother. Their total squad value of £44m is one of the lowest of the play-off teams, but their opponents’ value is only £6m higher, so we should see a very even contest.
Slovakia were up in the first qualification group, and stormed to the top of the table halfway into the campaign. However, a run of two points from their final four matches meant they clung onto their top-three place with a nervy 1-1 draw with Serbia. Their midfield was their strongest element, but they really were a team of no clear stars, nor no obvious weak links.
Former Yugoslavia replace underperforming right-back Raspopovic with Celikovic, whilst they turn to Sasa Kajkut to lead the line after Krstanovic and Stojkov didn’t carry enough threat when they had their chances. Slovakia however elect to stick with the XI which played the majority of their group games.
Duljevic starts the match almost exactly how he finished the one against Australia, cutting onto his right foot and letting fly, but his shot is off the mark. In the 23rd minute a Slovakia corner is cleared, but only as far as Otubanjo. He works it wide to Conka, and his cross is nodded home by Klescik to open the scoring. Former Yugoslavia are dominating the match in terms of shots and possession, and Juan Felipe goes close in hitting a free kick against the crossbar. This is the closest they come in the first half, as they go in with the score 1-0.
Popov is usually a vital player for Former Yugoslavia, but he has been poor so far, so he is switched onto his preferred left side, Raspopovic replacing Celikovic. Five minutes into the half and Kajkut, who has held the ball up effectively so far, is played through, but rushes his shot and misses the target. Not long after his snapspot from the edge of the box is only just pushed onto the post by Mucha as Former Yugoslavia turn the screw. Slovakia can’t create many chances of their own, although Otubanjo stings Pacovski’s palms with a decent effort on the break. As Slovakia appear content to sit back and take a 1-0 lead, it looks like Former Yugoslavia were heading to an undeserved defeat, but in the 90th minute Grozdanoski’s smart pass across the box finds Duljevic, and once again he proves his side’s hero as he powerrs the ball beyond Mucha to ensure the match finishes level.
Given that they had around half the shots of their opponents, and only 43% possession, Slovakia would have taken a draw. But the nature in which they nearly had a crucial victory means it will taste bittersweet. Former Yugoslavia know that another performance of that level will probably see them progress.
First leg: Chile vs. Austria
Chile well and truly scraped into the play-offs, as they saw Poland blow the chance to take the spot when they succumbed to a surprise 3-1 defeat to Finland. Chile still had to avoid defeat away to Caucasus, which they managed only thanks to Jorge Valdivia’s second half equaliser. Their squad is worth an impressive £135m, and really they underachieved in failing to automatically qualify.
Austria have a similarly-priced squad, at £116m. They caused the shock of qualifying when they thrashed a woeful Brazilian side 4-1 to knock out the South American side – whether they can repeat that feat here may well rest with striker Munas Dabbur, whose excellent form saw him make the team of the group after 8 goals in 10 games.
Both teams play unconventional formations – 3-3-1-3 for Chile, and 2-3-2-1-2 for Austria – which have been questioned as they finished third in their groups. However, both teams decide that if they’re in for a penny, they’re in for a pound and stick with their current systems.
First leg: Chile vs. Austria
Chile well and truly scraped into the play-offs, as they saw Poland blow the chance to take the spot when they succumbed to a surprise 3-1 defeat to Finland. Chile still had to avoid defeat away to Caucasus, which they managed only thanks to Jorge Valdivia’s second half equaliser. Their squad is worth an impressive £135m, and really they underachieved in failing to automatically qualify.
Austria have a similarly-priced squad, at £116m. They caused the shock of qualifying when they thrashed a woeful Brazilian side 4-1 to knock out the South American side – whether they can repeat that feat here may well rest with striker Munas Dabbur, whose excellent form saw him make the team of the group after 8 goals in 10 games.
Both teams play unconventional formations – 3-3-1-3 for Chile, and 2-3-2-1-2 for Austria – which have been questioned as they finished third in their groups. However, both teams decide that if they’re in for a penny, they’re in for a pound and stick with their current systems.
The match starts in a quiet fashion, with the first major chance falling in the 24th minute – it's a huge opportunity as a corner falls to the feet of Barroso yards from goal, but his powerful effort is hacked off the line by Ulmer. The half continues with little incident until there is another Chilean corner, and this time a penalty is awarded as Schultz pushes Vilches. Paredes steps up and places it neatly away to put Chile ahead. Two minutes later and the lead is doubled, yet another corner leading to a free header for Lanaro. His shot is saved by Almer, but it rebounds off the unfortunate Ulmer and it goes down as an own goal for the wing back. It's not just Austria who can’t defend set pieces though, as they expose Chile with a simple long throw, Schultz meeting it to pull a crucial goal back, and to atone for his earlier error.
Austria have been close to creating very good chances, so they choose not to change anything at half time, but it progresses without much encouragement for the European side – Dabbur’s long effort, which flew wide, representing their best chance. Austria therefore have to start attacking more, and Dabbur is given a half chance but doesn’t make Herrera work for the save. That is as good as it gets for either side, as the second half is a frankly turgid affair, particularly after the exciting end to the first half.
This means that Chile just need to protect a 2-1 lead to progress to the finals, whilst Austria will be concerned at their lack of cutting edge when they really needed it.
First leg: Norway vs. Hungary
Norway appeared to have secured the second automatic qualification spot in their group, behind a rampant Portugal. However, they fell to a disappointing defeat against Romania to be leapfrogged, finishing in third position. Other than that match, Norway had proved hard to beat, with only Portugal finding a way to overcome them. Their worries will be their lack of creativity, something combatted with a direct style of play.
Hungary were part of Group F, which ended dramatically with a key match having to be replayed. With this in mind, they did a good job of securing third place with a solid 16 points (the best of the sides to end up in the play-offs) to make sure that no matter the outcome of the replayed match, they would be in the play-off spot. Their campaign included very good performances against group winners Germany, winning 2-0 and drawing 3-3. However, they are the lowest-valued side in the play-offs at £39m, and they face opposition worth over twice as much, at £88m.
When it comes to selection, Norway have no real issues, other than who to partner Sigurdarson with, as none of the squad’s other strikers did well in the qualification group. As Sigurdarson scored 7 goals in 10 games, Bjorn Norge selects Abdellaoue to partner him as he is most capable of setting up chances. Hungary go with their first-choice XI.
This means that Chile just need to protect a 2-1 lead to progress to the finals, whilst Austria will be concerned at their lack of cutting edge when they really needed it.
First leg: Norway vs. Hungary
Norway appeared to have secured the second automatic qualification spot in their group, behind a rampant Portugal. However, they fell to a disappointing defeat against Romania to be leapfrogged, finishing in third position. Other than that match, Norway had proved hard to beat, with only Portugal finding a way to overcome them. Their worries will be their lack of creativity, something combatted with a direct style of play.
Hungary were part of Group F, which ended dramatically with a key match having to be replayed. With this in mind, they did a good job of securing third place with a solid 16 points (the best of the sides to end up in the play-offs) to make sure that no matter the outcome of the replayed match, they would be in the play-off spot. Their campaign included very good performances against group winners Germany, winning 2-0 and drawing 3-3. However, they are the lowest-valued side in the play-offs at £39m, and they face opposition worth over twice as much, at £88m.
When it comes to selection, Norway have no real issues, other than who to partner Sigurdarson with, as none of the squad’s other strikers did well in the qualification group. As Sigurdarson scored 7 goals in 10 games, Bjorn Norge selects Abdellaoue to partner him as he is most capable of setting up chances. Hungary go with their first-choice XI.
Norway start the match content to defend, whilst Hungary aim to make the most of their extra numbers in the centre of the pitch. It leads to the Hungarians penning their opponents back early on, and they make the breakthrough in the 16th minute as Varga’s cross allows Bode to poke home. However, Norway take 72 seconds to level, as Ruud’s free kick is cleared only as far as de Lanley, who volleys it neatly into the corner. Norway nearly take the lead as Sigurdarson is played through, but his shot from a tight angle is wide. We reach half time with the rest of the half fairly even.
At the start of the second half Abdellaoue is allowed to get to a long ball first, and his cut-back is met emphatically by Sigurdarson to put Norway in the lead. They do receive a blow when Sigurdarson is forced off injured, but they continue to deny Hungary any clear sights of goal. His replacement, Bakenga, should have scored when Parr’s excellent chipped pass put him through, but he hooks it over over as Hungary’s defence begins to look ragged in the final stages. In particular, Korcsmar has adopted a crazy strategy of running up in a one-man offside trap, with all the effectiveness of a sherbet fishnet. This should have cost Hungary as Abdellaoue is denied by Kelava, and he misses again when a poor clearance gives him a clear sight of goal. Just as Hungary appeared set to escape from this defensive horrorshow only one goal down, Norway break from a Hungarian free kick and Bakenga blasts the ball into the top corner to seal an impressive 3-1 victory.
Hungary have it all to do, as Norway relentlessly exploited their calamitous defending. Norway’s game is already set up to hit teams on the break, so having a two-goal lead to defend is a great situation for them (not that it would be bad for anyone!)
First leg: South Korea vs. Mediterranean
These are the two most expensive teams in the play-offs, both with squads costing around £140m, so they will be disappointed to be drawn together. South Korea were handed a tough group, with England dominating and South America and Croatia difficult opponents. Therefore, a third place finish, with 16 points from 10 matches, is to their credit, although had they managed to beat East Africa in their penultimate game they would have automatically qualified as the best third-placed team. Their 5-2-3 formation has proved difficult for teams to combat, and theirs is a side with no outstanding individuals, but a good team ethic.
The Mediterranean qualified from Group J, where no-one seemed to want to get into the play-offs, with as many as four teams all fighting for the space on the final day, but each finding ways to avoid taking it. The Mediterranean secured their spot with a late goal in a 3-2 defeat to Scotland allowing them to finish above the Middle East on goal difference. With 10 points from their campaign, they have easily the worst record of any team in the play-offs.
When it comes to selection, for some reason various members of the last South Korean squad aren’t available this time. But new players are (auto-generated, maybe?), and so it is roughly of the same quality as before, in the same set-up. The Mediterranean drop Vyntra after poor performance, with Aguilar coming in. As Barral and Salihi both vastly underperformed, Arruabarrena is given a chance up front.
First leg: South Korea vs. Mediterranean
These are the two most expensive teams in the play-offs, both with squads costing around £140m, so they will be disappointed to be drawn together. South Korea were handed a tough group, with England dominating and South America and Croatia difficult opponents. Therefore, a third place finish, with 16 points from 10 matches, is to their credit, although had they managed to beat East Africa in their penultimate game they would have automatically qualified as the best third-placed team. Their 5-2-3 formation has proved difficult for teams to combat, and theirs is a side with no outstanding individuals, but a good team ethic.
The Mediterranean qualified from Group J, where no-one seemed to want to get into the play-offs, with as many as four teams all fighting for the space on the final day, but each finding ways to avoid taking it. The Mediterranean secured their spot with a late goal in a 3-2 defeat to Scotland allowing them to finish above the Middle East on goal difference. With 10 points from their campaign, they have easily the worst record of any team in the play-offs.
When it comes to selection, for some reason various members of the last South Korean squad aren’t available this time. But new players are (auto-generated, maybe?), and so it is roughly of the same quality as before, in the same set-up. The Mediterranean drop Vyntra after poor performance, with Aguilar coming in. As Barral and Salihi both vastly underperformed, Arruabarrena is given a chance up front.
In the eighth minute Mediterranean move the ball around quickly, and get a good cross in, where it is knocked into his own goal by Jin-Kyu. With no opposition players nearby, it wasn’t a particularly dignified own goal. With South Korea set up to counter and Mediterranean set up to defend, the rest of the half passes by without any more highlights.
South Korea decide they have to be bolder in the second half, but they almost immediately find themselves two down, a lovely passing move eventually seeing Arruabarrena play Pedro in to poke the ball beyond Shin. South Korea continue to make no inroads in the Mediterranean defence, and it finishes 2-0, a scoreline which flatters a match with virtually nothing of note happening in it.
South Korea decide they have to be bolder in the second half, but they almost immediately find themselves two down, a lovely passing move eventually seeing Arruabarrena play Pedro in to poke the ball beyond Shin. South Korea continue to make no inroads in the Mediterranean defence, and it finishes 2-0, a scoreline which flatters a match with virtually nothing of note happening in it.
If South Korea can’t create chances, they aren’t going through. As for the Mediterranean, that was a near-perfect defensive display, and they will be very confident of confirming their qualification in the second leg.
Second leg: Slovakia (1) vs. Former Yugoslavia (1)
Former Yugoslavia should have really won the first leg, but in the end just salvaged a draw thanks to a late Duljevic strike.
For the second leg Slovakia name an unchanged side, whilst Former Yugoslavia stick with the XI that finished the first leg, with Raspopovic, Alimi and Stojkov in for Celikovic, Felipe and Kajkut.
Second leg: Slovakia (1) vs. Former Yugoslavia (1)
Former Yugoslavia should have really won the first leg, but in the end just salvaged a draw thanks to a late Duljevic strike.
For the second leg Slovakia name an unchanged side, whilst Former Yugoslavia stick with the XI that finished the first leg, with Raspopovic, Alimi and Stojkov in for Celikovic, Felipe and Kajkut.
Alimi makes a poor start as he is robbed of the ball just outside his own box, but Otubanjo sends his shot wide. It is clear that Matej Slovensko is hamstrung by having a complete idiot for an assistant manager, as shown by his contradictory advice. He gets through to half time with his side matching Former Yugoslavia well, and with little in the way of real chances.
The first real thing to happen in the second half is on the hour mark when Duljevic is forced off with a groin strain. Soon after, Raicevic takes a shot at goal from a free kick 30 yards out. Mucha probably should save it, but he can only push it into the roof of the net and Former Yugoslavia lead for the first time in the tie. Slovakia respond by brining Priskin on for Otubanjo, and with eight minutes remaining Paur plays him through, and he calmly levels the scores. Five minutes later he runs at the defence and nearly scores another, his shot flashing across goal. Neither team can fashion a winner, so the match finishes 1-1, 2-2 on aggregate.
The first real thing to happen in the second half is on the hour mark when Duljevic is forced off with a groin strain. Soon after, Raicevic takes a shot at goal from a free kick 30 yards out. Mucha probably should save it, but he can only push it into the roof of the net and Former Yugoslavia lead for the first time in the tie. Slovakia respond by brining Priskin on for Otubanjo, and with eight minutes remaining Paur plays him through, and he calmly levels the scores. Five minutes later he runs at the defence and nearly scores another, his shot flashing across goal. Neither team can fashion a winner, so the match finishes 1-1, 2-2 on aggregate.
This means we’ll be coming back again for a replay to (hopefully) finally separate these two teams.
Second leg: Austria (1) vs. Chile (2)
Austria were totally undone by their defending at set pieces, but after Schultz had got them back into it, they did have the majority of chances.
Despite the defeat in the first leg, Austria don’t make many underperforming players, and their only change is Grunwald in for Schaub. Chile make just the one change, Pizarro coming in for Valdes.
Second leg: Austria (1) vs. Chile (2)
Austria were totally undone by their defending at set pieces, but after Schultz had got them back into it, they did have the majority of chances.
Despite the defeat in the first leg, Austria don’t make many underperforming players, and their only change is Grunwald in for Schaub. Chile make just the one change, Pizarro coming in for Valdes.
In the sixth minute Berisha finds a pocket of space and fizzes a shot just wide from range, and four minutes later they go even closer as Soriano’s free kick hits the underside of the crossbar and narrowly stays out. Austria continue to have all the chances, Grunwald next going close from the edge of the box. All this means it’s particularly galling for Austria when Chile score, Paredes’ pass finding Luna who slams home. Things get worse for Austria as Schwegler suffers injury#1-default, but it’s not enough to force a substitution. Grunwald goes close again just before the end of a half where his side had 12 shots to Chile’s 4, but are behind.
Chile, unsurprisingly, tone down their attacking intent in the second half, and look to play on the break. They do an excellent job of smothering Austria, with the game progressing for half an hour with no highlights, but an Austrian corner eventually lands to Grunwald and he places it home to bring the aggregate scores back to 3-2. Moments later substitute Alar plays Dabbur through, but his rising shot is well held by Herrera. Time slips by and Austria are forced to throw everything at Chile, but their defeat is confirmed as Pizarro slips it through to sub Ubila, who finishes confidently. Ubila even adds another before the final whistle to make it a final aggregate score of 5-2, a flattering scoreline for Chile, but one they’ll take nonetheless.
Austria made waves when they outclassed Brazil to get into the play-offs, but couldn’t find that level again to overcome a Chilean side who become the first side to qualify from the play-offs.
Second leg: Hungary (1) – Norway (3)
Hungary had started the first leg well, but couldn’t get through Norway’s solid formation once they had taken the lead (and then got immediately pegged back), and they were eventually picked off bit-by-bit. By the end 3-1 was a bit harsh on Norway.
Hungary couldn’t break down the deep-lying Norwegians effectively, and their response is to axe Saglik and replace him with the more physical Scepovic and go with two target men. Sigurdarson was forced off with a knock in the first leg, and he is only fit enough for the bench. However, his replacement Bakenga scored with a fantastic finish in the first leg, so there is no real concern there for an otherwise unchanged Norway.
Second leg: Hungary (1) – Norway (3)
Hungary had started the first leg well, but couldn’t get through Norway’s solid formation once they had taken the lead (and then got immediately pegged back), and they were eventually picked off bit-by-bit. By the end 3-1 was a bit harsh on Norway.
Hungary couldn’t break down the deep-lying Norwegians effectively, and their response is to axe Saglik and replace him with the more physical Scepovic and go with two target men. Sigurdarson was forced off with a knock in the first leg, and he is only fit enough for the bench. However, his replacement Bakenga scored with a fantastic finish in the first leg, so there is no real concern there for an otherwise unchanged Norway.
Hungary have more of the ball in the first half, and they also have more shots, but none of them are good enough to warrant a highlight and we reach half time in about 20 seconds.
Just before the hour mark we have our first chance, and what a chance – Varga wins a high ball in the box, it falls to Bode seven yards out, and he plonks it onto the crossbar, a huge chance wasted. Five minutes later Hungary appeared to have paid the price as De Lanlay’s cross sails over Kelava and into the net – but the goalkeeper had been bowled over by Bakenga and the goal is chalked off. Norway hold out until the 88th minute, when a Laczko cross is neatly nodded down by Hajnal and substitute Saglik tucks it away. However, they can’t force another chance, and a 1-0 win isn’t enough, as the final aggregate scoreline is 3-2 to Norway.
Just before the hour mark we have our first chance, and what a chance – Varga wins a high ball in the box, it falls to Bode seven yards out, and he plonks it onto the crossbar, a huge chance wasted. Five minutes later Hungary appeared to have paid the price as De Lanlay’s cross sails over Kelava and into the net – but the goalkeeper had been bowled over by Bakenga and the goal is chalked off. Norway hold out until the 88th minute, when a Laczko cross is neatly nodded down by Hajnal and substitute Saglik tucks it away. However, they can’t force another chance, and a 1-0 win isn’t enough, as the final aggregate scoreline is 3-2 to Norway.
Hungary fought bravely, and as the third-placed side with the fifth-best record they can consider themselves extremely unlucky to not be at the Draft World Cup. Norway really battled their way here, but now they have qualified, I think it’s fair to say that Hungary are probably not going to be the last side to be frustrated by their defence.
Second leg: Mediterranean (2) vs. South Korea (0)
The first leg between these two sides was a bit rubbish, really, but Mediterranean won’t be complaining after they scored the only goals in a 2-0 win. Their defence held up very easily against an unthreatening Korean side, and they know another clean sheet will secure their qualification.
With this in mind, it is no surprise to see an unchanged Mediterranean XI. Meanwhile, Korea’s big problem was scoring goals, and to that end they replace the misfiring Dong-Gook with Damjanovic, a Montenegrin international. Windbichler’s poor first leg also results in him being replaced by Hyung-Il.
Second leg: Mediterranean (2) vs. South Korea (0)
The first leg between these two sides was a bit rubbish, really, but Mediterranean won’t be complaining after they scored the only goals in a 2-0 win. Their defence held up very easily against an unthreatening Korean side, and they know another clean sheet will secure their qualification.
With this in mind, it is no surprise to see an unchanged Mediterranean XI. Meanwhile, Korea’s big problem was scoring goals, and to that end they replace the misfiring Dong-Gook with Damjanovic, a Montenegrin international. Windbichler’s poor first leg also results in him being replaced by Hyung-Il.
South Korea have a pretty big hole to climb out of if they want to qualify, but they start by digging downwards as they switch off in the 3rd minute, and Arruabarrena is played in, finishing to put his side 3-0 up on aggregate. We progress to half time with no more clear chances, and Mi-Na Korea has some teacups to throw.
Arruabarrena has to be replaced by Salihi as he has taken a slight knock, but Mediterranean continue to deny Korea any chances. Despite changing to a 4-2-4 and going all-out, Korea still can’t do anything, and we finish with a 3-0 aggregate scoreline. Arruabarrena’s goal was literally the only highlight in that abomination of a match.
The Mediterranean have qualified despite coming into the play-offs with the worst record in their group (10 points, -5 goal difference), which in fact was only the 49th-best across all teams. South Korea were very solid in their group, holding off Croatia, but their flaws were exposed here and they will miss out.
Replay: Former Yugoslavia vs. Slovakia
These two sides drew 1-1 in both legs, and with FM’s Draft system not actually having a set-up for a two-legged tie, we have had to come back for a replay. In each fixture it looked like one team (first Slovakia, then Former Yugoslavia) were going to win 1-0, only to be denied by a late equaliser.
Former Yugoslavia have been reliant, recently, on the goals of Duljevic, but his injury from the second leg rules him out, with Hasani coming in. Felipe comes back in for Alimi, whilst rotation up front continues, as Krstanovic comes in to try and succeed where Stojkov and Kajkut failed. After Priskin’s goal saved Slovakia in the first leg, he replaces Otubanjo, with no other changes made.
The Mediterranean have qualified despite coming into the play-offs with the worst record in their group (10 points, -5 goal difference), which in fact was only the 49th-best across all teams. South Korea were very solid in their group, holding off Croatia, but their flaws were exposed here and they will miss out.
Replay: Former Yugoslavia vs. Slovakia
These two sides drew 1-1 in both legs, and with FM’s Draft system not actually having a set-up for a two-legged tie, we have had to come back for a replay. In each fixture it looked like one team (first Slovakia, then Former Yugoslavia) were going to win 1-0, only to be denied by a late equaliser.
Former Yugoslavia have been reliant, recently, on the goals of Duljevic, but his injury from the second leg rules him out, with Hasani coming in. Felipe comes back in for Alimi, whilst rotation up front continues, as Krstanovic comes in to try and succeed where Stojkov and Kajkut failed. After Priskin’s goal saved Slovakia in the first leg, he replaces Otubanjo, with no other changes made.
Former Yugoslavia have the first chance as Hasani’s long shot is easily held by Mucha. In the 26th minute Former Yugoslavia get more injury worries as Felipe is forced off, Alimi coming back in. Soon after that Hasani takes a knock, but he is okay to continue. We reach half time at 0-0, and neither team really going for it.
We get the first goal just after the break, as Slovakia break with pace, Priskin eventually playing Paur in, and he places his shot into the bottom corner. Priskin nearly doubles the lead after a solo run leads to a shot flying just wide. Paur gets injured colliding with Former Yugoslavia sub Despotovic, who also picks up a knock. Former Yugoslavia continue to make no decent chances. In the 93rd minute they get a corner, and up comes Pacovski, but Mucha claims the ball and Slovakia claim a 1-0 which confirms them as the 32nd and final team to qualify for the Draft World Cup!
We get the first goal just after the break, as Slovakia break with pace, Priskin eventually playing Paur in, and he places his shot into the bottom corner. Priskin nearly doubles the lead after a solo run leads to a shot flying just wide. Paur gets injured colliding with Former Yugoslavia sub Despotovic, who also picks up a knock. Former Yugoslavia continue to make no decent chances. In the 93rd minute they get a corner, and up comes Pacovski, but Mucha claims the ball and Slovakia claim a 1-0 which confirms them as the 32nd and final team to qualify for the Draft World Cup!
These two were very hard to separate, and it was always going to be a disappointment for the team which missed out. However, had Former Yugoslavia got through, the play-offs would have seen the four sides with the worst records in qualification progress at the expense of those with the best.
Final results
Final results
Former Yugoslavia 2-2 Slovakia
(replay: Former Yugoslavia 0-1 Slovakia)
Chile 5-2 Austria
Norway 3-2 Hungary
South Korea 0-3 Mediterranean
(replay: Former Yugoslavia 0-1 Slovakia)
Chile 5-2 Austria
Norway 3-2 Hungary
South Korea 0-3 Mediterranean
Qualified for the Draft World Cup: Yorkshire, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Ukraine, Central Africa, Spain, China, France, Germany, Central Asia, Portugal, Romania, England, South America, Argentina, South Africa, Russia, Scotland, USA, Netherlands, Mexico, Uruguay, Turkey, Peru, North Africa, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Norway, Chile, Mediterranean
Next time
With 32 teams confirmed for the inaugural Draft World Cup, we’ll see who comes out in the draw, and we’ll give a rough guide to each team's likely hopes.
Next time
With 32 teams confirmed for the inaugural Draft World Cup, we’ll see who comes out in the draw, and we’ll give a rough guide to each team's likely hopes.