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.
I would say that the quarter-finals in the real World Cup have had more than their fair share of classic moments – such as Maradona vs. England, Suarez vs. Ghana and Rossi vs. Brazil (the latter wasn’t technically a quarter-final, but it effectively was).
Our Draft World Cup has already had plenty of drama in the previous round, most notably when France beat Mexico 2-1 thanks to an apparent foul on the Mexican goalkeeper. Will we see this continued for the quarter-finals? There’s only way to find out.
Here’s the draw:
I would say that the quarter-finals in the real World Cup have had more than their fair share of classic moments – such as Maradona vs. England, Suarez vs. Ghana and Rossi vs. Brazil (the latter wasn’t technically a quarter-final, but it effectively was).
Our Draft World Cup has already had plenty of drama in the previous round, most notably when France beat Mexico 2-1 thanks to an apparent foul on the Mexican goalkeeper. Will we see this continued for the quarter-finals? There’s only way to find out.
Here’s the draw:
Portugal vs. Peru
Portugal have to be seen as the tournament favourites now, after a perfect run in qualification, winning their finals group and overcoming England in the previous round. Were it not for Martins Indi’s red card, it’s likely that Portugal would have won by a far more comfortable margin. Meanwhile, Peru (the lowest-value side in the knockout stages) have scraped through at every opportunity, including in the last round where they appeared to be going out on penalties to Switzerland, but two saves from Carvallo propelled them through to a shock quarter-final position. Surely their luck can’t take them beyond Portugal?
Martins Indi is, of course, suspended for this tie, so Afonso comes in as Portugal make only one change. Peru bring in Santamaria for Ramirez, as a slightly more defensive option.
Portugal have to be seen as the tournament favourites now, after a perfect run in qualification, winning their finals group and overcoming England in the previous round. Were it not for Martins Indi’s red card, it’s likely that Portugal would have won by a far more comfortable margin. Meanwhile, Peru (the lowest-value side in the knockout stages) have scraped through at every opportunity, including in the last round where they appeared to be going out on penalties to Switzerland, but two saves from Carvallo propelled them through to a shock quarter-final position. Surely their luck can’t take them beyond Portugal?
Martins Indi is, of course, suspended for this tie, so Afonso comes in as Portugal make only one change. Peru bring in Santamaria for Ramirez, as a slightly more defensive option.
Portugal suffer an early blow, as Corona suffers a thigh strain in the opening minutes, and is replaced by Matheus Pereira. The substitute hits a 25-yard free narrowly wide in the 19th minute, as the game starts in a muted fashion. If Peru had a difficult task ahead of them before kick-off, it’s nothing to how it is in the 24th minute when Santamaria flies in on Silva with studs raised, and is dismissed. Aguiar drops into central midfield. However, if Portugal thought they would have an easy ride, Tejada fires a warning shot with a long effort that flies just wide. In fact, Portugal are struggling to create anything, and Silva’s 36th-minute header which flies harmlessly over is their best effort of the match thus far. In fact, by half time Peru have marginally shaded possession.
Two minutes after the restart Aguiar nearly plays in the ever-marauding Vargas down the flank. Vargas’ cross is met by Avila, and it flies into the top corner for a shock Peru lead! This match happens to see the tournament’s two most impressive left backs, and Juankar immediately fires in a devilish cross that Silva should equalise from, but his header is wide. Shortly after, Juankar has a shot himself which dribbles wide as Portugal try to get back into the match as quickly as possible. Avila is moved over to the right wing to keep Juankar in check, and the game begins slipping away for Portugal. Carvalho is taken off, with Aboubakar coming on. In the 78th minute Peru have a throw-in high up the pitch. It eventually comes to sub Ramirez on the edge of the box. His low shot should be kept out by Casillas, but he lets it creep in, and now 10-man Peru have a two-goal lead to defend! Carvallo, who has been good but not tested enough, injures his hand with 8 minutes remaining. Luckily, Peru still have substitutions left, and Libman comes on. In stoppage time Matheus latches onto a bouncing ball outside the box with a fiery volley which Libman has to push away, but that's it and Peru have secured easily the biggest shock of the tournament thus far!
I genuinely can’t believe that result. Portugal were overwhelming favourites before kick-off, and even more so after the red card. But Peru didn’t even ride their luck – their goals were decent chances which were well-taken, whilst Portugal failed to create enough clear opportunities, and those that they did were wasted by an off-form Silva. The ultimate fairytale is seriously on now.
Germany vs. China
The winner of this match plays Peru in the semi-final, so Germany are the last remaining traditional ‘big’ nation left in this half of the draw. Their match here will be a tough proposition though, as China have been deadly in front of goal lately, with a front four any team would fear. Germany haven’t been at the same level, and required extra time to overcome South Africa in the previous round.
Aubameyang is fit enough to start for Germany now, and Yurchenko misses out despite his good performance against South Africa. Additionally, Kolodziejczak comes in for Jedvaj at the back, as Jedvaj picked up his second yellow of the tournament in the last game. Martinez’ injury picked up against North Africa will require him to wear protective equipment and play below full fitness for the rest of the tournament. Therefore, he is replaced by Gyan in the Chinese XI, but is available from the bench.
Germany vs. China
The winner of this match plays Peru in the semi-final, so Germany are the last remaining traditional ‘big’ nation left in this half of the draw. Their match here will be a tough proposition though, as China have been deadly in front of goal lately, with a front four any team would fear. Germany haven’t been at the same level, and required extra time to overcome South Africa in the previous round.
Aubameyang is fit enough to start for Germany now, and Yurchenko misses out despite his good performance against South Africa. Additionally, Kolodziejczak comes in for Jedvaj at the back, as Jedvaj picked up his second yellow of the tournament in the last game. Martinez’ injury picked up against North Africa will require him to wear protective equipment and play below full fitness for the rest of the tournament. Therefore, he is replaced by Gyan in the Chinese XI, but is available from the bench.
Germany start well, Kerem having a free kick go over before Aubameyang flicks a header narrowly wide. From the resulting goal kick China win possession in Germany’s half, and Tevez is played through. However, his shot is straight at Horn and Germany escape. China put together a beautiful passing move, leading to Gyan’s shot from the edge of the box which Horn does well to save. Horn makes another save in the 18th minute, holding Tevez’s tame shot, as it’s clear that China are looking more dangerous. Germany show their own threat as they go down the other end, where Dembele’s floated cross is met by Bittencourt, but his header goes over. This frantic start to the match continues as Aubameyang turns and shoots in the box, but Yan is able to push it away. Aubameyang has an even better chance in the 27th minute when Vidal plays him in, but Yan again makes the save. The game finally calms down for a bit, but just before half time a German corner is cleared, and Lavezzi leads a Chinese counter-attack, which at one point is 3 vs. 2. Ultimately, Gyan breaks into the box, but Horn makes another save to keep the scores level, and inexplicably goalless, at the break.
Despite being 0-0, it’s been exciting thus far, and the second half continues that as China immediately have a half-chance, Hulk’s shot from a tight angle held by Horn. Germany respond with a shot from Kerem which Yan easily claims and an effort from Dembele which goes just on the wrong side of the post. Gyan and Aubameyang also go close, as both teams begin to make changes. Aubameyang has a golden opportunity when he beats Mbia to a long ball, brings it inside with just Yan to beat, but hits his shot well off target. In the 67th minute a mazy Dembele run is cut off by Carvalho, who promptly turns and passes a perfect through-ball for Aubameyang to race onto, and he finally takes this chance to give Germany the all-important opening goal. Minutes later Hulk similarly passes a simple free kick to the opposition, resulting in a move which Kruse should cap with a goal, but his shot is off target. Following the goal kick Hulk cuts inside, and stings Horn’s palms with a powerful shot, as China break the glass to get out their emergency Martinez. Germany continue to have good chances on the break, as Aubameyang’s header has to be tipped over by Yan. By the 86th minute it appears that China’s well of creativity has run dry, as Aubameyang puts another chance wide. In the 90th minute Junior Urso hits a hopeful long effort which Horn has to tip behind. Up comes Yan, and the corner is flicked on by Ahmedov, but Dembele volleys it out from under the nose of Mbia inches from goal. China get another corner in the last minute of stoppage time, which Carvalho meets, but his header goes over as he fails to redeem himself for his earlier error – one which moments later is confirmed as the moment which has eliminated China.
A really great match, and I have no idea how that only finished with one goal. Aubameyang may have got the winner, but Germany will need him to be far more clinical if they hope to lift the trophy. China were particularly dangerous in the first half, and their threat slowly dried up as the game progressed. All of their matches were thrilling though, and their future appearances should be warmly anticipated.
Italy vs. France
Both of these sides secured qualification from their groups with two opening wins, although had to settle for second place. They both beat group winners in the second round, France with the controversial win against Mexico earlier described, and Italy with a 2-1 comeback win over the Netherlands. There’s little to suggest either side is the favourite here in a repeat of the (real) 2006 World Cup final.
Other than Niang, who remains injured, Italy have no selection worries, and go with the same side which overcame the Netherlands. France have Clement now available, but after his performance against Switzerland, he unsurprisingly is left out. Kurzawa is fit again, meaning that accidental hero Lima stays on the bench.
Italy vs. France
Both of these sides secured qualification from their groups with two opening wins, although had to settle for second place. They both beat group winners in the second round, France with the controversial win against Mexico earlier described, and Italy with a 2-1 comeback win over the Netherlands. There’s little to suggest either side is the favourite here in a repeat of the (real) 2006 World Cup final.
Other than Niang, who remains injured, Italy have no selection worries, and go with the same side which overcame the Netherlands. France have Clement now available, but after his performance against Switzerland, he unsurprisingly is left out. Kurzawa is fit again, meaning that accidental hero Lima stays on the bench.
It’s a fairly quiet start, with the only moments of note efforts from Barbosa and Bacca from range which aren’t particularly close to opening the scoring. In the 16th minute, France are dealt a huge blow as Falcao is forced off with a head injury, Toivonen replacing him. Soon after, Mertens is put through, but his shot is tame and held by Costil. It’s now all Italy, and Mertens clips a neat ball through to Bacca, who has a clear sight of goal, but finds his shot parried by Costil, as he does in the 34th minute when his low drive seems set for the bottom corner. France’s first notable opportunity falls to Gourcuff in the 44th minute, but his shot from the edge of the box is miles over the bar. Kurzawa ends the half with a drive which sails wide, as France end the half well, but it doesn’t hide the fact that they were outplayed during the first 40 minutes.
Toivonen, himself on as a sub, picks up a gashed leg at the start of the second leg, but he is kept on for now due to a lack of other options. Meanwhile, Mertens has the first big chance of the half as Santon’s inch-perfect cross finds him at the back post, but his header is poor and goes wide. Kurzawa eventually tires, and is replaced by Lima in the 65th minute, meaning France only have one sub left, and an injured striker out there. They might struggle should it go to extra time. Cavani bursts into the box, but Buffon pushes his shot round the post. In the 72nd minute Cavani’s cross nearly sneaks in, but Buffon parries it. Maybe France have been practising cross-shots? In the 80th minute a Lassana Diarra cross is blocked, but it goes only as far as Payet. He takes a touch, but drags his shot wide. Soon after, Lima floats a cross into the box, where Toivonen meets it 6 yards out. It looks set to be a dramatic goal from the injured striker, but his shot is horribly miscued and flies over. It’s the last moment of normal time, and we’ve got another 30 minutes.
The scoreline hasn’t been helped by both Cavani and Bacca having terrible games thus far. France gamble and make their final change at the start of extra time, Lassana coming off, but Alou coming on to maintain the Diarra quotient. After 15 minutes of nothing, Italy also make their final change, as Pandev replaces Palombo. In the 108th minute Maksimovic rises to meet Mertens’ corner, but his header clips the top of the bar as it goes over. Soon after, Italy are passing the ball neatly in the French half when Montolivo decides to leather a bouncing ball at goal from a full 35 yards. He connects well, Costil stretches, but he can’t reach it as the ball flies into the back of the net for a stunning, stunning goal! Well, that’s Goal of the Tournament wrapped up, but is this match as well? Well, France’s task doesn’t get much easier as Toivonen is eventually forced off a minute or so later, reducing them to 10 men. France begin to look stretched, and Bacca’s snapshot draws a sharp catch from Costil. Italy also go down to 10 men as Pandev picks up a back strain, but they hold out to secure a semi-final berth!
On balance, Italy deserved to win, although both sides were let down by wasteful performances from their main strikers. Montolivo’s goal was an unbelievable hit, and will that be the springboard for Italy to challenge for the title?
Greece vs. Uruguay
I suspect few would have name either of these sides as likely to be in the final stages of the Draft World Cup, but here we are, and one of these will be in the semi-final! Greece have barely put a foot wrong thus far, and are evoking the spirit of 2004 with their defensively sound performances. Meanwhile, Uruguay have beaten Brazil (twice), China, Russia and the USA – four teams whose sides add up to a cool billion. Not bad when Uruguay’s squad is only worth £108m.
Greece will be without Canas and Chygrynskyi, the former suspended after two tournament yellows, the latter not fully recovered from his knock against Spain. In come Siovas and Cambiasso. Meanwhile, Uruguay have no worries over selection, and go with an unchanged XI.
Greece vs. Uruguay
I suspect few would have name either of these sides as likely to be in the final stages of the Draft World Cup, but here we are, and one of these will be in the semi-final! Greece have barely put a foot wrong thus far, and are evoking the spirit of 2004 with their defensively sound performances. Meanwhile, Uruguay have beaten Brazil (twice), China, Russia and the USA – four teams whose sides add up to a cool billion. Not bad when Uruguay’s squad is only worth £108m.
Greece will be without Canas and Chygrynskyi, the former suspended after two tournament yellows, the latter not fully recovered from his knock against Spain. In come Siovas and Cambiasso. Meanwhile, Uruguay have no worries over selection, and go with an unchanged XI.
The sides trade early shots, as Simoes’ shot from the edge of the box flashes wide, and de la Cruz’s snapshot is excellent parried by Kapino. Following the Uruguay corner, Simoes is penalised for a trip right on the edge of the box. Olaza steps up, and his free kick is rifled into the top corner as Uruguay get a 8th-minute lead. Greece aren’t really set up to chase games, and the rest of the half drifts by without any more major chances.
Silva picked up a little knock in the first half, and Fucile replaces him at the break. Uruguay start positively, with a rangy Nandez effort going close. Just before the hour mark, Fernandez breaks through, but Kapino is there to smother his shot. Marin is brought on for Mantalos as Greece change to a 4-3-3, looking to get balls into the box. Marin nearly has an immediate impact, dribbling into the box and getting a shot away, but Castillo pushes it away. At the other end, de la Cruz’s first-time shot is close to going into the top corner, as we enter the final stages of the game. Nandez catches Greece’s defence out with a simple ball over the top for Ramirez, who should make more of the chance, but scuffs his shot wide. With time falling away for Greece, Simoes has a shot easily held by Castillo. In added time Marin flashes a long shot wide, and that’s the final whistle, as Uruguay go through!
Uruguay certainly had the best chances in that match, and Greece can have no complaints with the result. Even though Uruguay’s front two – brilliantly all tournament so far – had poor games, they were able to secure the win through the surprise hero Olaza. Their fairytale continues, as they complete the line-up for the semi-finals.
Draw
Draw
Next time
It’s only the semi-finals! Both ties happen to be a European giant against a South American side having a shock run. The chances are, the final will be a repeat of the 1982 World Cup, but there’s a chance we’ll be seeing a re-run of the 1939 Copa America final.
It’s only the semi-finals! Both ties happen to be a European giant against a South American side having a shock run. The chances are, the final will be a repeat of the 1982 World Cup, but there’s a chance we’ll be seeing a re-run of the 1939 Copa America final.