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.
Last time we saw our first four sides claim their place in the second-round draw, and this time we’re going to see how Groups C and D pan out!
Group C
France, Switzerland and Argentina were expected to have this group to themselves, with Chile being edged out by stronger opposition. But as we head into the final round, Chile remain in contention, with Argentina the ones to have already been knocked out:
Last time we saw our first four sides claim their place in the second-round draw, and this time we’re going to see how Groups C and D pan out!
Group C
France, Switzerland and Argentina were expected to have this group to themselves, with Chile being edged out by stronger opposition. But as we head into the final round, Chile remain in contention, with Argentina the ones to have already been knocked out:
Switzerland are in a good position currently, but they have the already-qualified France next, and a Swiss defeat coupled with a Chilean win over Argentina is likely to result in Chile being the ones to progress. Additionally, if Switzerland were to find a way to win, they would steal top spot from France.
Pre-match: Argentina vs. Chile
Chile have been excellent so far, with a valiant performance in their opening match unable to earn them anything more than a 3-2 defeat to the French, but in their next fixture they were able to claim a point against Switzerland. This means they still need to win their final game, and much will depend on how much energy and pride Argentina have remaining.
Argentina’s worst performers so far have been their strikers, but with Lopez injured, they have little alternative but to name an unchanged XI. Martinez returns to the Chilean side in place of Fierro, whilst Pizarro replaces the suspended Reyes. Paredes has been disappointing so far, but is given the chance to rectify things.
Pre-match: Argentina vs. Chile
Chile have been excellent so far, with a valiant performance in their opening match unable to earn them anything more than a 3-2 defeat to the French, but in their next fixture they were able to claim a point against Switzerland. This means they still need to win their final game, and much will depend on how much energy and pride Argentina have remaining.
Argentina’s worst performers so far have been their strikers, but with Lopez injured, they have little alternative but to name an unchanged XI. Martinez returns to the Chilean side in place of Fierro, whilst Pizarro replaces the suspended Reyes. Paredes has been disappointing so far, but is given the chance to rectify things.
Pre-match: Switzerland vs. France
Switzerland will have to play this match thinking of both the team below them and the team above them. They would love Argentina to race into an early lead, so they can focus on toppling France, but overall they would be likely to take a draw right now.
Switzerland name an unchanged XI from that which played Chile, whilst France have to replace Perrin, who is suspended. Additionally, France opt to rest Theophile-Catherine, Kurzawa and Rabiot, as they are one yellow away from suspension. In come Alou Diarra, Fanni, Lima and Lassana Diarra.
Switzerland will have to play this match thinking of both the team below them and the team above them. They would love Argentina to race into an early lead, so they can focus on toppling France, but overall they would be likely to take a draw right now.
Switzerland name an unchanged XI from that which played Chile, whilst France have to replace Perrin, who is suspended. Additionally, France opt to rest Theophile-Catherine, Kurzawa and Rabiot, as they are one yellow away from suspension. In come Alou Diarra, Fanni, Lima and Lassana Diarra.
Kick-off
[As it stands: FRA, SWT, CHI, ARG]
SWTvFRA (10 mins): France’s rotated back line looks a bit vulnerable, as Sulejmani ghosts beyond Fanni, and drifts a ball in for Horeau to tuck home for a Swiss lead.
[As it stands: FRA, SWT, CHI, ARG]
SWTvFRA (10 mins): France’s rotated back line looks a bit vulnerable, as Sulejmani ghosts beyond Fanni, and drifts a ball in for Horeau to tuck home for a Swiss lead.
[As it stands: SWT, FRA, CHI, ARG]
ARGvCHI (29 mins): Gago, who has been solid amidst the chaos of Argentina’s performances, picks up a knock. As Belluschi is waiting to replace him, Mora picks the ball up 30 yards from goal, drives at the Chilean defence and pokes a low shot into the bottom corner.
ARGvCHI (29 mins): Gago, who has been solid amidst the chaos of Argentina’s performances, picks up a knock. As Belluschi is waiting to replace him, Mora picks the ball up 30 yards from goal, drives at the Chilean defence and pokes a low shot into the bottom corner.
Argentina continue to boss the match, and Costa tests Herrera with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
[As it stands: SWT, FRA, ARG, CHI]
SWTvFRA (40 mins): France and Switzerland have been largely matched, and France level the score after a frankly breathtaking 12-pass move eventually culminates in Falcao being slipped through by Cavani, and he buries it in the bottom corner.
[As it stands: SWT, FRA, ARG, CHI]
SWTvFRA (40 mins): France and Switzerland have been largely matched, and France level the score after a frankly breathtaking 12-pass move eventually culminates in Falcao being slipped through by Cavani, and he buries it in the bottom corner.
[As it stands: FRA, SWT, ARG, CHI]
ARGvCHI (half time): Chile can barely get out of their half, and just when it looks like they might scrape through to half time only one goal behind, they fail to mark properly at a corner, and Caruzzo heads Argentina into a very well-deserved two-goal lead.
SWTvFRA (half time): 1-1 is a fair score, and one which both teams would ultimately be satisfied with. With Chile looking dead and buried, the onus will now be on Switzerland to try and top the group.
ARGvCHI (55 mins): After Chile fail to adequately clear a free kick, Costa’s header is narrowly wide as Argentina pick up where they left off. Moments later, Chile are appealing for a penalty when Rodriguez trips Martinez on the line of the penalty box, but a free kick is given. However, Luna’s cross is nodded on by Beausejour and Barroso volleys home to give Chile a lifeline.
ARGvCHI (half time): Chile can barely get out of their half, and just when it looks like they might scrape through to half time only one goal behind, they fail to mark properly at a corner, and Caruzzo heads Argentina into a very well-deserved two-goal lead.
SWTvFRA (half time): 1-1 is a fair score, and one which both teams would ultimately be satisfied with. With Chile looking dead and buried, the onus will now be on Switzerland to try and top the group.
ARGvCHI (55 mins): After Chile fail to adequately clear a free kick, Costa’s header is narrowly wide as Argentina pick up where they left off. Moments later, Chile are appealing for a penalty when Rodriguez trips Martinez on the line of the penalty box, but a free kick is given. However, Luna’s cross is nodded on by Beausejour and Barroso volleys home to give Chile a lifeline.
SWTvFRA (65 mins): Switzerland have had the better of the second half, and France have to slightly weaken their side again as Nkoulou begins to tire. Clement is brought on, with Remy moving back into defence. Unbelievably, Clement is on the pitch for exactly ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SECONDS before he lunges in two-footed on Ravet and is sent to the dressing room. Now Switzerland have a golden chance to go top of the group.
ARGvCHI (74 mins): Whilst it currently looks a very, very long shot for Chile to qualify now, they have to try and win this match, and they switch to a very attacking 4-2-3-1, sacrificing Martinez for Buonanotte.
SWTvFRA (74 mins): Switzerland get their deserved breakthrough when a simple ball releases Boka on the left, and he crosses to Barnetta who has an easy finish.
[As it stands: SWT, FRA, ARG, CHI]
ARGvCHI (74 mins): Argentinian sub Bertolo runs through a few challenges, but his deflected shot is stopped by Herrera as Argentina look to seal the match and avoid the group’s wooden spoon.
SWTvFRA (81 mins): This game is over, as another simple cross from the left is France’s undoing, this time Hoarau meeting Sulejmani’s cross with a thumping volley for 3-1. Two minutes later Barnetta adds a fourth – you guessed it – after the ball was played in from the left. In the final 3 minutes, Falcao and Cavani combine beautifully, with the latter releasing the former, but his shot is tipped around the post by Vaclik.
SWTvFRA (74 mins): Switzerland get their deserved breakthrough when a simple ball releases Boka on the left, and he crosses to Barnetta who has an easy finish.
[As it stands: SWT, FRA, ARG, CHI]
ARGvCHI (74 mins): Argentinian sub Bertolo runs through a few challenges, but his deflected shot is stopped by Herrera as Argentina look to seal the match and avoid the group’s wooden spoon.
SWTvFRA (81 mins): This game is over, as another simple cross from the left is France’s undoing, this time Hoarau meeting Sulejmani’s cross with a thumping volley for 3-1. Two minutes later Barnetta adds a fourth – you guessed it – after the ball was played in from the left. In the final 3 minutes, Falcao and Cavani combine beautifully, with the latter releasing the former, but his shot is tipped around the post by Vaclik.
ARGvCHI (89 mins): Argentina go down to 10 men, as Mora pulls his hamstring, whilst Belluschi nearly gets on the scoresheet as he forces Herrera into yet another save.
SWTvFRA (90+1 mins): Neither Hoarau nor Barnetta can complete a hat-trick, as the match finishes a comprehensive 4-1. How would it have finished had Clement not joined the fray? Who knows.
ARGvCHI (90+3 mins): Chile can’t find a vastly undeserved equaliser – in fact, they can’t find another shot after Barroso’s goal. The match finishes 2-1, bringing to a close both team’s Draft World Cup Adventure.
Post-match: Argentina 2-1 Chile
Chile will be very disappointed at their very weak performance here. At no point did they look capable of winning and putting Switzerland under pressure. It’s a bittersweet win for Argentina, who looked very strong here, but having already been eliminated it’s simply a case of what if.
Post-match: Switzerland 4-1 France
Coming into this game, France had been playing well enough to have them down as an early contender for the tournament. Whilst this heavy defeat might put a little bit of doubt onto that, it should be remembered that this primarily came through changes in defence. They will now have to hope that they won’t regret those changes with a probable tougher second-round draw. Switzerland, meanwhile, showed a lot of promise here, and should consider themselves capable of a good run in the knock-out stages.
Final results
SWTvFRA (90+1 mins): Neither Hoarau nor Barnetta can complete a hat-trick, as the match finishes a comprehensive 4-1. How would it have finished had Clement not joined the fray? Who knows.
ARGvCHI (90+3 mins): Chile can’t find a vastly undeserved equaliser – in fact, they can’t find another shot after Barroso’s goal. The match finishes 2-1, bringing to a close both team’s Draft World Cup Adventure.
Post-match: Argentina 2-1 Chile
Chile will be very disappointed at their very weak performance here. At no point did they look capable of winning and putting Switzerland under pressure. It’s a bittersweet win for Argentina, who looked very strong here, but having already been eliminated it’s simply a case of what if.
Post-match: Switzerland 4-1 France
Coming into this game, France had been playing well enough to have them down as an early contender for the tournament. Whilst this heavy defeat might put a little bit of doubt onto that, it should be remembered that this primarily came through changes in defence. They will now have to hope that they won’t regret those changes with a probable tougher second-round draw. Switzerland, meanwhile, showed a lot of promise here, and should consider themselves capable of a good run in the knock-out stages.
Final results
Through to the next round: Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, England, Switzerland, France
Best average rating: Radamel Falcao (FRA) 8.20
Top scorer: Radamel Falcao (FRA) 5 goals
Group D
This group was expected to be relatively easy for Mexico and Ukraine to navigate. Whilst the Mexicans have just about done enough so far, Ukraine have already got themselves knocked out with one match to go.
Best average rating: Radamel Falcao (FRA) 8.20
Top scorer: Radamel Falcao (FRA) 5 goals
Group D
This group was expected to be relatively easy for Mexico and Ukraine to navigate. Whilst the Mexicans have just about done enough so far, Ukraine have already got themselves knocked out with one match to go.
Group underdogs Peru and Central Asia know that at least one of them will go through to the next round. If Central Asia can overcome a weary Ukraine, they will create a very interesting three-way fight for qualification. If they fail, then Mexico’s match against Peru will still see a tense battle for top spot. Although with the group winner set to play France in the next round, this may not be the prize it appears to be.
Pre-match: Central Asia vs. Ukraine
Central Asia have continually fought the odds – and glitches – to qualify impressively from a difficult qualification group, and to challenge for a place in the Draft World Cup knockout stages. They still have to overcome Ukraine to do that, though, and despite already being knocked out, Ukraine are still probable favourites for this tie due to their impressive squad.
Last time, we found that a glitch caused the game to crash every time I tried to control Central Asia, so the manager was put on holiday, and his assistant is taking control of the side. The only change made by Central Asia is Arzo coming into defence in place of Simcevic. Ukraine make a number of changes to their woefully underperforming side, with Kucher, Garmash, Teodorczyk and Pico coming in for Vida, Fred, Alan Patrick and Antunes respectively, as they revert to their 4-2-4 formation.
Pre-match: Central Asia vs. Ukraine
Central Asia have continually fought the odds – and glitches – to qualify impressively from a difficult qualification group, and to challenge for a place in the Draft World Cup knockout stages. They still have to overcome Ukraine to do that, though, and despite already being knocked out, Ukraine are still probable favourites for this tie due to their impressive squad.
Last time, we found that a glitch caused the game to crash every time I tried to control Central Asia, so the manager was put on holiday, and his assistant is taking control of the side. The only change made by Central Asia is Arzo coming into defence in place of Simcevic. Ukraine make a number of changes to their woefully underperforming side, with Kucher, Garmash, Teodorczyk and Pico coming in for Vida, Fred, Alan Patrick and Antunes respectively, as they revert to their 4-2-4 formation.
Pre-match: Mexico vs. Peru
For Mexico, their excellent goal difference means that they can really focus on trying to win this match and secure top spot in the group, although a draw is likely to be enough. Peru, meanwhile, would like Ukraine to put Central Asia away early, so they can also focus on this match. Both sides have given good accounts of themselves so far, with both beating Ukraine and drawing with Central Asia.
Both teams name an unchanged XI, although Peru bring Ramirez back into central midfield for a 4-3-1-2 formation.
For Mexico, their excellent goal difference means that they can really focus on trying to win this match and secure top spot in the group, although a draw is likely to be enough. Peru, meanwhile, would like Ukraine to put Central Asia away early, so they can also focus on this match. Both sides have given good accounts of themselves so far, with both beating Ukraine and drawing with Central Asia.
Both teams name an unchanged XI, although Peru bring Ramirez back into central midfield for a 4-3-1-2 formation.
Kick-off
[As it stands: MEX, PER, CAS, UKR]
CASvUKR (1 mins): Central Asia get us underway, getting the ball out wide to Arshavin. His chip into the box is met by Gohou, and it creeps into the bottom corner for a 13 second goal! This is the fastest goal of the tournament thus far, a record which is likely to stay in place.
[As it stands: MEX, PER, CAS, UKR]
CASvUKR (1 mins): Central Asia get us underway, getting the ball out wide to Arshavin. His chip into the box is met by Gohou, and it creeps into the bottom corner for a 13 second goal! This is the fastest goal of the tournament thus far, a record which is likely to stay in place.
MEXvPER (6 mins): Peru begin to grow into the game, building in Mexico’s half. But a loose pass allows a quick ball to be played out, and Aquino runs half the length of the pitch. His cross should be put away by Gignac but his effort is blocked. It doesn’t matter, though, as it falls to Lozano who fires Mexico into an early lead, and puts Peru out of the qualification spaces.
[As it stands: MEX, CAS, PER, UKR]
CASvUKR (8 mins): There is some quality in this Ukraine team after all, as they equalise in brilliant fashion. Moraes plays a clever one-two with Teodorczyk, giving him a pocket of space, and he powers his shot home.
CASvUKR (8 mins): There is some quality in this Ukraine team after all, as they equalise in brilliant fashion. Moraes plays a clever one-two with Teodorczyk, giving him a pocket of space, and he powers his shot home.
The goals are flowing freely today, and Ukraine get another in the 13th minute as Bernard leaves Ismailov for dead, cutting it back for Yarmolenko to roll it in.
[As it stands: MEX, PER, UKR, CAS]
MEXvPER (23 mins): Gignac has been Mexico’s weakest performer thus far, but he gets his first goal and it’s all too easy. Once again, Aquino hares down the right and fires in a low cross. This time, no-one is there to block Gignac’s shot, and he prods home. Vargas’ attacking remit has been great for Peru at times, but it’s costing his side dear here.
CASvUKR (28 mins): Both teams are having chances, with Ukraine going the closest to adding another as Teodorczyk finds space to turn into, but his shot hits the base of the post to safety.
MEXvPER (32 mins): Alessa Peru resists the urge to get Vargas to be more restrained, and is rewarded when he is played in by Ramirez, and blasts a rocket into the top corner.
[As it stands: MEX, PER, UKR, CAS]
MEXvPER (23 mins): Gignac has been Mexico’s weakest performer thus far, but he gets his first goal and it’s all too easy. Once again, Aquino hares down the right and fires in a low cross. This time, no-one is there to block Gignac’s shot, and he prods home. Vargas’ attacking remit has been great for Peru at times, but it’s costing his side dear here.
CASvUKR (28 mins): Both teams are having chances, with Ukraine going the closest to adding another as Teodorczyk finds space to turn into, but his shot hits the base of the post to safety.
MEXvPER (32 mins): Alessa Peru resists the urge to get Vargas to be more restrained, and is rewarded when he is played in by Ramirez, and blasts a rocket into the top corner.
CASvUKR (28 mins): Central Asia need to quickly turn their match around, regardless of events elsewhere, but they can’t find an equaliser. Gogua’s long shot brings a sharp save from Pyatov, as Central Asia are reduced to trying potshots.
MEXvPER (half time): Lozano has had a great tournament thus far, and nearly gets his third goal of the group when he runs beyond a few defenders, but his effort is narrowly wide. At the break Mexico will be pleased that they are playing the better football, but they should be wary of the few moments of danger Peru have shown. Regardless, Mexico feel suitably comfortable to take off Jimenez for Gargano, as the right back would miss the next match should be pick up a yellow card here. Peru may well find a way back into this game, but they’re certainly happy that Ukraine are doing them a favour.
CASvUKR (half time): Just before the break a Ukraine corner finds Moraes at the far post, in more space than Saturn, but his header is just about kept out by Eric. It falls to Kucher on the line, but somehow he can’t sort his feet out, and the Central Asia goalie gathers. At the break Ukraine can be pleased with their work so far, although tinged with regret that this is too late. Central Asia take another blow after the break, as Gohou is forced off with a facial injury, with Ibraimi coming on.
MEXvPER (68 mins): Mexico have been by far the stronger in the second half, and nearly restore their two-goal lead when Carvallo has to make a flying save to deny a long shot by Montes. Mexico don’t have to wait long for their goal, though, as from the resulting corner the ball falls to Aquino, who rifles it into the back of the net for a hugely deserved goal.
MEXvPER (half time): Lozano has had a great tournament thus far, and nearly gets his third goal of the group when he runs beyond a few defenders, but his effort is narrowly wide. At the break Mexico will be pleased that they are playing the better football, but they should be wary of the few moments of danger Peru have shown. Regardless, Mexico feel suitably comfortable to take off Jimenez for Gargano, as the right back would miss the next match should be pick up a yellow card here. Peru may well find a way back into this game, but they’re certainly happy that Ukraine are doing them a favour.
CASvUKR (half time): Just before the break a Ukraine corner finds Moraes at the far post, in more space than Saturn, but his header is just about kept out by Eric. It falls to Kucher on the line, but somehow he can’t sort his feet out, and the Central Asia goalie gathers. At the break Ukraine can be pleased with their work so far, although tinged with regret that this is too late. Central Asia take another blow after the break, as Gohou is forced off with a facial injury, with Ibraimi coming on.
MEXvPER (68 mins): Mexico have been by far the stronger in the second half, and nearly restore their two-goal lead when Carvallo has to make a flying save to deny a long shot by Montes. Mexico don’t have to wait long for their goal, though, as from the resulting corner the ball falls to Aquino, who rifles it into the back of the net for a hugely deserved goal.
CASvUKR (81 mins): The second half has drifted on, with neither team dominating, as Ukraine look marginally more likely to score the next goal. But it’s Central Asia who get the goal, and go level when sub Simcevic overlaps and crosses to Ibraimi, who places his shot in the back of the net and brings Central Asia level, and only one goal from qualification!
[As it stands: MEX, PER, CAS, UKR]
MEXvPER (82 mins): Mexico begin to shut up shop, as they switch to a solid 4-1-4-1, whilst Peru push for the goals they need to bring destiny back into their own hands.
CASvUKR (89 mins): Central Asia win a free kick 25 yards from goal. Up steps Arshavin, knowing a goal here will send his side through, but it hits off the wall for a throw in. From the throw Central Asia work it to Zhumaskaliev on the edge of the box, who unleashes a strong rising effort, but Pyatov manages to keep it out. At the other end Bernard flashes a long shot well wide, as this match appears to have plenty of life in it.
MEXvPER (90+2 mins): Peru have found no way to get to Mexico this half, with just two hopeful efforts, and the match ends with a 3-1 win for Mexico. All eyes now switch to see if Ukraine will hold out and get Peru through to the next round.
CASvUKR (90+3 mins): Central Asia continue to put Ukraine under pressure, and a chance looks on as Zhumaskaliev leads a counter attack, but a quality challenge from Fred dispossesses him, and the final whistle goes for a 2-2 draw which neither side particularly wanted.
Post-match: Central Asia 2-2 Ukraine
Shorn of context, a 2-2 draw with the riches of Ukraine would be a great result for Central Asia. Similarly, going through the group stages without a single defeat would have been almost unthinkable. However, they are still going to be disappointed that they couldn’t find that one win which would have put them through to the knock-out stages. Meanwhile, Ukraine would never have expected to end their campaign with no wins and a solitary point. Their bold 4-2-4 formation ultimately left them unprotected and leaky, with eight goals conceded across three games.
Post-match: Mexico 3-1 Peru
The good news for Peru is that they have scraped through to the knock-out stages, but it would be a surprise if they were to make serious inroads, as they were comfortably outclassed by an organised Mexico side. Mexico started slowly, with a draw against Central Asia, but finished in style with two impressive wins, and despite a tough second-round draw, will back themselves to compete in the knockout stages.
Final results
MEXvPER (82 mins): Mexico begin to shut up shop, as they switch to a solid 4-1-4-1, whilst Peru push for the goals they need to bring destiny back into their own hands.
CASvUKR (89 mins): Central Asia win a free kick 25 yards from goal. Up steps Arshavin, knowing a goal here will send his side through, but it hits off the wall for a throw in. From the throw Central Asia work it to Zhumaskaliev on the edge of the box, who unleashes a strong rising effort, but Pyatov manages to keep it out. At the other end Bernard flashes a long shot well wide, as this match appears to have plenty of life in it.
MEXvPER (90+2 mins): Peru have found no way to get to Mexico this half, with just two hopeful efforts, and the match ends with a 3-1 win for Mexico. All eyes now switch to see if Ukraine will hold out and get Peru through to the next round.
CASvUKR (90+3 mins): Central Asia continue to put Ukraine under pressure, and a chance looks on as Zhumaskaliev leads a counter attack, but a quality challenge from Fred dispossesses him, and the final whistle goes for a 2-2 draw which neither side particularly wanted.
Post-match: Central Asia 2-2 Ukraine
Shorn of context, a 2-2 draw with the riches of Ukraine would be a great result for Central Asia. Similarly, going through the group stages without a single defeat would have been almost unthinkable. However, they are still going to be disappointed that they couldn’t find that one win which would have put them through to the knock-out stages. Meanwhile, Ukraine would never have expected to end their campaign with no wins and a solitary point. Their bold 4-2-4 formation ultimately left them unprotected and leaky, with eight goals conceded across three games.
Post-match: Mexico 3-1 Peru
The good news for Peru is that they have scraped through to the knock-out stages, but it would be a surprise if they were to make serious inroads, as they were comfortably outclassed by an organised Mexico side. Mexico started slowly, with a draw against Central Asia, but finished in style with two impressive wins, and despite a tough second-round draw, will back themselves to compete in the knockout stages.
Final results
Through to the next round: Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, England, Switzerland, France, Mexico, Peru
Best average rating: Luis Montes (MEX) 8.13
Top scorer: Gerard Gohou (CAS), Irven Avila (PER), Luis Montes (MEX), Hirving Lozano (MEX) 2 goals
Second-round draw
Best average rating: Luis Montes (MEX) 8.13
Top scorer: Gerard Gohou (CAS), Irven Avila (PER), Luis Montes (MEX), Hirving Lozano (MEX) 2 goals
Second-round draw
Next time
We’ll be seeing how Groups E & F pan out. Whilst Group F already has its two qualifiers sorted, anyone can get through from Group E.
We’ll be seeing how Groups E & F pan out. Whilst Group F already has its two qualifiers sorted, anyone can get through from Group E.