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.
Our Draft World Cup is progressing with an impressive pace, and we’re now down to the final round of games for Groups E and F. So let’s get stuck in!
Group E
This was billed as the Group of Death, with the champions of the last two actual World Cups (Spain and Germany) in the same group, with Yorkshire providing stern competition, whilst a tough time was expected for Bulgaria. However, here is the table...
Our Draft World Cup is progressing with an impressive pace, and we’re now down to the final round of games for Groups E and F. So let’s get stuck in!
Group E
This was billed as the Group of Death, with the champions of the last two actual World Cups (Spain and Germany) in the same group, with Yorkshire providing stern competition, whilst a tough time was expected for Bulgaria. However, here is the table...
Had Ivanov not scored a late equaliser in Bulgaria’s match against Yorkshire, all four teams would be on 3 points heading into the final round of games. As it is, Bulgaria just need a point from their final game to progress, but this is against Germany. Meanwhile, Yorkshire need to beat Spain, likely by a large margin, to qualify.
Pre-match: Bulgaria vs. Germany
This is a fairly complicated group, but both teams here know that a win will be certain to send them through, probably as group winners, whilst a draw will also be enough to send Bulgaria through. A defeat would send Germany out, but a loss for Bulgaria may not send them out depending on the other match.
The only change made by table-topping Bulgaria is to give their recent saviour Ivanov a start ahead of Aleksandrov, whilst Germany stick with the XI which were outstanding against Yorkshire and poor against Spain.
Pre-match: Bulgaria vs. Germany
This is a fairly complicated group, but both teams here know that a win will be certain to send them through, probably as group winners, whilst a draw will also be enough to send Bulgaria through. A defeat would send Germany out, but a loss for Bulgaria may not send them out depending on the other match.
The only change made by table-topping Bulgaria is to give their recent saviour Ivanov a start ahead of Aleksandrov, whilst Germany stick with the XI which were outstanding against Yorkshire and poor against Spain.
Pre-match: Spain vs. Yorkshire
Spain will secure qualification with a win here, however their goal difference means that they are likely to be knocked out should they fail to get that win. Yorkshire know that it is win or bust, and ideally a win by a few goals.
Spain are missing dos Santos through suspension, and so Juanmi comes in, as Spain switch back to a 4-2-3-1. They also bring in Manquillo for Vigaray. The only change made by Yorkshire is at right back, with Hunt coming in for Odubajo.
Spain will secure qualification with a win here, however their goal difference means that they are likely to be knocked out should they fail to get that win. Yorkshire know that it is win or bust, and ideally a win by a few goals.
Spain are missing dos Santos through suspension, and so Juanmi comes in, as Spain switch back to a 4-2-3-1. They also bring in Manquillo for Vigaray. The only change made by Yorkshire is at right back, with Hunt coming in for Odubajo.
Kick-off
[As it stands: BUL, DEU, ESP, YRK]
ESPvYRK (6 mins): In the early moments of the match, Partey picks up a yellow which means he’ll miss Spain’s second round match should they get there. But it does look like they’ll get there as Negredo holds the ball up, and turns to slip in Juanmi, who blasts it beyond Valdes for the opening goal of the day.
[As it stands: BUL, DEU, ESP, YRK]
ESPvYRK (6 mins): In the early moments of the match, Partey picks up a yellow which means he’ll miss Spain’s second round match should they get there. But it does look like they’ll get there as Negredo holds the ball up, and turns to slip in Juanmi, who blasts it beyond Valdes for the opening goal of the day.
In the 12th minute Juanmi turns provider, playing a simple ball between Maguire and Hunt to give Ronaldo the freedom of the penalty box, and he slams home a second. Spain’s early pattern of scoring every six minutes suggest they may reach 15-0 by full time, however Yorkshire survive the next six minute spell unscathed.
[As it stands: ESP, BUL, DEU, YRK]
BULvDEU (23 mins): Bulgaria have been the better side so far, shading possession and getting a fair few shots away, but there have been no real chances. Aubameyang picks up a knock, but is able to carry on. In the 35th minute, Bulgaria get a corner, which is met by Ivanov. This time he doesn’t score, but his header is enough to leave Horn wildly out of position, and Moti passes it to Wanderson to volley into an empty net, and Bulgaria lead!
[As it stands: ESP, BUL, DEU, YRK]
BULvDEU (23 mins): Bulgaria have been the better side so far, shading possession and getting a fair few shots away, but there have been no real chances. Aubameyang picks up a knock, but is able to carry on. In the 35th minute, Bulgaria get a corner, which is met by Ivanov. This time he doesn’t score, but his header is enough to leave Horn wildly out of position, and Moti passes it to Wanderson to volley into an empty net, and Bulgaria lead!
Immediately after the restart, Cafu picks up the ball wide on the left, and runs beyond a couple of defenders, but places his shot wide from a decent position.
[As it stands: BUL, ESP, DEU, YRK]
ESPvYRK (41 mins): Whilst Yorkshire have put a cork in the flow of goals, Spain have continued to dominate, and they finally add a third when Ronaldo ghosts beyond Hunt, crossing for Messi to get his first goal of the tournament.
[As it stands: BUL, ESP, DEU, YRK]
ESPvYRK (41 mins): Whilst Yorkshire have put a cork in the flow of goals, Spain have continued to dominate, and they finally add a third when Ronaldo ghosts beyond Hunt, crossing for Messi to get his first goal of the tournament.
BULvDEU (half time): We reach the break with Germany failing to threaten the Bulgarian goal at all. Once again, Aubameyang is playing badly, although this time he is joined by most of his teammates.
ESPvYRK (half time): Yorkshire are just relieved they get to the break having only conceded three times. Frankly, they are finished, and Spain can start practicing penalties for the knockout stages.
BULvDEU (50 mins): An intelligent ball from Dembele gives Bittencourt a chance to put a dangerous ball into the box. Whilst this ball is cleared, it’s only as far as Kruse, who appears to have a great chance to unleash a shot, but he plays a perfectly disguised pass to Dembele, who knocks the ball into the unguarded net for the equaliser.
ESPvYRK (half time): Yorkshire are just relieved they get to the break having only conceded three times. Frankly, they are finished, and Spain can start practicing penalties for the knockout stages.
BULvDEU (50 mins): An intelligent ball from Dembele gives Bittencourt a chance to put a dangerous ball into the box. Whilst this ball is cleared, it’s only as far as Kruse, who appears to have a great chance to unleash a shot, but he plays a perfectly disguised pass to Dembele, who knocks the ball into the unguarded net for the equaliser.
[As it stands: ESP, BUL, DEU, YRK]
ESPvYRK (60 mins): Hernandez lofts a ball to Forestieri, who has Yorkshire’s best sight of goal thus far, but his low shot his the outside of the post.
BULvDEU (70 mins): Despite Germany getting back into the game, Bulgaria have continued to have the better of the match. However, life isn’t fair, and Germany take the lead when Ivanov is caught napping, playing Dembele onside, who passes inside for Kruse to tap in.
ESPvYRK (60 mins): Hernandez lofts a ball to Forestieri, who has Yorkshire’s best sight of goal thus far, but his low shot his the outside of the post.
BULvDEU (70 mins): Despite Germany getting back into the game, Bulgaria have continued to have the better of the match. However, life isn’t fair, and Germany take the lead when Ivanov is caught napping, playing Dembele onside, who passes inside for Kruse to tap in.
[As it stands: DEU, ESP, BUL, YRK]
ESPvYRK (73 mins): It has to be said that Yorkshire have improved this half, and they get (surely) a consolation goal, as Traore’s lethal cross is met by substitute Bannan, who beats Lux at his near post.
ESPvYRK (73 mins): It has to be said that Yorkshire have improved this half, and they get (surely) a consolation goal, as Traore’s lethal cross is met by substitute Bannan, who beats Lux at his near post.
Immediately after, fellow sub Taylor is turned inside out by Messi, whose pass to Ronaldo seems certain to lead to a fourth Spanish goal, but Valdes produces a fine save to keep the score 3-1. Five minutes later, and Messi himself has a sight of goal, but his shot is just into the side netting. Yorkshire’s need for goals, however unlikely, is leaving them wide open, as Ronaldo hits a shot just over.
BULvDEU (84 mins): As Germany are content to shut up shop and secure the win, Aubameyang is taken off for Ignjovski.
ESPvYRK (90+2 mins): A Spanish corner falls to Manquillo, but his weak shot is held, and the final whistle blows on a horrifically mismatched match.
BULvDEU (90+3 mins): Bulgaria have a late, late corner. Is the stage set for another Ivanov equaliser? No, because he was substituted five minutes earlier after a poor match. The corner is headed away by Sane, and Germany claim qualification for the second round, but only after a second half rally saved them from elimination.
Post-match: Bulgaria 1-2 Germany
Bulgaria have battled very hard in this group, and will be devastated that it was all for nothing, particularly as they were set to finish top of the group unbeaten with 40 minutes left. Germany, meanwhile, have got off the hook, and will hope that this will provide an opportunity for their players to get back into the form they showed at the start of the group stages.
Post-match: Spain 3-1 Yorkshire
With two goals conceded in the opening 12 minutes, Yorkshire were dead and buried almost immediately, and their campaign never really got going in the finals. Spain, meanwhile, really should have won that match by a larger margin, and one which would have secured top spot in the group for them. That said, they should fancy their chances against whoever wins in Group F.
Final results
BULvDEU (84 mins): As Germany are content to shut up shop and secure the win, Aubameyang is taken off for Ignjovski.
ESPvYRK (90+2 mins): A Spanish corner falls to Manquillo, but his weak shot is held, and the final whistle blows on a horrifically mismatched match.
BULvDEU (90+3 mins): Bulgaria have a late, late corner. Is the stage set for another Ivanov equaliser? No, because he was substituted five minutes earlier after a poor match. The corner is headed away by Sane, and Germany claim qualification for the second round, but only after a second half rally saved them from elimination.
Post-match: Bulgaria 1-2 Germany
Bulgaria have battled very hard in this group, and will be devastated that it was all for nothing, particularly as they were set to finish top of the group unbeaten with 40 minutes left. Germany, meanwhile, have got off the hook, and will hope that this will provide an opportunity for their players to get back into the form they showed at the start of the group stages.
Post-match: Spain 3-1 Yorkshire
With two goals conceded in the opening 12 minutes, Yorkshire were dead and buried almost immediately, and their campaign never really got going in the finals. Spain, meanwhile, really should have won that match by a larger margin, and one which would have secured top spot in the group for them. That said, they should fancy their chances against whoever wins in Group F.
Final results
Through to the next round: Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, England, Switzerland, France, Mexico, Peru, Germany, Spain
Best average rating: Cristiano Ronaldo (ESP) 8.33
Top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (ESP) 4 goals
Group F
Unfortunately, Group F hasn’t gone down to the wire like many of the other groups. In fact, the two qualified teams are already decided, with Greece and South Africa seeing off Belgium and Norway.
Best average rating: Cristiano Ronaldo (ESP) 8.33
Top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (ESP) 4 goals
Group F
Unfortunately, Group F hasn’t gone down to the wire like many of the other groups. In fact, the two qualified teams are already decided, with Greece and South Africa seeing off Belgium and Norway.
This means that, heading into the final matches, Greece and South Africa will face off to decide who tops the group, although with Germany and Spain waiting in the next round, it’s not clear if winning the group is particularly valuable. Norway and Belgium will play for pride only in their game.
Pre-match: Belgium vs. Norway
Norway probably didn’t expect to go that far in this tournament, given how tough they found qualification, but Belgium were one of the top seeds when the qualification draw was made. Since then, they have continually disappointed, and their limp defeat to South Africa confirmed the end of their challenge.
Vossen returns for Belgium after Karelis failed to claim the striker’s position as his own, whilst Kalinic and de Maio are axed for Butelle and Kara. Abdellaoue isn’t fit enough to start, so Pedersen starts for Norway, who also bring in Lyngstad, Skjelvik and Gamst Pedersen for Reginiussen, Parr and de Lanlay.
Pre-match: Belgium vs. Norway
Norway probably didn’t expect to go that far in this tournament, given how tough they found qualification, but Belgium were one of the top seeds when the qualification draw was made. Since then, they have continually disappointed, and their limp defeat to South Africa confirmed the end of their challenge.
Vossen returns for Belgium after Karelis failed to claim the striker’s position as his own, whilst Kalinic and de Maio are axed for Butelle and Kara. Abdellaoue isn’t fit enough to start, so Pedersen starts for Norway, who also bring in Lyngstad, Skjelvik and Gamst Pedersen for Reginiussen, Parr and de Lanlay.
Pre-match: Greece vs. South Africa
After a storming qualification run, Greece have continued that form, securing a second round place with little trouble. South Africa, meanwhile, are a much bigger shock to be in this position, as they reap the benefits of their bold play.
Greece rest Fortounis, Canas and Martins, in order to avoid them picking up a suspension through accumulating yellows, with Marin, Cambiasso and Cimirot coming in. South Africa have no suspension or injury considerations, and so name an unchanged XI.
After a storming qualification run, Greece have continued that form, securing a second round place with little trouble. South Africa, meanwhile, are a much bigger shock to be in this position, as they reap the benefits of their bold play.
Greece rest Fortounis, Canas and Martins, in order to avoid them picking up a suspension through accumulating yellows, with Marin, Cambiasso and Cimirot coming in. South Africa have no suspension or injury considerations, and so name an unchanged XI.
Kick-off
[As it stands: GRE, SAF, BEL, NOR]
BELvNOR (2 mins): It doesn’t take long for Norway to pick up their third injury to a striker, as Sigurdarson gashes his leg. For now, he is kept on. Belgium have the first chance of any note, as Izquierdo goes on a mazy run, but fires his shot straight at Hansen.
GREvSAF (6 mins): Manyisa fires in a cross from deep on the right. Unfortunately, it hits Billiat, standing 10m in front of him, in the face and ricochets up to Ideye. He runs at South Africa, holding off almost their entire defence, but his shot is over. He has another effort a few minutes later, with a similar result. This is the pattern of the match, with South Africa attacking fruitlessly, and Greece breaking away. By the 24th minute Greece have had 11 unanswered shots, but South Africa’s first effort reaps the opening goal as Matlaba’s low cross is met by the deadly Nxumalo, who finds the bottom corner.
[As it stands: GRE, SAF, BEL, NOR]
BELvNOR (2 mins): It doesn’t take long for Norway to pick up their third injury to a striker, as Sigurdarson gashes his leg. For now, he is kept on. Belgium have the first chance of any note, as Izquierdo goes on a mazy run, but fires his shot straight at Hansen.
GREvSAF (6 mins): Manyisa fires in a cross from deep on the right. Unfortunately, it hits Billiat, standing 10m in front of him, in the face and ricochets up to Ideye. He runs at South Africa, holding off almost their entire defence, but his shot is over. He has another effort a few minutes later, with a similar result. This is the pattern of the match, with South Africa attacking fruitlessly, and Greece breaking away. By the 24th minute Greece have had 11 unanswered shots, but South Africa’s first effort reaps the opening goal as Matlaba’s low cross is met by the deadly Nxumalo, who finds the bottom corner.
Incredibly, it becomes 2 goals from 2 shots in the 32nd minute, when Lebese breaks down the left and cuts it back to Nxumalo in the six yard box, who makes no mistake.
[As it stands: SAF, GRE, BEL, NOR]
BELvNOR (34 mins): Belgium may be having slightly more of the ball in dangerous positions, but they can’t get beyond Norway’s organised defence. And Norway’s gameplan pays off, as Belgium fail to adequately clear their lines, leaving Samuelsen in space outside the box, and he hits a firecracker into the bottom corner for the opening goal.
[As it stands: SAF, GRE, BEL, NOR]
BELvNOR (34 mins): Belgium may be having slightly more of the ball in dangerous positions, but they can’t get beyond Norway’s organised defence. And Norway’s gameplan pays off, as Belgium fail to adequately clear their lines, leaving Samuelsen in space outside the box, and he hits a firecracker into the bottom corner for the opening goal.
[As it stands: SAF, GRE, NOR, BEL]
GREvSAF (40 mins): Ideye has another solo effort denied, this time by Khune, as Greece continue to dominate everything but the scoreboard.
BELvNOR (41 mins): Samuelsen gets in a similar position to his goal, but this time his effort is straight at Butelle.
GREvSAF (half time): We reach the break with Greece unable to fashion anything other than half-chances, although they haven’t done much wrong except fail to defend two crosses.
BELvNOR (half time): Incredibly, just before the break Pedersen, the sole remaining fit Norwegian striker, picks up a head knock. Abdellaoue is fit enough to come on for the second half, whilst Sigurdarson is replaced by Jensen as Norway switch to a 4-1-4-1. The subs combine immediately, Jensen winning the ball in midfield and playing it up to Abdellaoue, who tries an audacious shot from 35 yards, which Butelle easily claims. He plays it upfield, and eventually Belgium get it wide to Izquierdo, whose cross is met by Vossen inches from goal, and even he can’t miss from there.
GREvSAF (40 mins): Ideye has another solo effort denied, this time by Khune, as Greece continue to dominate everything but the scoreboard.
BELvNOR (41 mins): Samuelsen gets in a similar position to his goal, but this time his effort is straight at Butelle.
GREvSAF (half time): We reach the break with Greece unable to fashion anything other than half-chances, although they haven’t done much wrong except fail to defend two crosses.
BELvNOR (half time): Incredibly, just before the break Pedersen, the sole remaining fit Norwegian striker, picks up a head knock. Abdellaoue is fit enough to come on for the second half, whilst Sigurdarson is replaced by Jensen as Norway switch to a 4-1-4-1. The subs combine immediately, Jensen winning the ball in midfield and playing it up to Abdellaoue, who tries an audacious shot from 35 yards, which Butelle easily claims. He plays it upfield, and eventually Belgium get it wide to Izquierdo, whose cross is met by Vossen inches from goal, and even he can’t miss from there.
[As it stands: SAF, GRE, BEL, NOR]
GREvSAF (57 mins): Guess what, Ideye holds off a few defenders, but can’t get a goal for his efforts, before Marin has a similar effort saved. In the 65th minute, Ideye decides to go out wide, and his cross is met by Cambiasso, whose shot takes a huge deflection off Matholo and into the net for an own goal. That, by the way, was Greece’s 28th effort, whilst South Africa are still on 2.
GREvSAF (57 mins): Guess what, Ideye holds off a few defenders, but can’t get a goal for his efforts, before Marin has a similar effort saved. In the 65th minute, Ideye decides to go out wide, and his cross is met by Cambiasso, whose shot takes a huge deflection off Matholo and into the net for an own goal. That, by the way, was Greece’s 28th effort, whilst South Africa are still on 2.
It should be added that for all the talk about Greece’s shot count, the vast majority are from outside the box. However, their 21st shot from that range brings the equaliser in the 75th minute, as Simoes is given enough time and space to power a shot into the back of the net.
[As it stands: GRE, SAF, BEL, NOR]
BELvNOR (81 mins): Belgium put together a beautiful move which highlights what a waste their impending elimination is. Norway repel Mladenovic’s cross as far as Stanciu, who wriggles free and fires a great shot into the top corner from outside the box.
BELvNOR (81 mins): Belgium put together a beautiful move which highlights what a waste their impending elimination is. Norway repel Mladenovic’s cross as far as Stanciu, who wriggles free and fires a great shot into the top corner from outside the box.
GREvSAF (90+2 mins): South Africa do manage a couple of shots this half, but neither are particularly good chances, and the match ultimately finishes 2-2, confirming Greece as the group winners, with both teams finishing unbeaten. Greece, by the way, had 40 shots by the end.
BELvNOR (90+2 mins): Norway, always set up for a smash & grab 1-0 win, can’t muster any real threat in the final portion of the match, and slip to their third defeat as Belgium restore a modicum of pride.
Post-match: Belgium 2-1 Norway
Belgium deserved to win this match, and at times they played some beautiful attacking football. However, the difficulty with which they claimed this win is a hint at the troubles they had in other matches. Norway, meanwhile, will be bitterly disappointed to finish with no points, and will wonder how they might have done had they not managed to get every single striker injured at some point during the group stage.
Post-match: Greece 2-2 South Africa
Needless to say, this isn’t a fair result. However, for all of Greece’s domination of every other stat going, they actually had no clear-cut chances, compared to one for South Africa (Nxumalo’s second goal). Both teams would have taken 7 points when the tournament started, and neither can be taken lightly in the next round.
Final results
BELvNOR (90+2 mins): Norway, always set up for a smash & grab 1-0 win, can’t muster any real threat in the final portion of the match, and slip to their third defeat as Belgium restore a modicum of pride.
Post-match: Belgium 2-1 Norway
Belgium deserved to win this match, and at times they played some beautiful attacking football. However, the difficulty with which they claimed this win is a hint at the troubles they had in other matches. Norway, meanwhile, will be bitterly disappointed to finish with no points, and will wonder how they might have done had they not managed to get every single striker injured at some point during the group stage.
Post-match: Greece 2-2 South Africa
Needless to say, this isn’t a fair result. However, for all of Greece’s domination of every other stat going, they actually had no clear-cut chances, compared to one for South Africa (Nxumalo’s second goal). Both teams would have taken 7 points when the tournament started, and neither can be taken lightly in the next round.
Final results
Through to the next round: Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, England, Switzerland, France, Mexico, Peru, Germany, Spain, Greece, South Africa
Best average rating: Prince Nxumalo (SAF) 8.20
Top scorer: Prince Nxumalo (SAF) 5 goals
Second-round draw
Best average rating: Prince Nxumalo (SAF) 8.20
Top scorer: Prince Nxumalo (SAF) 5 goals
Second-round draw
Next time
It’s the final update from the group stages, as we see how groups G & H pan out. Excitingly, all four groups are wide open with no team through, but no team eliminated.
It’s the final update from the group stages, as we see how groups G & H pan out. Excitingly, all four groups are wide open with no team through, but no team eliminated.