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.
By the end of this episode, we’ll have cut the 32 teams who started the finals of the Draft World Cup down to 16, as this is the final round of fixtures in the group stage!
Group G
This group had one very strong team, the USA, and three others of similar ability in Scotland, North Africa and South America. The USA had the chance to qualify in their last match, but blew it by losing easily to North Africa, leaving the group looking like this:
By the end of this episode, we’ll have cut the 32 teams who started the finals of the Draft World Cup down to 16, as this is the final round of fixtures in the group stage!
Group G
This group had one very strong team, the USA, and three others of similar ability in Scotland, North Africa and South America. The USA had the chance to qualify in their last match, but blew it by losing easily to North Africa, leaving the group looking like this:
So, heading into the final round of games, every team could end today qualified or eliminated. North Africa just need a point against Scotland to get through, whilst Scotland and the USA need a win to be sure of their place. South America also need a win, but even that may not be enough for them.
Pre-match: North Africa vs. Scotland
North Africa have been very strong so far, but Scotland will provide a different challenge to the two American sides, as they are much less attack-minded. The Scots have a chance to win here to secure their first ever World Cup knockout football, whilst winning the group would mean they have done better than England, which is always an incentive.
Zniti will be out of action for a couple of weeks, so Mhamdi stays in goal as North Africa make only the one change, whilst Scotland name an unchanged XI.
Pre-match: North Africa vs. Scotland
North Africa have been very strong so far, but Scotland will provide a different challenge to the two American sides, as they are much less attack-minded. The Scots have a chance to win here to secure their first ever World Cup knockout football, whilst winning the group would mean they have done better than England, which is always an incentive.
Zniti will be out of action for a couple of weeks, so Mhamdi stays in goal as North Africa make only the one change, whilst Scotland name an unchanged XI.
Pre-match: South America vs. USA
Whilst the USA are currently out of the qualification spots, they know the two sides above them are playing each other, so a win here against the group’s bottom side will see them assured of a place in the next round. However, they will need to show some defensive competence this time, which isn’t a guarantee with their bold 3-1-4-2.
After picking up six yellow cards against Scotland last time, it is actually a surprise that South America are only missing two players through suspension – Nunez and Castillo, who are replaced by Narvaez and Aquino. Additionally, Checa and Angulo are replaced by Bagui and Cardozo. Ridgewell’s red card against North Africa means the USA are missing him here today, whilst Bradley is also suspended through an accumulation of yellows. In come Torres and Alonso to fill the gaps.
Whilst the USA are currently out of the qualification spots, they know the two sides above them are playing each other, so a win here against the group’s bottom side will see them assured of a place in the next round. However, they will need to show some defensive competence this time, which isn’t a guarantee with their bold 3-1-4-2.
After picking up six yellow cards against Scotland last time, it is actually a surprise that South America are only missing two players through suspension – Nunez and Castillo, who are replaced by Narvaez and Aquino. Additionally, Checa and Angulo are replaced by Bagui and Cardozo. Ridgewell’s red card against North Africa means the USA are missing him here today, whilst Bradley is also suspended through an accumulation of yellows. In come Torres and Alonso to fill the gaps.
Kick-off
[As it stands: NAF, SCO, USA, SAM]
SAMvUSA (4 mins): The USA, playing in their away kit which happens to be my favourite of all the ones in the tournament, get into the lead immediately, as Piatti’s low cross finds Giovinco. It appears he can’t do much with the ball at such a tight angle, but he somehow finds a way past Banguera.
[As it stands: NAF, SCO, USA, SAM]
SAMvUSA (4 mins): The USA, playing in their away kit which happens to be my favourite of all the ones in the tournament, get into the lead immediately, as Piatti’s low cross finds Giovinco. It appears he can’t do much with the ball at such a tight angle, but he somehow finds a way past Banguera.
Two minutes later, Kaka effortlessly clips the ball over the South American defence, playing Giovinco in, but his shot this time is parried.
[As it stands: USA, NAF, SCO, SAM]
NAFvSCO (9 mins): Brown picks up the inevitable yellow card which would rule him out of the next match should there be one for Scotland.
SAMvUSA (10 mins): South America show their first flash of inspiration when a sweet move results in Escobar playing Gonzalez in, but the striker continues his poor tournament showing by hitting the side netting when through one-on-one. Roles are reversed when Gonzalez plays Escobar in, but again the chance isn’t taken as Howard is there to block.
NAFvSCO (half time): This match is, euphemistically speaking, one for the purists, as a midfield scrap has taken up the vast majority of the game. But the breakthrough is made in the 38th minute when Derbali is played in down the right, and chips it in for N’Djeng to nod North Africa ahead.
[As it stands: USA, NAF, SCO, SAM]
NAFvSCO (9 mins): Brown picks up the inevitable yellow card which would rule him out of the next match should there be one for Scotland.
SAMvUSA (10 mins): South America show their first flash of inspiration when a sweet move results in Escobar playing Gonzalez in, but the striker continues his poor tournament showing by hitting the side netting when through one-on-one. Roles are reversed when Gonzalez plays Escobar in, but again the chance isn’t taken as Howard is there to block.
NAFvSCO (half time): This match is, euphemistically speaking, one for the purists, as a midfield scrap has taken up the vast majority of the game. But the breakthrough is made in the 38th minute when Derbali is played in down the right, and chips it in for N’Djeng to nod North Africa ahead.
We reach half time, and this game doesn’t deserve a goal. But it has one, and it’s one which puts Scotland in a mire of trouble. With the USA winning, Scotland need to win this game to get through, but getting through North Africa’s rock-hard defence is easier said than done. Dembele comes on for McGregor as Scotland switch to a 4-4-2.
[As it stands: NAF, USA, SCO, SAM]
SAMvUSA (half time): The match remains cagey with the score 1-0 at the break, as the USA are unable to pull away despite scoring that early goal. However, it only takes them 27 seconds of the second half to double their lead, as Villa plays a pinpoint pass to put Giovinco through, and he holds his nerve to slide home.
[As it stands: NAF, USA, SCO, SAM]
SAMvUSA (half time): The match remains cagey with the score 1-0 at the break, as the USA are unable to pull away despite scoring that early goal. However, it only takes them 27 seconds of the second half to double their lead, as Villa plays a pinpoint pass to put Giovinco through, and he holds his nerve to slide home.
Soon after, a snapshot pass from Kaka puts Villa through, but Banguera excels himself with a fingertip tap to push the shot behind. A minute later, and Gonzalez and Escobar once again combine, and once again the latter finds Howard too tough to get his shot past. From the resulting corner the USA fail to clear, and Cardozo has a small sight of goal from the edge of the box. He leathers it into the top corner, and South America have a lifeline!
Moments later, the USA nearly get back to two in front as Banguera produces another fine save to deny Giovinco. In the 63rd minute Giovinco, really showing his worthin this game, shows some neat control to find space in the South American box. He passes to Pirlo, who switches it to Kaka, who blasts home to put the USA back into a safer position.
South America aren’t quite done yet, as Cardozo lets fly from outside the box again two minutes later, but Howard pushes it to safety.
NAFvSCO (73 mins): This game is terrible.
SAMvUSA (75 mins): As South America push on, the spaces are there for the USA. Kaka is put through, and his jumps over Victorino’s tackle, but his shot is parried by Banguera. From the resulting corner, Pirlo finds Besler, whose flick lands at the feet of Torres a foot from goal, and it’s 4-1. Despite shipping four goals, one of which was probably his fault, Banguera is having a good game, and he denies Villa’s header with a sharp save in the 81st minute. As South America clear, it’s suddenly 2 vs. 1, and Gonzalez races through to poke a goal back for South America.
NAFvSCO (73 mins): This game is terrible.
SAMvUSA (75 mins): As South America push on, the spaces are there for the USA. Kaka is put through, and his jumps over Victorino’s tackle, but his shot is parried by Banguera. From the resulting corner, Pirlo finds Besler, whose flick lands at the feet of Torres a foot from goal, and it’s 4-1. Despite shipping four goals, one of which was probably his fault, Banguera is having a good game, and he denies Villa’s header with a sharp save in the 81st minute. As South America clear, it’s suddenly 2 vs. 1, and Gonzalez races through to poke a goal back for South America.
Three minutes later, South America have a throw-in high up the pitch, and as the USA fail to press as it’s played in, Cardozo is able to turn and fire in another goal. Suddenly, it’s 4-3, and things are back on a knife-edge!
NAFvSCO (90+2 mins): The difference between the two matches can barely be exaggerated. This one finishes 1-0, with literally NO HIGHLIGHTS other than N’Djeng’s goal, despite Scotland become more and more attacking throughout the second half.
SAMvUSA (90+3 mins): It’s a South American corner, but Banguera stays back (despite explicit instructions to join the attack, the idiot) and Howard claims the cross. The USA are really pinned back now though, and sub Salgueiro has a sight of goal, but his low shot is wide. South America win the ball back soon, and a quick pass from Aquino nearly releases Gonzalez. As he appears set to pull the trigger, Besler is there with a dramatic late tackle. It goes behind, and this time Banguera is up for the corner, but van Damme clears and the final whistle goes. The USA are through, but in the tensest way possible!
Post-match: North Africa 1-0 Scotland
This is easily the worst game of the tournament thus far, but it’s job done for North Africa who win the group and finish unbeaten. Scotland were so insipid in this game it’s hard to chalk their tournament down as the typical glorious defeat.
Post-match: South America 3-4 USA
In contract to the dire events elsewhere, this game was an epic. The USA actually led from the fourth minute until the end, but this doesn’t do justice to South America’s efforts, coming back again and again until they ran out of time. This top-heavy USA side may well find their defence tripping them up as they progress in the competition.
Final results
NAFvSCO (90+2 mins): The difference between the two matches can barely be exaggerated. This one finishes 1-0, with literally NO HIGHLIGHTS other than N’Djeng’s goal, despite Scotland become more and more attacking throughout the second half.
SAMvUSA (90+3 mins): It’s a South American corner, but Banguera stays back (despite explicit instructions to join the attack, the idiot) and Howard claims the cross. The USA are really pinned back now though, and sub Salgueiro has a sight of goal, but his low shot is wide. South America win the ball back soon, and a quick pass from Aquino nearly releases Gonzalez. As he appears set to pull the trigger, Besler is there with a dramatic late tackle. It goes behind, and this time Banguera is up for the corner, but van Damme clears and the final whistle goes. The USA are through, but in the tensest way possible!
Post-match: North Africa 1-0 Scotland
This is easily the worst game of the tournament thus far, but it’s job done for North Africa who win the group and finish unbeaten. Scotland were so insipid in this game it’s hard to chalk their tournament down as the typical glorious defeat.
Post-match: South America 3-4 USA
In contract to the dire events elsewhere, this game was an epic. The USA actually led from the fourth minute until the end, but this doesn’t do justice to South America’s efforts, coming back again and again until they ran out of time. This top-heavy USA side may well find their defence tripping them up as they progress in the competition.
Final results
Through to the next round: Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, England, Switzerland, France, Mexico, Peru, Germany, Spain, Greece, South Africa, North Africa, USA
Best average rating: Sameh Derbali (NAF) 7.87
Top scorer: Sebastian Giovinco (USA) 3 goals
Group H
Our final group features two real heavyweights in Russia and China, with Uruguay and Slovakia expected to just be competing for third place. However, a shock heavy Chinese defeat to Uruguay has put this group all out of kilter, and coming into the final game it’s Uruguay who lead the way.
Best average rating: Sameh Derbali (NAF) 7.87
Top scorer: Sebastian Giovinco (USA) 3 goals
Group H
Our final group features two real heavyweights in Russia and China, with Uruguay and Slovakia expected to just be competing for third place. However, a shock heavy Chinese defeat to Uruguay has put this group all out of kilter, and coming into the final game it’s Uruguay who lead the way.
China got back on track with a thumping win over Russia, and will secure qualification if they overcome Slovakia. Russia will need to bounce back by overcoming Uruguay, with a win likely to be necessary.
Pre-match: China vs. Slovakia
After the second half savaging of Russia, only a brave soul would back Slovakia to keep out China’s fearsome attack. However, Uruguay showed up China’s defensive fragility, so Slovakia shouldn’t be written off straight away.
The only Chinese player who wasn’t in top form against Russia was sole striker Martinez, and as he is carrying a knock anyway, he is replaced by Gyan. Slovakia need to do something different to try and reinvigorate their campaign, and they choose to bring in Kerlon for Priskin.
Pre-match: China vs. Slovakia
After the second half savaging of Russia, only a brave soul would back Slovakia to keep out China’s fearsome attack. However, Uruguay showed up China’s defensive fragility, so Slovakia shouldn’t be written off straight away.
The only Chinese player who wasn’t in top form against Russia was sole striker Martinez, and as he is carrying a knock anyway, he is replaced by Gyan. Slovakia need to do something different to try and reinvigorate their campaign, and they choose to bring in Kerlon for Priskin.
Pre-match: Uruguay vs. Russia
Russia were outstanding in qualifying, and 1.5 matches into the group here they looked set to progress with no troubles. However, they were rocked by China, and now they need to get back into the groove here against a Uruguay side which has continually punched above its weight.
Uruguay have five players who are one yellow away from suspension, but they can’t rest them due to the precarious nature of the group. The only change they do make is Fucile in for Silva, who has already picked up enough yellows to be suspended. After the second-half implosion against China, Russia revert to the XI which won against Slovakia, with Danny replacing Kabore.
Russia were outstanding in qualifying, and 1.5 matches into the group here they looked set to progress with no troubles. However, they were rocked by China, and now they need to get back into the groove here against a Uruguay side which has continually punched above its weight.
Uruguay have five players who are one yellow away from suspension, but they can’t rest them due to the precarious nature of the group. The only change they do make is Fucile in for Silva, who has already picked up enough yellows to be suspended. After the second-half implosion against China, Russia revert to the XI which won against Slovakia, with Danny replacing Kabore.
Kick-off
[As it stands: URU, CHN, RUS, SLA]
CHNvSLA (2 mins): A loose pass in midfield is picked up by Mbia, who plays it up to Lavezzi. The former PSG man plays it to his fellow Argentine Tevez, and he buries in the bottom corner. Just three minutes later, and Tevez has already doubled his tally in thrilling fashion as he fires into the corner from the edge of the box. It’s some start by China, and that’s surely Slovakia already eliminated. Kerlon pulls his hamstring to sum things up, as Otubanjo comes on.
[As it stands: URU, CHN, RUS, SLA]
CHNvSLA (2 mins): A loose pass in midfield is picked up by Mbia, who plays it up to Lavezzi. The former PSG man plays it to his fellow Argentine Tevez, and he buries in the bottom corner. Just three minutes later, and Tevez has already doubled his tally in thrilling fashion as he fires into the corner from the edge of the box. It’s some start by China, and that’s surely Slovakia already eliminated. Kerlon pulls his hamstring to sum things up, as Otubanjo comes on.
[As it stands: CHN, URU, RUS, SLA]
URUvRUS (25 mins): The match has progressed inauspiciously, as neither side is naturally attacking. The first big chance falls to Uruguay, as Berezutskiy clears the ball straight into de la Cruz. It goes straight to Nandez, who really should score, but Akinfeev is out quickly to block.
CHNvSLA (25 mins): Slovakia have a free kick in a dangerous position, but as it’s cleared they look exposed. Hulk brings it forward, and runs through a knot of defenders before poking the ball at goal. Mucha should keep it out, but he can only flap it into the net, and it’s 3-0.
URUvRUS (25 mins): The match has progressed inauspiciously, as neither side is naturally attacking. The first big chance falls to Uruguay, as Berezutskiy clears the ball straight into de la Cruz. It goes straight to Nandez, who really should score, but Akinfeev is out quickly to block.
CHNvSLA (25 mins): Slovakia have a free kick in a dangerous position, but as it’s cleared they look exposed. Hulk brings it forward, and runs through a knot of defenders before poking the ball at goal. Mucha should keep it out, but he can only flap it into the net, and it’s 3-0.
From the kick-off Otubanjo gets into a good position, but his shot can’t beat Yan. In the 38th minute Otubanjo holds the ball up very well, eventually playing it to Kona. His powerful shot looks destined for the top corner, but Yan produces a great save.
URUvRUS (half time): Inauspicious turns to dirge as the half continues with neither team doing much. Just before the break Fernandes picks up a thigh injury, and at the break he is replaced by Anyukov.
CHNvSLA (half time): Just before the break Tevez gets his hat trick as Lavezzi slips him in and he places it into the bottom corner. China are running riot, and this is just a matter of damage limitation now for Slovakia.
URUvRUS (half time): Inauspicious turns to dirge as the half continues with neither team doing much. Just before the break Fernandes picks up a thigh injury, and at the break he is replaced by Anyukov.
CHNvSLA (half time): Just before the break Tevez gets his hat trick as Lavezzi slips him in and he places it into the bottom corner. China are running riot, and this is just a matter of damage limitation now for Slovakia.
Four minutes after the break, Otubanjo gets a shot away from the edge of the box, but Yan is once again there, although he needs two attempts to gather the ball. Yan denies Otubanjo again in the 58th minute, as China take Lavezzi and Tevez off to avoid them picking up yellows that would rule them out of the next match. Matheus and Wu come on. From the resulting corner Salata leaps highest, and Slovakia finally get on the scoresheet. Is there a way back? They’ve been the better side this half.
URUvRUS (63 mins): Russia begin to show more attacking intent, but the immediate result is that Uruguay carve them open, and Ramirez is put clean through. Once again, Akinfeev saves his side with a good block. He produces an even better save from the corner, when it appeared that Valdez’s point-blank header was going to put Uruguay ahead.
CHNvSLA (63 mins): China begin reasserting themselves on the game. Firstly, Matheus has a cross only just kept out by Mucha, before Hulk picks the ball up and smashes it against the angle.
URUvRUS (82 mins): Russia throw on the giant Dzyuba as they move to a 4-2-4, but once again they are defending, as Ramirez is played through. Once again, Akinfeev pushes the shot behind. The corner is cleared, but Russia don’t get back into shape quickly enough and Ramirez is once again put through. This time Akinfeev doesn’t make the save, but only because the shot is well over.
CHNvSLA (83 mins): A Chinese free kick is cleared, but Urso wins the ball back, playing it down the line for Matheus. His cross finds Gyan, who cannot miss, and China get a fifth.
CHNvSLA (63 mins): China begin reasserting themselves on the game. Firstly, Matheus has a cross only just kept out by Mucha, before Hulk picks the ball up and smashes it against the angle.
URUvRUS (82 mins): Russia throw on the giant Dzyuba as they move to a 4-2-4, but once again they are defending, as Ramirez is played through. Once again, Akinfeev pushes the shot behind. The corner is cleared, but Russia don’t get back into shape quickly enough and Ramirez is once again put through. This time Akinfeev doesn’t make the save, but only because the shot is well over.
CHNvSLA (83 mins): A Chinese free kick is cleared, but Urso wins the ball back, playing it down the line for Matheus. His cross finds Gyan, who cannot miss, and China get a fifth.
Kubik nearly gets one back for Slovakia, but again he can’t keep his shot away from Yan
URUvRUS (89 mins): It’s almost like having two centre backs eligible for a pension is a recipe for being exposed for pace, as yet another ball leaves Corluka and Berezutskiy struggling. Fernandez is forced out wide, but his low shot zips into the near corner and Uruguay finally have their deserved lead.
URUvRUS (89 mins): It’s almost like having two centre backs eligible for a pension is a recipe for being exposed for pace, as yet another ball leaves Corluka and Berezutskiy struggling. Fernandez is forced out wide, but his low shot zips into the near corner and Uruguay finally have their deserved lead.
[As it stands: URU, CHN, RUS, SLA]
CHNvSLA (90+1 mins): It’s full time, and China claim a 5-1 win which sees them enter the knockout stages as a team to be feared.
URUvRUS (90+2 mins): Uruguay have a late corner, which is cleared. The ball is put back in again and sub Rodriguez heads it narrowly over. And that’s that, Uruguay claim a deserved 1-0 win to win the group and to eliminate Russia.
Post-match: China 5-1 Slovakia
China started like a firework, and this allowed them to cruise through the game. However, the stats say this was a much closer game, with a similar number of shots (20-14 to China) and one clear chance each. The difference was in the finishing, and China spending heavily on forwards has paid off. There was also a huge difference between the performances of the goalkeepers, with Mucha leaking goals throughout, whilst Yan put in a heroic performance which will have significantly boosted the standing of Chinese keepers.
Post-match: Uruguay 1-0 Russia
What happened to Russia? They looked to have a well-balanced side, and one which might well find itself at the business end of the tournament. Then all of a sudden China blew a hole in the side of their ship, and against Uruguay they gave the distinct impression of slowing sinking underwater. Uruguay once again beat one of the tournament’s bigger sides (they have 4 wins from 4 against Russia, China and Brazil) and must now be considered a real contender for the tournament.
Final results
CHNvSLA (90+1 mins): It’s full time, and China claim a 5-1 win which sees them enter the knockout stages as a team to be feared.
URUvRUS (90+2 mins): Uruguay have a late corner, which is cleared. The ball is put back in again and sub Rodriguez heads it narrowly over. And that’s that, Uruguay claim a deserved 1-0 win to win the group and to eliminate Russia.
Post-match: China 5-1 Slovakia
China started like a firework, and this allowed them to cruise through the game. However, the stats say this was a much closer game, with a similar number of shots (20-14 to China) and one clear chance each. The difference was in the finishing, and China spending heavily on forwards has paid off. There was also a huge difference between the performances of the goalkeepers, with Mucha leaking goals throughout, whilst Yan put in a heroic performance which will have significantly boosted the standing of Chinese keepers.
Post-match: Uruguay 1-0 Russia
What happened to Russia? They looked to have a well-balanced side, and one which might well find itself at the business end of the tournament. Then all of a sudden China blew a hole in the side of their ship, and against Uruguay they gave the distinct impression of slowing sinking underwater. Uruguay once again beat one of the tournament’s bigger sides (they have 4 wins from 4 against Russia, China and Brazil) and must now be considered a real contender for the tournament.
Final results
Through to the next round: Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, England, Switzerland, France, Mexico, Peru, Germany, Spain, Greece, South Africa, North Africa, USA, Uruguay, China
Best average rating: Sebastian Fernandez (URU) 8.37
Top scorer: Sebastian Fernandez (URU) 4 goals
Team of the group stages
Casillas (POR); Derbali (NAF), Martins Indi (POR), Juankar (POR); Hulk (CHN), Montes (MEX), Klaassen (NED), Ronaldo (ESP); Fernandez (URU), Falcao (FRA), Nxumalo (SAF)
Second-round draw
Best average rating: Sebastian Fernandez (URU) 8.37
Top scorer: Sebastian Fernandez (URU) 4 goals
Team of the group stages
Casillas (POR); Derbali (NAF), Martins Indi (POR), Juankar (POR); Hulk (CHN), Montes (MEX), Klaassen (NED), Ronaldo (ESP); Fernandez (URU), Falcao (FRA), Nxumalo (SAF)
Second-round draw
Next time
Everybody loves World Cup knockout football! We’ll see four of the second round matches, specifically the four on the left-hand side of the draw above.
Everybody loves World Cup knockout football! We’ll see four of the second round matches, specifically the four on the left-hand side of the draw above.