This series looks at what happens when the FM17 Draft Mode is used to create a World Cup where each nation is represented by players who play in each country. For the full explanation of how this tournament will work, see our Introduction.
We’ve had five groups so far, and not once has the group’s top seed won the group (although they’ve automatically qualified every time). If any team was to end this trend, which is fast-becoming a curse, then surely it’s the actual World Cup champions, Germany. They will certainly fancy winning this group, where the main threats come from Israel, Hungary and Denmark. The wildcards here are Central Asia and Oceania.
We’ve had five groups so far, and not once has the group’s top seed won the group (although they’ve automatically qualified every time). If any team was to end this trend, which is fast-becoming a curse, then surely it’s the actual World Cup champions, Germany. They will certainly fancy winning this group, where the main threats come from Israel, Hungary and Denmark. The wildcards here are Central Asia and Oceania.
As always, each manager has £200m to spend, so let’s see who they have called up...
Germany
Germany
With the Bundesliga one of the very top leagues in the world, it is no surprise that this squad uses the full £200m budget. Hanna Deutschland is playing an organised 4-4-1-1, which could be considered overly defensive for the group stages.
With this in mind, she has spend over a quarter of the budget on Robert Lewandowski, who certainly has enough quality to lead the line on his own. He will be ably assisted by Shinji Kagawa, who is given a free role behind Lewandowski. Due to the expenditure on these two, the rest of the squad is free of big names. Oliver Burke is the most expensive Scottish player in history, after his move from Nottingham Forest to Leipzig, whilst left-back Christian Gunter is almost exactly the German equivalent of Wales’ Chris Gunter.
Israel
With this in mind, she has spend over a quarter of the budget on Robert Lewandowski, who certainly has enough quality to lead the line on his own. He will be ably assisted by Shinji Kagawa, who is given a free role behind Lewandowski. Due to the expenditure on these two, the rest of the squad is free of big names. Oliver Burke is the most expensive Scottish player in history, after his move from Nottingham Forest to Leipzig, whilst left-back Christian Gunter is almost exactly the German equivalent of Wales’ Chris Gunter.
Israel
Avram is a good name for an Israeli manager. So with an Avram and a total squad value of £113m, Israel will fancy living up to their billing as the group’s second seeds, and qualify automatically. They are playing a 4-3-3 designed to catch opponents on the break.
The side’s highest-rated player is Miguel Vitor, a very solid CB with experience of the top leagues of Portugal and Greece. Ben Sahar was once a highly-rated prospect at Chelsea, but his career of late has been that of a nomad. Vidar Orn Kjartansson may have failed to get into Iceland’s Euro 2016 squad, but he leads the line here, having moved to Maccabi Tel-Aviv after 14 goals in 20 appearances for Malmo of Sweden. Speaking of Maccabi, two of their current players, both on Israel’s bench, are very well-known to English football fans: Tal Ben-Haim and Yossi Benayoun.
Hungary
The side’s highest-rated player is Miguel Vitor, a very solid CB with experience of the top leagues of Portugal and Greece. Ben Sahar was once a highly-rated prospect at Chelsea, but his career of late has been that of a nomad. Vidar Orn Kjartansson may have failed to get into Iceland’s Euro 2016 squad, but he leads the line here, having moved to Maccabi Tel-Aviv after 14 goals in 20 appearances for Malmo of Sweden. Speaking of Maccabi, two of their current players, both on Israel’s bench, are very well-known to English football fans: Tal Ben-Haim and Yossi Benayoun.
Hungary
Hungary has a proud history, most notably their famous side of the 1950s who demolished England at Wembley, and were runners-up in the 1954 World Cup. Nowadays they are somewhat below that level, and a squad value here of £39m is not particularly encouraging. Inspired by the historic side led by Puskas, this Hungary side also plays a 4-1-3-2, albeit one significantly more defensive.
The most recognisable name in the squad is former West Brom playmaker Zoltan Gera, scorer of an incredible strike in Euro 2016 against eventual champions Portugal. Striker Daniel Bode is rated by the assistant manager as the side’s best player, although the most valuable is anchorman Akos Elek. Fans of jogging bottoms may be hoping something bad happens to goalkeeper Ivan Kelava, as his understudy is none other than Gabor Kiraly.
Denmark
The most recognisable name in the squad is former West Brom playmaker Zoltan Gera, scorer of an incredible strike in Euro 2016 against eventual champions Portugal. Striker Daniel Bode is rated by the assistant manager as the side’s best player, although the most valuable is anchorman Akos Elek. Fans of jogging bottoms may be hoping something bad happens to goalkeeper Ivan Kelava, as his understudy is none other than Gabor Kiraly.
Denmark
Inspired by the legendary Euro 1994 team, Victor Danmark is playing a 5-3-2. However, unlike that side, this Denmark side will need to actually qualify for the tournament, as there are unlikely to be any disqualifications here. With a squad value of £183m, this is a very strong side, and realistically the group’s second-favourites.
The biggest star is undoubtedly Rafael van der Vaart, whose illustrious career has earned him surprisingly few trophies. He will be playing in the role behind former Cardiff flop Andreas Cornelius and Paraguayan international Federico Santander. Kvist and Kahlenberg provide tons of international experience in the middle, whilst the defence is led by the highly-rated Mathais Jorgensen, and the less-highly-rated Jores Okore.
Oceania
The biggest star is undoubtedly Rafael van der Vaart, whose illustrious career has earned him surprisingly few trophies. He will be playing in the role behind former Cardiff flop Andreas Cornelius and Paraguayan international Federico Santander. Kvist and Kahlenberg provide tons of international experience in the middle, whilst the defence is led by the highly-rated Mathais Jorgensen, and the less-highly-rated Jores Okore.
Oceania
As Australia has its own league (and in football terms is part of Asia) this is a side where, unsurprisingly, players from the New Zealand leagues dominate. However, there are players from the leagues of Tahiti, Vanuatu and Samoa. With this background, it is really a surprise the squad totals to as much as £7.5m, but that is still nowhere near enough for this side to hope of qualification.
Enaut Zubikarai takes the gloves, and his experience of La Liga with Real Sociedad will be vital. Tim Payne was on the books of Blackburn, but never appeared due to work permit issues, whilst Ben Sigmund was part of New Zealand’s 2010 World Cup squad. The Albert Riera in central midfield here is not the same one who used to play for Liverpool.
Central Asia
Enaut Zubikarai takes the gloves, and his experience of La Liga with Real Sociedad will be vital. Tim Payne was on the books of Blackburn, but never appeared due to work permit issues, whilst Ben Sigmund was part of New Zealand’s 2010 World Cup squad. The Albert Riera in central midfield here is not the same one who used to play for Liverpool.
Central Asia
Central Asia covers what a lot of people know as the ‘stan’ countries. Specifically, the players in this team hail from the leagues of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The side totals to a very respectable £97m, much higher than one would expect given the lack of fame the sides from here have.
Gulnaz Central Asia is playing a lopsided 4-1-4-1, with the left-wing pushed up on account of being Andrey Arshavin, Russian legend and social media oddbod. He will be supporting the side’s highest-rated player Gerard Gohou, a strong Ivorian striker who can hold his own up front. Ivo Ilicevic has played in the Bundesliga for Hamburg, Bochum and Kaiserslautern, whilst Nemanja Maksimovic is a highly-rated young midfielder.
Matches 1-5
Visiting Astana, Germany got off to the start expected of them, with a crushing 5-1 win over Central Asia. This was achieved even despite playing 55 minutes with 10 men, as Abrashi picked up a second yellow card within 50 seconds of scoring Germany’s second goal. That was one of three German goals that were lovely shots from outside the box. Denmark got off to a solid start with an easy 2-0 win over Oceania, whilst Hungary and Israel played out a 0-0 draw in Budapest.
Gulnaz Central Asia is playing a lopsided 4-1-4-1, with the left-wing pushed up on account of being Andrey Arshavin, Russian legend and social media oddbod. He will be supporting the side’s highest-rated player Gerard Gohou, a strong Ivorian striker who can hold his own up front. Ivo Ilicevic has played in the Bundesliga for Hamburg, Bochum and Kaiserslautern, whilst Nemanja Maksimovic is a highly-rated young midfielder.
Matches 1-5
Visiting Astana, Germany got off to the start expected of them, with a crushing 5-1 win over Central Asia. This was achieved even despite playing 55 minutes with 10 men, as Abrashi picked up a second yellow card within 50 seconds of scoring Germany’s second goal. That was one of three German goals that were lovely shots from outside the box. Denmark got off to a solid start with an easy 2-0 win over Oceania, whilst Hungary and Israel played out a 0-0 draw in Budapest.
In the battle to challenge Germany, Israel put down a good marker with a 2-0 win over Denmark in a very tight match, whilst Gohou’s long shot was enough for a 1-0 Central Asian win over Oceania. In Dortmund Germany and Hungary played out a highly-entertaining 3-3 draw, a neat volley from Saglik equalising for the visitors in the 80th minute.
Germany drew again in Copenhagen, a 0-0 draw entirely dominated by the defenders of both sides. Oceania fought back to get their first point with a 1-1 draw against Israel, whilst meant Hungary took the only win of the round with a 2-0 victory at home to Central Asia.
After that dull selection of matches, Germany’s thrilling 3-2 win over Israel was most welcome. Remarkably, Abrashi repeated his opening-day trick, with an early goal followed by a red card in the 33rd minute. At this point the score was 1-1, and at 2-1 up Israel will have fancied their chances of causing an upset. But Germany secured the points when Gunter and Kerem scored in quick succession just before the hour mark. Two from Gohou were enough for Central Asia to win 2-0 over Denmark, whilst Oceania got their first victory with a surprise 2-0 home win against a (probably jetlagged) Hungary. 17 shots with 0 on target is a worrying sign for the Hungarians.
After that dull selection of matches, Germany’s thrilling 3-2 win over Israel was most welcome. Remarkably, Abrashi repeated his opening-day trick, with an early goal followed by a red card in the 33rd minute. At this point the score was 1-1, and at 2-1 up Israel will have fancied their chances of causing an upset. But Germany secured the points when Gunter and Kerem scored in quick succession just before the hour mark. Two from Gohou were enough for Central Asia to win 2-0 over Denmark, whilst Oceania got their first victory with a surprise 2-0 home win against a (probably jetlagged) Hungary. 17 shots with 0 on target is a worrying sign for the Hungarians.
Remarkably, Oceania took their second home victory in a row with a 2-0 win over Denmark. Israel and Hungary played out a draw for the second time this campaign, 1-1 this time. More surprising was Germany also failing to win, a 1-1 home draw with Central Asia a disappointing result. This means at the halfway stage the table looks like this:
Squad changes
The teams can now re-draft their squads. This presents a particularly difficult dilemma for Germany, as their main man Lewandowski is playing badly. Not just "7.00 is poor for a £55m player" bad. Not just "6.7 is very poor for a £55m player" bad. Instead, he’s playing at a "6.56 is rubbish for anyone" bad. So he has to leave, along with the underperforming Burke. To replace them, in come Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Breel Embolo, whilst Thilo Kehrer provides extra cover – probably for Abrashi.
None of the other squads have to remove players, with some of their original £200m remaining. This doesn’t stop Denmark axing Jores Okore as punishment for his average of 6.22. As a replacement they bring in Andreas Maxso, with Marcus Ingvartsen provides attacking cover. Central Asia bring in Andrei Karpovich as cover, whilst Hungary bring in Julian Koch.
Matches 6-9
Aubameyang immediately made an impact, scoring the only goal in a win away at Oceania. In fact, it was the only goal of the round, with dull 0-0s between Denmark & Hungary and Israel & Central Asia.
The teams can now re-draft their squads. This presents a particularly difficult dilemma for Germany, as their main man Lewandowski is playing badly. Not just "7.00 is poor for a £55m player" bad. Not just "6.7 is very poor for a £55m player" bad. Instead, he’s playing at a "6.56 is rubbish for anyone" bad. So he has to leave, along with the underperforming Burke. To replace them, in come Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Breel Embolo, whilst Thilo Kehrer provides extra cover – probably for Abrashi.
None of the other squads have to remove players, with some of their original £200m remaining. This doesn’t stop Denmark axing Jores Okore as punishment for his average of 6.22. As a replacement they bring in Andreas Maxso, with Marcus Ingvartsen provides attacking cover. Central Asia bring in Andrei Karpovich as cover, whilst Hungary bring in Julian Koch.
Matches 6-9
Aubameyang immediately made an impact, scoring the only goal in a win away at Oceania. In fact, it was the only goal of the round, with dull 0-0s between Denmark & Hungary and Israel & Central Asia.
Denmark, in dire need of something to kick-start their campaign, got a solid 2-0 win over Israel, van der Vaart's 30-yard drive sending them on the path to victory. Central Asia picked up a solid 3-0 win over Oceania, whilst in Budapest the hosts battled hard to a surprise 2-0 victory over Germany, inflicting their visitor’s first defeat of the group.
The Germans soon bounced back, a 3-0 win over Denmark made even sweeter with goals from newbies Aubameyang and Embolo. Central Asia and Hungary were within a win of Germany, so when they met in Astana it was a crucial fixture. It was the hosts who took all three points in a 3-1 victory. All three Central Asian goals came in the first half, three goals for Gohou, three assists for Artur Geworkyan. At least, that is what the match report said. When viewing the match’s goals the only ones shown are two for Central Asia, including a Geworkyan goal from a corner in the 89th minute. A very bizarre glitch, but a 2-goal victory nonetheless. Israel narrowly survived the test of travelling to Wellington, a goal from Kjartansson against the run of play enough for a 1-0 win.
Central Asia’s excellent form continued with their third successive win, a 4-2 thumping of Israel, Arshavin choosing this moment to come alive with a goal and an assist which booked Central Asia’s qualification. However, controversy follows, as the highlights once again told a different story – they showed three goals, all of which were for Israel. It was decided to go with the ‘official’ 4-2 scoreline for now, but we will return to this. Should the result stand Germany needed to win to stay top of the table. Two Aubameyang goals led them to a comfortable 3-1 win over Oceania, despite Jedvaj picking up Germany’s third red card of the group. Hungary hosted Denmark, with the visitors needing to avoid defeat to stay in with a chance of qualification. Unfortunately for them, the solitary goal came from Hungary’s not-at-all-hilariously-named Anel Hadzic.
Central Asia’s excellent form continued with their third successive win, a 4-2 thumping of Israel, Arshavin choosing this moment to come alive with a goal and an assist which booked Central Asia’s qualification. However, controversy follows, as the highlights once again told a different story – they showed three goals, all of which were for Israel. It was decided to go with the ‘official’ 4-2 scoreline for now, but we will return to this. Should the result stand Germany needed to win to stay top of the table. Two Aubameyang goals led them to a comfortable 3-1 win over Oceania, despite Jedvaj picking up Germany’s third red card of the group. Hungary hosted Denmark, with the visitors needing to avoid defeat to stay in with a chance of qualification. Unfortunately for them, the solitary goal came from Hungary’s not-at-all-hilariously-named Anel Hadzic.
This meant that the table looked like this going into the final game:
Germany can seal the top spot with a win away to Israel, although if they slip up then Central Asia could overtake them by winning in Copenhagen. Hungary just need a point against Oceania to secure third place.
However, the arbitration panel have deliberated on the controversial Central Asia – Israel match, and decided that should a 3-0 Israel win have changed who qualifies, then a rematch of this match will have to be played. So, if any of the following conditions happen, there will be a rematch:
With this dramatic ruling hanging over the group, we head into the final round of fixtures...
Hungary vs. Oceania
With the spectre of a rematch potentially handing three points to Israel, Hungary knew they had to win to keep themselves as safe in third as possible. They also had the motivation that a rematch might cost Central Asia three points, meaning automatic qualification for Hungary isn’t impossible.
Hungary’s recent good form, and lack of injuries or suspensions, means they can name their full strength XI, sticking with Bode who has only one goal this campaign. Oceania’s only change is at right-back, Stefan Thelan coming in.
However, the arbitration panel have deliberated on the controversial Central Asia – Israel match, and decided that should a 3-0 Israel win have changed who qualifies, then a rematch of this match will have to be played. So, if any of the following conditions happen, there will be a rematch:
- Central Asia overtake Germany to take top spot
- Hungary finish within three points of Central Asia
- Israel finish within three points of Hungary
With this dramatic ruling hanging over the group, we head into the final round of fixtures...
Hungary vs. Oceania
With the spectre of a rematch potentially handing three points to Israel, Hungary knew they had to win to keep themselves as safe in third as possible. They also had the motivation that a rematch might cost Central Asia three points, meaning automatic qualification for Hungary isn’t impossible.
Hungary’s recent good form, and lack of injuries or suspensions, means they can name their full strength XI, sticking with Bode who has only one goal this campaign. Oceania’s only change is at right-back, Stefan Thelan coming in.
122 seconds in, and Laczko’s low cross is knocked into his own goal by Djordjevic. Hungary continue to dominate the opening stages, and double their lead half an hour in as Saglik’s cut-back is blasted home by Bode. Half time comes around with Hungary very comfortable in their lead.
This is made even more comfortable 36 seconds after the break, Bode getting his second (and therefore scoring more today than in his other 9 appearances combined). Oceania retreat into damage limitation mode, and the game drifts along. Hungary bring on Kiraly for the final twenty minutes, and he makes a fine save to deny Payne. Upsettingly, the game has depicted him in shorts. Little else happens and the match finishes 3-0.
This is made even more comfortable 36 seconds after the break, Bode getting his second (and therefore scoring more today than in his other 9 appearances combined). Oceania retreat into damage limitation mode, and the game drifts along. Hungary bring on Kiraly for the final twenty minutes, and he makes a fine save to deny Payne. Upsettingly, the game has depicted him in shorts. Little else happens and the match finishes 3-0.
Despite the result, Hungary aren’t secure in the play-off position just yet, and will need Germany to pick up at least a point. For Oceania, they were in a great position halfway in after a run of a draw and two wins, but five defeats saw them fail to add to their points tally. However, given the odds they faced this wasn’t an embarrassing showing.
Denmark vs. Central Asia
Due to the chaotic end to this group, Central Asia are like Hungary in that they have multiple scenarios to concern themselves with. If Germany fail to win, a win for Central Asia would see them go top, although they would then have to win a rematch with Israel to confirm it. However, if Central Asia fail to win, they will have to replay Israel knowing that they could slip into third place behind Hungary.
Denmark had changed things halfway into the group, but those players who came in performed even worse than those originally there. Therefore, they revert back to the XI which started the group, with the exception of Fenger in for Okore. Central Asia have a full-strength XI, albeit with Ivo Ilicevic missing from the bench through a minor knock.
Denmark vs. Central Asia
Due to the chaotic end to this group, Central Asia are like Hungary in that they have multiple scenarios to concern themselves with. If Germany fail to win, a win for Central Asia would see them go top, although they would then have to win a rematch with Israel to confirm it. However, if Central Asia fail to win, they will have to replay Israel knowing that they could slip into third place behind Hungary.
Denmark had changed things halfway into the group, but those players who came in performed even worse than those originally there. Therefore, they revert back to the XI which started the group, with the exception of Fenger in for Okore. Central Asia have a full-strength XI, albeit with Ivo Ilicevic missing from the bench through a minor knock.
A good performance for Denmark here would always leave them with a nagging sense of ‘what if?’, and in the 14th minute van der Vaart hit a stupendous free kick into the top corner to heighten that feeling. Denmark dominate the half, Santander nearly adding a second, before the sucker-punch comes when Arshavin’s perfect cross tees up Gohou to smash home the equaliser just before half time.
Denmark are carrying both strikers, as they have all campaign, so Cornelius is hooked for Sparv to add midfield solidity as Denmark look to control the match. The second half provided little moments of note until the 67th minute, when a simple cross from Geworkyan found Arshavin, who took it past Ankersen, around Olsen and rolled it into the empty net. Shortly after a Gohou header managed to hit the bar twice as Central Asia continued to have more and more chances. Maksimovic added a third in stoppage time after a long shot by Hansen hit his teammate Sparv in the chest and set Central Asia away – wonderfully summing up Denmark’s campaign. The 3-1 final score yet another disappointment for the Danes, who had woefully underperformed this campaign.
This means that regardless of any rematch Central Asia have secured a top-two place, and automatic qualification for the Draft World Cup. All eyes will be on Germany’s performance against Israel. Denmark never got going in this campaign, which is particularly disappointing given the great talent within their squad. They were particularly let down by their strikers, and no-one stepped up with the goals they needed.
Israel vs. Germany
If Germany overcome Israel then they will secure top spot in the group, and circumvent the need for a Central Asia – Israel rematch. If Israel win, then not only will the rematch give Germany a second chance to win the group, but Israel could overtake Hungary in third place. A draw isn’t ideal for both teams; Israel will be knocked out, but will still have to replay Central Asia in order for the top spot to be decided.
Israel have no selection worries in their starting XI, although they elect to switch the underperforming John Ogu for Eyal Golasa. It does transpire, however, that winger Elyaniv Barda has retired to become an unemployed Director of Football, whilst Yossi Benayoun appears to have become unregistered for some reason (although he can be re-added to the squad). Germany have a sudden selection crisis. As well as Jedvaj’s red card, Bittencourt, Abrashi and Gebre Selassie have each picked up a suspension due to an accumulation of yellows. This means that Opare, Hohn, Moravek and Bahoui come in, with only six players on the German bench.
This means that regardless of any rematch Central Asia have secured a top-two place, and automatic qualification for the Draft World Cup. All eyes will be on Germany’s performance against Israel. Denmark never got going in this campaign, which is particularly disappointing given the great talent within their squad. They were particularly let down by their strikers, and no-one stepped up with the goals they needed.
Israel vs. Germany
If Germany overcome Israel then they will secure top spot in the group, and circumvent the need for a Central Asia – Israel rematch. If Israel win, then not only will the rematch give Germany a second chance to win the group, but Israel could overtake Hungary in third place. A draw isn’t ideal for both teams; Israel will be knocked out, but will still have to replay Central Asia in order for the top spot to be decided.
Israel have no selection worries in their starting XI, although they elect to switch the underperforming John Ogu for Eyal Golasa. It does transpire, however, that winger Elyaniv Barda has retired to become an unemployed Director of Football, whilst Yossi Benayoun appears to have become unregistered for some reason (although he can be re-added to the squad). Germany have a sudden selection crisis. As well as Jedvaj’s red card, Bittencourt, Abrashi and Gebre Selassie have each picked up a suspension due to an accumulation of yellows. This means that Opare, Hohn, Moravek and Bahoui come in, with only six players on the German bench.
In the 7th minute a quick free kick by Kerem released Kagawa, and it was all too easy for him to roll it across for Aubameyang to get his fifth goal in as many appearances. Not long after, Israel’s star man Ben Sahar is forced off, with Benayoun coming on for his first appearance this campaign. The injuries didn’t stop, as Germany were forced to take Aubameyang off for Matavz ten minutes later. We reach half time with score 1-0 and no other chances meriting highlights.
The second half progressed as listlessly, until in the 81st minute an Israeli corner was nodded home by Shir Tzedek. Germany were forced into action, and humiliatingly for Matavz it meant he was replaced by Allagui thanks to his inept performance. With a draw no use to either team we were set up for a grandstand finish as both teams went all out to win, but no more chances were to occur and the game finished one apiece.
This means that the table looks like this:
The second half progressed as listlessly, until in the 81st minute an Israeli corner was nodded home by Shir Tzedek. Germany were forced into action, and humiliatingly for Matavz it meant he was replaced by Allagui thanks to his inept performance. With a draw no use to either team we were set up for a grandstand finish as both teams went all out to win, but no more chances were to occur and the game finished one apiece.
This means that the table looks like this:
Israel cannot catch Hungary, and are eliminated, whilst Hungary are confirmed as the third-place team. Germany’s slip-up means they have allowed Central Asia to take top spot, but this is now subject to a rematch of the earlier match between Central Asia and Israel. So with no further ado, let’s see how the group actually pans out!
Rematch: Central Asia vs. Israel
Who knows how this match originally went. The match was recorded as a 4-2 home win, corroborated by the post-match news article. But the match report itself, and the accompanying highlights suggested a 3-0 Israeli victory. As the previous save to this moment was halfway through the campaign, we have to simulate three rounds of fixtures. These results won’t mean anything, but suspensions and injuries may occur.
And so it happens that Central Asia will have to be without Essame or Mynbaev, both suspended. Additionally, Israel come into this match in better form with 6 points from their three matches, versus Central Asia’s 4. This crucially includes a 1-0 Israeli win when the two sides met in Tel-Aviv. Other than the enforced changes, neither team make any significant alterations.
Rematch: Central Asia vs. Israel
Who knows how this match originally went. The match was recorded as a 4-2 home win, corroborated by the post-match news article. But the match report itself, and the accompanying highlights suggested a 3-0 Israeli victory. As the previous save to this moment was halfway through the campaign, we have to simulate three rounds of fixtures. These results won’t mean anything, but suspensions and injuries may occur.
And so it happens that Central Asia will have to be without Essame or Mynbaev, both suspended. Additionally, Israel come into this match in better form with 6 points from their three matches, versus Central Asia’s 4. This crucially includes a 1-0 Israeli win when the two sides met in Tel-Aviv. Other than the enforced changes, neither team make any significant alterations.
Israel, effectly playing as a German proxy, get the first chance, a long shot by Sahar whistling by the far post. They are then forced to bring Tel Ben-Haim on for his first appearance after Vitor picks up a knock. There are no real chances in the half, just several long efforts, and it’s scoreless at the break.
As Central Asia have nothing to gain with a draw, they elect to push on, and straight after the break Gogua hits the woodwork. However, it is Israel who take the lead, a corner falling kindly to Kjartansson, who gratefully pokes home. Minutes later a Geworkyan pass is deflected into the path of Arshavin, and he rifles it into the roof of the net. Despite Central Asian pressure, the game progresses with few chances. In injury time Israel are reduced to ten men, Tzedek forced off through injury, but they hold on for a draw. This means that Central Asia lose two points from the table above, and lose top spot to Germany, who finally break the curse of top seeds failing to win their groups in the most bizarre fashion.
Final results
As Central Asia have nothing to gain with a draw, they elect to push on, and straight after the break Gogua hits the woodwork. However, it is Israel who take the lead, a corner falling kindly to Kjartansson, who gratefully pokes home. Minutes later a Geworkyan pass is deflected into the path of Arshavin, and he rifles it into the roof of the net. Despite Central Asian pressure, the game progresses with few chances. In injury time Israel are reduced to ten men, Tzedek forced off through injury, but they hold on for a draw. This means that Central Asia lose two points from the table above, and lose top spot to Germany, who finally break the curse of top seeds failing to win their groups in the most bizarre fashion.
Final results
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Qualified for the Draft World Cup: Yorkshire, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Ukraine, Central Africa, Spain, China, France, Germany, Central Asia
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Peru, North Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Chile
Best average rating: Kerem Demirbay (GER) 7.60; Gohou (CAS) 7.46; Maksimovic (CAS) 7.43
Most goals: Gohou (CAS) 9; Aubameyang (GER), Sahar (ISR) 5
Team of the group: Kelava (HUN); Gebre Selassie (GER), Korcsmar (HUN), Gunter (GER); Varga (HUN), Geworkyan (CAS), Maksimovic (CAS), Kerem (GER), Bittencourt (GER); Sahar (ISR), Gohou (CAS)
Match of the group: Central Asia ?-? Israel
Goal of the group
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3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Peru, North Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Chile
Best average rating: Kerem Demirbay (GER) 7.60; Gohou (CAS) 7.46; Maksimovic (CAS) 7.43
Most goals: Gohou (CAS) 9; Aubameyang (GER), Sahar (ISR) 5
Team of the group: Kelava (HUN); Gebre Selassie (GER), Korcsmar (HUN), Gunter (GER); Varga (HUN), Geworkyan (CAS), Maksimovic (CAS), Kerem (GER), Bittencourt (GER); Sahar (ISR), Gohou (CAS)
Match of the group: Central Asia ?-? Israel
Goal of the group
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Next time
We’re halfway through our qualification groups, with Group F providing ridiculous drama. Can Group G live up to it? European champions Portugal begin their campaign, facing a challenge from Czechia and others.
We’re halfway through our qualification groups, with Group F providing ridiculous drama. Can Group G live up to it? European champions Portugal begin their campaign, facing a challenge from Czechia and others.