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.
Group F ended with a replayed match to decide who won the group, and Germany were the lucky ones, finally breaking the curse of the top seeds not winning the group. Today’s group has top seeds Portugal looking to hold off the challenges of Czechia, Norway and Romania, whilst the Baltic Nations and Central America will be out to cause upsets.
Group F ended with a replayed match to decide who won the group, and Germany were the lucky ones, finally breaking the curse of the top seeds not winning the group. Today’s group has top seeds Portugal looking to hold off the challenges of Czechia, Norway and Romania, whilst the Baltic Nations and Central America will be out to cause upsets.
It’s time to see who each manager picked in their squads, with a budget of £200m.
Portugal
Portugal
The Portuguese league is certainly strong enough for Beatriz Portugal to spend her entire budget, but not so strong that there are major sacrifices to be made. Portugal are using a 4-3-3, focusing on defending well and exploiting the flanks.
The side is captained by a man who barely could have more experience: Iker Casillas. Ludicrously, some in the squad felt they were more deserving of the armband than a man who has lifted the World Cup and two European Championships. Porto’s exciting striker Andre Silva is the costliest player in this squad, and he is supported by Sporting pair Carlos Mane and Ezequiel Schelotto. In defensive midfield is Pele, who must wish he had lived up to his namesake with the same effectiveness that his compatriot Ronaldo did. The squad’s wildcard option is surely Adel Taarabt, who joined Benfica when he left QPR in 2015.
Czechia
The side is captained by a man who barely could have more experience: Iker Casillas. Ludicrously, some in the squad felt they were more deserving of the armband than a man who has lifted the World Cup and two European Championships. Porto’s exciting striker Andre Silva is the costliest player in this squad, and he is supported by Sporting pair Carlos Mane and Ezequiel Schelotto. In defensive midfield is Pele, who must wish he had lived up to his namesake with the same effectiveness that his compatriot Ronaldo did. The squad’s wildcard option is surely Adel Taarabt, who joined Benfica when he left QPR in 2015.
Czechia
Arno Cesko is also able to spend his entire £200m budget. He has opted for a 4-1-3-2 which will be hard to break down, but might find its midfield cut off from its forwards.
35-year old Tomas Rosicky is the side’s most valuable and highest-rated player, and he leads a midfield made of Czech internationals. Giant striker Milan Skoda will hope to put any inevitable reliability jokes to rest, whilst Michal Kadlec had moderate success in Germany with Leverkusen. The squad boasts a Champions League winner in the form of Milan Baros, although he will not be expected to play a significant role for Czechia here. Impressively, the only non-Czech player in the squad is back-up midfielder Ljevakovic of Bosnia.
Romania
35-year old Tomas Rosicky is the side’s most valuable and highest-rated player, and he leads a midfield made of Czech internationals. Giant striker Milan Skoda will hope to put any inevitable reliability jokes to rest, whilst Michal Kadlec had moderate success in Germany with Leverkusen. The squad boasts a Champions League winner in the form of Milan Baros, although he will not be expected to play a significant role for Czechia here. Impressively, the only non-Czech player in the squad is back-up midfielder Ljevakovic of Bosnia.
Romania
Cristina Romania is playing a 4-2-3-1 with a high tempo. The squad totals £67m, not in the same league as the group’s top two seeds, but enough for them to have a realistic chance of qualification.
Gabriel Tamas, once of West Brom, Cardiff, Doncaster and Watford, is the side’s most valuable player at £9.5m. He brings a classy touch to a defence playing in front of the brilliantly-named Silviu Lung jr. Denis Alibec leads the line, an all-round striker who should link well with the players behind him. Playmaker Constantin Budescu is nicknamed Sarmaluta, after a food made from grapes, cabbage and rhubarb rolled around meat. Just don't tell Greggs that this is a thing.
Norway
Gabriel Tamas, once of West Brom, Cardiff, Doncaster and Watford, is the side’s most valuable player at £9.5m. He brings a classy touch to a defence playing in front of the brilliantly-named Silviu Lung jr. Denis Alibec leads the line, an all-round striker who should link well with the players behind him. Playmaker Constantin Budescu is nicknamed Sarmaluta, after a food made from grapes, cabbage and rhubarb rolled around meat. Just don't tell Greggs that this is a thing.
Norway
Norway developed a fascination with the ideas put forwards by Charles Reep (namely: hoof it), and this side are playing a very basic 4-4-2 in the classic British style. Bjorn Norge is hoping to make the most of a squad totalling a respectable £88m.
Much will rest with the side’s outstanding players, Rosenborg teammates Fredrik Midtsjo and Mike Jensen in the middle of the park. Vegard Forren had a season with Southampton, after rejecting the chance to become Liverpool’s second Vegard after Heggem, whilst Jonathan Parr had spells with Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson is the main man up front – he too had a spell in England, playing for Wolves. On the bench is the vastly experienced Morten Gamst Pedersen.
Baltic Nations
Much will rest with the side’s outstanding players, Rosenborg teammates Fredrik Midtsjo and Mike Jensen in the middle of the park. Vegard Forren had a season with Southampton, after rejecting the chance to become Liverpool’s second Vegard after Heggem, whilst Jonathan Parr had spells with Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson is the main man up front – he too had a spell in England, playing for Wolves. On the bench is the vastly experienced Morten Gamst Pedersen.
Baltic Nations
This team comprises players from the leagues of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Given this, a total value of £28m is fairly high. Three at the back seems to be the trend right now, and this side are playing a Conte-esque 3-4-3, although with resources somewhat below those that Antonio won the Premier League with.
The side’s most expensive player is £7m Girt Karlsons of Latvia, but he is actually edged out of the team in favour of compatriot Kristaps Grebis. Behind him there is a lot of quality from Joel Lindpere and Mahamane Traore. At the back Kaspars Gorkss played in the English leagues for nine years, but perhaps more excitingly once played for cult legends Dukla Prague.
Central America
The side’s most expensive player is £7m Girt Karlsons of Latvia, but he is actually edged out of the team in favour of compatriot Kristaps Grebis. Behind him there is a lot of quality from Joel Lindpere and Mahamane Traore. At the back Kaspars Gorkss played in the English leagues for nine years, but perhaps more excitingly once played for cult legends Dukla Prague.
Central America
The Central American side doesn’t include players in the Mexican leagues, as they are represented by their own team. Therefore, this team come from the leagues of Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Maynor Central America is the first manager we’ve seen so far using a sweeper, and with a squad totalling £74m should certainly hope to take a good few points.
In goal Noel Valladares has 134 Honduran caps, and he will be protected by Uruguayan journeyman Dario Flores. Anthony Lozano has a dangerous record in Honduras’ Liga Nacional, but he will have a lot of work on his own up front. Impressively, all but two of this squad have international caps, although only Valladares and understudy Donis Escober have sampled a World Cup.
Matches 1-5
There was no messing about with the schedule, as the top two seeds met each other in Lisbon. Two goals and an assist from Silva lead Portugal to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Czechia. Sigurdarson scored both his side's goals to give Norway a 2-1 victory in Central America, the winner coming from an ugly drop by Valladares. Romania were frustrated by the Baltic Nations, going down 1-0 to a Traore penalty.
In goal Noel Valladares has 134 Honduran caps, and he will be protected by Uruguayan journeyman Dario Flores. Anthony Lozano has a dangerous record in Honduras’ Liga Nacional, but he will have a lot of work on his own up front. Impressively, all but two of this squad have international caps, although only Valladares and understudy Donis Escober have sampled a World Cup.
Matches 1-5
There was no messing about with the schedule, as the top two seeds met each other in Lisbon. Two goals and an assist from Silva lead Portugal to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Czechia. Sigurdarson scored both his side's goals to give Norway a 2-1 victory in Central America, the winner coming from an ugly drop by Valladares. Romania were frustrated by the Baltic Nations, going down 1-0 to a Traore penalty.
Silva was at it against in Bucharest, another brace leading to a 3-1 win, despite a screamer from Ciprian Deac. These were the only goals of the round, Czechia being held 0-0 at home by Central America, whilst the Baltic Nations and Norway both kept up their unbeaten starts in Oslo.
The Baltic Nations’ unbeaten start was swiftly ended by Portugal, Silva only getting one this time in another 3-1 victory. Norway kept up the pressure at the top by securing an impressive 2-0 win away to Czechia, who had shot themselves in the foot when Vacha picked up a 7th-minute red card. Romania finally secured their first points, Budescu and Alibec scoring the goals in a 2-0 win over Central America, the former a 30-yard thunderbolt, albeit a thunderbolt that smelled of cabbage.
In Riga it looked like Central America had got their first win, but an 88th-minute prod by Mikoliunas ensured a point for the Baltic Nations. Both Romania and Czechia had struggled to impose themselves on this group, so there was a lot of pressure when they met. Despite Skoda’s 29th-minute goal, Romania prevailed 2-1 thanks to Budescu and Gnohere. The top two met in Oslo, and a fine strike by Silva was enough for Portugal to open up a gap at the top of the table.
By cruising to a 3-0 win against Central America, Portugal ensured they reached the halfway point with a 100% record. Although after an hour they were being held 0-0 – suddenly, Central America pressed the self destruct button, with two straight red cards and an own goal within a mad eight minutes. At this stage Czechia had 1 point from a possible 12, so a 2-0 win at home to Baltic Nations was a huge relief, while a late equaliser from Boldrin earned Romania a point against Norway.
So with five rounds of fixtures gone and five rounds left, we have this table:
So with five rounds of fixtures gone and five rounds left, we have this table:
Squad changes
Czechia are particularly struggling, but they only elect to replace back-ups Grigar, Krob and Ljevakovic, bringing in Jan Rezek, Marek Matejovsky and Josef Sural.
Portugal are flying, and so don’t need to make any drastic changes. They do choose to replaced back-up LB Gomes with cheaper options Rafa Soares and Joao Patrao to add squad depth.
Budescu has been excellent for Romania, but he is currently injured, so they bring in Ta-er Bawab as cover. The other team also decide they need cover, as Joackim Jorgensen (Norway), Artis Lazdins and Maksim Gussev (Baltic Nations) and Winston Parks (Central America) all arrive.
Matches 6-9
Czechia’s tinkering wasn’t enough to prevent the Portuguese juggernaut, a 2-0 defeat coming courtesy of a Silva penalty and a powerful strike from Samaris. Romania escaped their home encounter with Baltic Nations with a point only thanks to a 92nd-minute own goal from Miloniukas. Winston Parks scored within five minutes of coming on for his Central American debut. This looked to be enough to defeat Norway, but an 88th-minute equaliser from Sigurdarson shared the spoils.
Central America suffered déjà vu as they were denied their first win by another late equaliser, this time Czechia nabbing a point in the 84th minute thanks to a long-range effort from Husbauer. The Baltic Nations also had a successive 1-1 draw, both goals in their match with Norway coming in the first 20 minutes. Incredibly this meant that by winning 3-1 against Romania, Portugal were able to secure not only qualification, but top spot after only seven matches.
Czechia are particularly struggling, but they only elect to replace back-ups Grigar, Krob and Ljevakovic, bringing in Jan Rezek, Marek Matejovsky and Josef Sural.
Portugal are flying, and so don’t need to make any drastic changes. They do choose to replaced back-up LB Gomes with cheaper options Rafa Soares and Joao Patrao to add squad depth.
Budescu has been excellent for Romania, but he is currently injured, so they bring in Ta-er Bawab as cover. The other team also decide they need cover, as Joackim Jorgensen (Norway), Artis Lazdins and Maksim Gussev (Baltic Nations) and Winston Parks (Central America) all arrive.
Matches 6-9
Czechia’s tinkering wasn’t enough to prevent the Portuguese juggernaut, a 2-0 defeat coming courtesy of a Silva penalty and a powerful strike from Samaris. Romania escaped their home encounter with Baltic Nations with a point only thanks to a 92nd-minute own goal from Miloniukas. Winston Parks scored within five minutes of coming on for his Central American debut. This looked to be enough to defeat Norway, but an 88th-minute equaliser from Sigurdarson shared the spoils.
Central America suffered déjà vu as they were denied their first win by another late equaliser, this time Czechia nabbing a point in the 84th minute thanks to a long-range effort from Husbauer. The Baltic Nations also had a successive 1-1 draw, both goals in their match with Norway coming in the first 20 minutes. Incredibly this meant that by winning 3-1 against Romania, Portugal were able to secure not only qualification, but top spot after only seven matches.
Portugal may have little to play for, but they are keen to finish the job with regards to their 100% record, and a 2-0 win over their nearest challengers Norway kept this up. In the battle for the qualification places, Czechia secured an overdue and important win by winning an epic 3-2 over Romania. Mistakes from Lung jr gifted Czechia a 2-0 lead, but Romania pulled one through Tanase. Kadlec headed Czechia back into a two-goal lead just before half time, and despite Eric’s goal Romania couldn’t draw level. Central America finally got their first win on the board with a 4-0 crushing of the Baltic Nations, although in terms of qualification it was too little too late.
At this stage only two points separated Norway in second and Czechia in fourth, but this was extended to five when Norway beat Czechia 2-0 thanks to another goal from Sigurdarson. Budescu returned from injury to score the only goal in Romania’s win over Central America, a win which prevented Norway from automatically qualifying for the Draft World Cup. Meanwhile Portugal moved one away from a perfect season with a 3-0 win away in Riga, the Baltic Nations only mustering a single shot. So heading into the final fixtures, this is the table:
At this stage only two points separated Norway in second and Czechia in fourth, but this was extended to five when Norway beat Czechia 2-0 thanks to another goal from Sigurdarson. Budescu returned from injury to score the only goal in Romania’s win over Central America, a win which prevented Norway from automatically qualifying for the Draft World Cup. Meanwhile Portugal moved one away from a perfect season with a 3-0 win away in Riga, the Baltic Nations only mustering a single shot. So heading into the final fixtures, this is the table:
In terms of qualification, Portugal facing Central America is a dead rubber, but Portugal won’t see it that way, as they have the chance to be the first side to have a perfect run in qualification. Romania host Norway, and a win will see them steal the second automatic qualification spot. However, should Romania lose they need to be wary of Czechia, who could qualify with a big win over bottom-placed Baltic Nations.
Portugal vs. Central America
Can Portugal enter the Draft World Cup without dropping a single point? Central America are unlikely to pose much threat, but stranger things have happened.
Portugal have sailed through qualifying, and unsurprisingly don’t make any enforced changes. However, Samaris has accumulated enough yellows to suspend him, so Tarantini comes in. Central America have been much improved after switching to a slightly more positive formation. Their only change is to bring in de la Pena for the suspended Azofeifa.
Portugal vs. Central America
Can Portugal enter the Draft World Cup without dropping a single point? Central America are unlikely to pose much threat, but stranger things have happened.
Portugal have sailed through qualifying, and unsurprisingly don’t make any enforced changes. However, Samaris has accumulated enough yellows to suspend him, so Tarantini comes in. Central America have been much improved after switching to a slightly more positive formation. Their only change is to bring in de la Pena for the suspended Azofeifa.
With Central America utilising a sweeper, it will be interesting to see how he copes with Silva, who has a whopping 12 goals in 9 games. The answer is very well, and we get through to half time with neither side having more than the tiniest glimpses of goal.
Mane runs at the Central American defence and draws a decent save from Villadares, in what is really the best effort of the match thus far. In the 50th minute Portugal are given the chance they hoped for, as Johnny Palacios is judged to have fouled Martins Indi in the box. Mane is the one to step up, and a high shot puts Portugal ahead. He nearly gets his second when the ball falls to him from a corner, but Villadares is there again. Portugal continue to make all the chances as the half wears on, whilst Central America sacrifice a defender (Palacios) for Parks. Their increased attacking intent eventually forces a solid safe from Casillas to deny Flores, but Central America find themselves down to 10 men when Gallego picks up a second yellow card. Shortly after Silva gets his thirteenth goal, substitute Taarabt running through the defence to set him up. Central America went another man down after a wild challenge by Calderon led to him receiving his marching orders. The only surprise after this was that Portugal didn’t add to their tally, as the game finished 2-0.
Mane runs at the Central American defence and draws a decent save from Villadares, in what is really the best effort of the match thus far. In the 50th minute Portugal are given the chance they hoped for, as Johnny Palacios is judged to have fouled Martins Indi in the box. Mane is the one to step up, and a high shot puts Portugal ahead. He nearly gets his second when the ball falls to him from a corner, but Villadares is there again. Portugal continue to make all the chances as the half wears on, whilst Central America sacrifice a defender (Palacios) for Parks. Their increased attacking intent eventually forces a solid safe from Casillas to deny Flores, but Central America find themselves down to 10 men when Gallego picks up a second yellow card. Shortly after Silva gets his thirteenth goal, substitute Taarabt running through the defence to set him up. Central America went another man down after a wild challenge by Calderon led to him receiving his marching orders. The only surprise after this was that Portugal didn’t add to their tally, as the game finished 2-0.
This secured a hugely impressive 10-from-10 record for Portugal, they will be greatly feared when the Draft World Cup gets underway.
Baltic Nations vs. Czechia
This could be an exciting game as Czechia will need to score as many as possible to put pressure on Romania. As well as needing to earn 3 points more than Romania, Czechia also need a four-goal swing.
Baltic Nations are missing Karlsons, so Grebis re-takes his spot up front. If Grebis is forced off, CB Tamm is the team’s next-best striker. Jan Boril replaces the suspended Reznik for Czechia, who also take out the woefully underperforming Lafata to give Milan Baros a surprise start.
Baltic Nations vs. Czechia
This could be an exciting game as Czechia will need to score as many as possible to put pressure on Romania. As well as needing to earn 3 points more than Romania, Czechia also need a four-goal swing.
Baltic Nations are missing Karlsons, so Grebis re-takes his spot up front. If Grebis is forced off, CB Tamm is the team’s next-best striker. Jan Boril replaces the suspended Reznik for Czechia, who also take out the woefully underperforming Lafata to give Milan Baros a surprise start.
In the 15th minute a long shot from Vacha clips the top of the bar as Czechia dominate proceedings, and it is Vacha who opens the scoring after the half hour mark with a tap-in from an excellent Horava cross. Husbauer nearly doubles this just before half time with a good free kick, but at the break Czechia will feel like they need more goals at only 1-0 up.
Baros hasn’t offered anything, so Lafata is given another chance in the second half, and he is immediately involved in a move culminating in Skoda narrowly missing. 73 minutes in and Vacha really should have doubled his and Czechia’s tally, but he scoops over. Czechia even switch to an aggressive 4-2-1-3 formation, In the 90th minute the referee gives a penalty after a trip by Dmitrijev, and Lafata finally gets his first goal of the group stage. A 2-0 win is unlikely to be enough, but it might just worry Romania.
Romania vs. Norway
Romania are in the classic difficult position. A win would see them overtake Norway and automatically qualify for the Draft World Cup. However, if they were to lose by two goals, they would miss out on their current play-off spot to Czechia. All things told, a draw wouldn’t be rejected by either side.
Gabriel Tamas is suspended for Romania, so Fabricio comes in, fresh from missing a penalty against Central America. Alibec is only fit enough for the bench, so Harlem Gnohere leads the team’s attack. Suspension forces Norway to replace Forren with Gabrielsen.
Baros hasn’t offered anything, so Lafata is given another chance in the second half, and he is immediately involved in a move culminating in Skoda narrowly missing. 73 minutes in and Vacha really should have doubled his and Czechia’s tally, but he scoops over. Czechia even switch to an aggressive 4-2-1-3 formation, In the 90th minute the referee gives a penalty after a trip by Dmitrijev, and Lafata finally gets his first goal of the group stage. A 2-0 win is unlikely to be enough, but it might just worry Romania.
Romania vs. Norway
Romania are in the classic difficult position. A win would see them overtake Norway and automatically qualify for the Draft World Cup. However, if they were to lose by two goals, they would miss out on their current play-off spot to Czechia. All things told, a draw wouldn’t be rejected by either side.
Gabriel Tamas is suspended for Romania, so Fabricio comes in, fresh from missing a penalty against Central America. Alibec is only fit enough for the bench, so Harlem Gnohere leads the team’s attack. Suspension forces Norway to replace Forren with Gabrielsen.
In the second minute a great chance falls to Mahlangu from a corner, but he lashes out and the ball goes over. It is soon forgotten though, as Romania take the lead when Palic’s free kick deflects off the wall and flies in. Norway’s poor start nearly sees them go two down, Budescu’s header saved by Hansen. Two minutes later and a pitch-length Romanian counter-attack plays in Palic, but his shot is smothered. Things don’t get better, as de Lanlay is forced off with a pulled hamstring. Norway take this opportunity to turn to Gamst Pedersen, but whilst the veteran is waiting to come on a loose ball falls to Gnohere and he lashes it into the roof of the net to double Romania’s lead. Norway’s first real chance falls to Jensen, who opts to shoot when he could have played in Sigurdarson. However, Romania continue to make better chances, Budescu blocked just before adding a third, Sapunaru went close from a corner, whilst Palic had a shot fizz just wide. A brutal half for Norway finally finished with them still only two down.
Abdellaoue’s ineffectual performance is ended as Norway change to a 4-4-1-1 by bringing on Samuelsen. However, it does little to stem Romania’s dominance, and Tanase nearly adds a third, his shot hitting the underside of the crossbar. Gabrielsen nearly brings Norway back into it, Lung jr does brilliantly to save Gabrielsen’s header, Norway get the ball back into the box and Reginiussen’s shot brings Norway back into the match – at least it would, but the assistant referee’s flag was up. Palic hits the bar to nearly add salt to the wounds, and Tanase also goes close. Norway do make the odd half-chance, Pedersen’s shot from a corner only just blocked by substitute Eric. In added time Parr’s cross is met crisply by Sigurdarson, but it’s too late as Romania hold on for a 2-1 win which sees them qualify for the Draft World Cup.
Norway had held the position behind Portugal for pretty much the entire campaign, so this crushing blow will be difficult for them to recover from before the play-offs. Meanwhile, Czechia have only themselves to blame for being eliminated despite their riches on offer.
Final results
Norway had held the position behind Portugal for pretty much the entire campaign, so this crushing blow will be difficult for them to recover from before the play-offs. Meanwhile, Czechia have only themselves to blame for being eliminated despite their riches on offer.
Final results
Qualified for the Draft World Cup: Yorkshire, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Ukraine, Central Africa, Spain, China, France, Germany, Central Asia, Portugal, Romania
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Peru, North Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Norway, Chile
Best average rating: Andre Silva (POR) 8.12; Pele (POR) 7.57; Ruben Semedo (POR) 7.50
Most goals: Andre Silva (POR) 13; Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson (NOR) 7; Carlos Mane (POR) 4
Team of the group: Casillas (POR); Pereira (POR), Semedo (POR), Juankar (POR); Pele (POR), Midtsjo (NOR), Samaris (POR), Budescu (ROM), Mane (POR); Silva (POR), Sigurdarson (NOR)
Match of the group: Central America 0-3 Portugal
Goal of the group
Here you can select which goal you think is best from the three candidates shown below - use the tabs to view each goal and the vote itself.
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Peru, North Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Norway, Chile
Best average rating: Andre Silva (POR) 8.12; Pele (POR) 7.57; Ruben Semedo (POR) 7.50
Most goals: Andre Silva (POR) 13; Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson (NOR) 7; Carlos Mane (POR) 4
Team of the group: Casillas (POR); Pereira (POR), Semedo (POR), Juankar (POR); Pele (POR), Midtsjo (NOR), Samaris (POR), Budescu (ROM), Mane (POR); Silva (POR), Sigurdarson (NOR)
Match of the group: Central America 0-3 Portugal
Goal of the group
Here you can select which goal you think is best from the three candidates shown below - use the tabs to view each goal and the vote itself.
Next time
The "Best League in the World" turns up, as England look to qualify as easily as Portugal did. They won’t be happy to see old adversaries Croatia in their group, whilst a combined South American side is certainly one to keep an eye on.
The "Best League in the World" turns up, as England look to qualify as easily as Portugal did. They won’t be happy to see old adversaries Croatia in their group, whilst a combined South American side is certainly one to keep an eye on.