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.
Incredibly, we’re two-thirds of the way through qualification now. We’ve had a couple of groups where the top seed won with ease, but as today’s group features both Turkey and Argentina, I think we might see a closer two-horse race today. The other teams in this group may see a golden opportunity to secure a play-off position, as Wales, South Africa, Malaysia and South East Asia are all teams you wouldn’t normally expect to be close to qualifying – but one of them will at least make the play-offs!
Incredibly, we’re two-thirds of the way through qualification now. We’ve had a couple of groups where the top seed won with ease, but as today’s group features both Turkey and Argentina, I think we might see a closer two-horse race today. The other teams in this group may see a golden opportunity to secure a play-off position, as Wales, South Africa, Malaysia and South East Asia are all teams you wouldn’t normally expect to be close to qualifying – but one of them will at least make the play-offs!
On the topic of the play-offs, from today’s episode onwards we will start learning which third-place teams have automatically qualified for the Draft World Cup. The top four third-placed teams do so, and those four teams are currently currently:
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So, if the third-placed team in today’s group beats Peru’s record, they will qualify automatically, otherwise the Peruvians will.
Anyway, let’s see how each team has filled up its squad...
Turkey
Anyway, let’s see how each team has filled up its squad...
Turkey
*A traveller from 2010 arrives unknowingly*
“Woah, van Persie and Eto’o up front, with Sneijder just behind! Quaresma, de Jong and Inler in midfield? And Emre, Adebayor, Aissati and Sandro on the bench? The Turkish league must really be going places!”
“It’s 2017”
“Oh”
In all seriousness, this is not a bad side. Sneijder and van Persie are worth £30m and £22m respectively, whilst players like de Jong, Babel and Skrtel are not so far from their prime. The question marks will come in defence, where a back three with a combined age of 98 might find itself exposed in a 3-4-1-2 formation with no wing backs.
Argentina
“Woah, van Persie and Eto’o up front, with Sneijder just behind! Quaresma, de Jong and Inler in midfield? And Emre, Adebayor, Aissati and Sandro on the bench? The Turkish league must really be going places!”
“It’s 2017”
“Oh”
In all seriousness, this is not a bad side. Sneijder and van Persie are worth £30m and £22m respectively, whilst players like de Jong, Babel and Skrtel are not so far from their prime. The question marks will come in defence, where a back three with a combined age of 98 might find itself exposed in a 3-4-1-2 formation with no wing backs.
Argentina
Mia Argentina has used her entire £200m budget, showing that this Argentina side should have just as good a chance as top seeds Turkey of winning the group. She also has elected for 3 at the back, albeit in a 3-1-4-2 formation, similar to that used by the successful late-80s Argentina national team.
Unlike that team, she has no Diego Maradona. Instead, ex-Lyon frontman Lisandro Lopez is the side’s biggest name. His partnership with dangerous River Plate forward Rodrigo Mora will be crucial for Argentina. Other well-known names in the team include Maxi Rodriguez and Fernando Gago, whilst there is a small theme of ex-North East defenders, with Fabricio Coloccini playing alongside Santiago Vergini. The back-up goalkeeper is Fabian Assmann, because why not?
Wales
Unlike that team, she has no Diego Maradona. Instead, ex-Lyon frontman Lisandro Lopez is the side’s biggest name. His partnership with dangerous River Plate forward Rodrigo Mora will be crucial for Argentina. Other well-known names in the team include Maxi Rodriguez and Fernando Gago, whilst there is a small theme of ex-North East defenders, with Fabricio Coloccini playing alongside Santiago Vergini. The back-up goalkeeper is Fabian Assmann, because why not?
Wales
Chris Coleman has had recent success with a solid 5-3-2 formation, and Seren Cymru has tried something similar. However, a lack of players who can play wing-back means this is a more static formation, which means they may struggle to get numbers up in support. The squad is worth a total of just under £2m, which is actually the lowest of any team we’ve seen so far – suggesting this is a weaker squad than the likes of Singapore, Northern Ireland and Hong Kong.
In midfield Jon Routledge started his career in Liverpool’s academy, before moving to Wigan, Hamilton and Stockport, and he is the side’s best player. He and Henry Jones (former Swansea youngster) will be very important in the middle of the park, whilst Steven Saunders at the back has experience of the SPL. Daniel Nardiello up front should be known to many English fans, after a lengthy career taking in approximately 11 lower-league clubs, and his understudy is Gary Taylor-Fletcher, someone with almost identical experience (in fact, GTF even had a season in the Premier League with Blackpool).
South Africa
In midfield Jon Routledge started his career in Liverpool’s academy, before moving to Wigan, Hamilton and Stockport, and he is the side’s best player. He and Henry Jones (former Swansea youngster) will be very important in the middle of the park, whilst Steven Saunders at the back has experience of the SPL. Daniel Nardiello up front should be known to many English fans, after a lengthy career taking in approximately 11 lower-league clubs, and his understudy is Gary Taylor-Fletcher, someone with almost identical experience (in fact, GTF even had a season in the Premier League with Blackpool).
South Africa
South Africa is the only playable African league on FM17, and so they are the only African nation with their own team in this competition. This carries a lot of pressure, and to try and get the most of a squad totalling a healthy £112m, Bokamoso South Africa is playing a classic 4-4-2, with the emphasis of attack.
Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala became well-known after their exploits in the 2010 World Cup, Tshabalala scoring the first goal of the tournament. The entire squad are South African, with the exception of Domingues and Helder from Mozambique, and almost all players have played their whole careers in Africa. Bokamoso will hope this will leads to strong squad unity.
Malaysia
Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala became well-known after their exploits in the 2010 World Cup, Tshabalala scoring the first goal of the tournament. The entire squad are South African, with the exception of Domingues and Helder from Mozambique, and almost all players have played their whole careers in Africa. Bokamoso will hope this will leads to strong squad unity.
Malaysia
Malaysia may consider themselves unlucky to be in the bottom bracket of seeds for this qualifying group, particularly when their squad is worth £17m – significantly more than Wales, for a start. The side is playing a bold 4-3-3, with a mentality of just going for their opponents.
Target man Jeronimo Barrales, who has played in the top flights of both of this group’s top seeds, Argentina and Turkey, is the side’s outstanding player. He is part of a front three all from Argentina, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Gaston Cellerino are handy players as well. The side’s major weakness is in goal, with the assistant manager only rating the side’s #1 as ‘decent’.
Southeast Asia
Target man Jeronimo Barrales, who has played in the top flights of both of this group’s top seeds, Argentina and Turkey, is the side’s outstanding player. He is part of a front three all from Argentina, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Gaston Cellerino are handy players as well. The side’s major weakness is in goal, with the assistant manager only rating the side’s #1 as ‘decent’.
Southeast Asia
Whilst South East Asia covers the leagues of Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, this is in fact a solely Thai side. A total value of £39m means that this is not as bad a side as many would expect. Is this enough for Southeast Asia to challenge for a play-off place? Given some of the results we've seen elsewhere, it certainly shouldn't be written off.
Up front, former Olympiakos and Sporting Lisbon striker Diogo will be a menace, and he will be ably supported by compatriot Felipe Azevedo. Diogo’s understudy is former Newcastle flop Xisco, who currently played for Muangthong United.
Matches 1-5
Malaysia is, of course, in Southeast Asia, so when the two sides met in Kuala Lumpur, this was something of a derby. It was the visitors who got their campaign off to a perfect start, as a Diogo brace set them up for a 3-1 win. Wales also started well, as Nardiello scored within 2 minutes against Turkey. Unfortunately for Wales, Turkey had too much class for them and cruised to a 4-1 victory. The most excitement, however, was to be found at Soccer City, as Argentina powered to a 3-0 half time lead against hosts South Africa – two goals from Lisandro and one for Maxi. After the break Tshabalala found some space in the box and pulled a goal back. With 15 minutes to go Coloccini was caught in possession, allowing South Africa to work it to Lebese to bring it to 3-2. And in the 93rd minute a swift South African break allowed Lebese to cross it to Gabuza for an incredible 3-3 draw.
The goals weren’t to let up, as Argentina powered to a 5-2 home win over Malaysia – Lisandro with four of the goals in a match where it was 4-2 in the 34th minute. Amazingly, Turkey also won by a 5-2 scoreline, South Africa the recipients as the highlight was a belted long-range goal from van Persie. Meanwhile Southeast Asia were held 0-0 by Wales in Bangkok, despite 22 shots for the hosts.
Up front, former Olympiakos and Sporting Lisbon striker Diogo will be a menace, and he will be ably supported by compatriot Felipe Azevedo. Diogo’s understudy is former Newcastle flop Xisco, who currently played for Muangthong United.
Matches 1-5
Malaysia is, of course, in Southeast Asia, so when the two sides met in Kuala Lumpur, this was something of a derby. It was the visitors who got their campaign off to a perfect start, as a Diogo brace set them up for a 3-1 win. Wales also started well, as Nardiello scored within 2 minutes against Turkey. Unfortunately for Wales, Turkey had too much class for them and cruised to a 4-1 victory. The most excitement, however, was to be found at Soccer City, as Argentina powered to a 3-0 half time lead against hosts South Africa – two goals from Lisandro and one for Maxi. After the break Tshabalala found some space in the box and pulled a goal back. With 15 minutes to go Coloccini was caught in possession, allowing South Africa to work it to Lebese to bring it to 3-2. And in the 93rd minute a swift South African break allowed Lebese to cross it to Gabuza for an incredible 3-3 draw.
The goals weren’t to let up, as Argentina powered to a 5-2 home win over Malaysia – Lisandro with four of the goals in a match where it was 4-2 in the 34th minute. Amazingly, Turkey also won by a 5-2 scoreline, South Africa the recipients as the highlight was a belted long-range goal from van Persie. Meanwhile Southeast Asia were held 0-0 by Wales in Bangkok, despite 22 shots for the hosts.
Wales had soon doubled their points tally, as they picked up another plucky away draw, coming twice from behind to draw 2-2 in Johannesburg – the second time courtesy of a beautiful shot from Routledge at the end of a flowing move. Lisandro continued his excellent form with a brace in a 4-1 win for Argentina over Southeast Asia. The big shock of the round was in Kuala Lumpur, as Turkey created plenty of chances, leading 1-0 through Eto’o, but couldn’t prevent a 3-1 defeat to Malaysia.
Frustrations were vented in Bangkok, as Turkey stormed back with a 4-0 win over Southeast Asia, van Persie scoring the lot. Argentina found that when Lisandro is off form they can struggle, as Wales looked set for their third away draw at 1-1 with 5 minutes to go. However, late goals from Belluschi and Gago saw Argentina to their third consecutive win. Meanwhile South Africa’s troubles grew as they went down 3-2 to Malaysia, an 89th-minute winner from Barrales securing the points in a thrilling match between two attacking sides.
Malaysia travelled to the Millennium Stadium and picked up a 3-0 win to get them to the halfway stage with an excellent tally of 9 points from 5 matches. South Africa, despite barely creating any chances, appeared set for their first win, leading Southeast Asia 1-0, but a 90th-minute equaliser from Xisco earned Southeast Asia a deserved point. The big tie of the round, though, was at the Ataturk as Turkey and Argentina met to decide who would lead the table. A snapshot from Lisandro gave Argentina an early lead, but Turkey struck back through Sneijder. Just before half time and a de Jong trip in the box was punished by Ortigoza’s penalty. It was 2-2 seven minutes after the break when Sneijder absolutely melted a free kick into the top corner. However, the killer blow came 70 minutes in as Mora and Gago each scored within 66 seconds, and Argentina prevailed 4-2.
So with five rounds gone, five to go, we have the following table:
So with five rounds gone, five to go, we have the following table:
Squad changes
Turkey are in a slightly difficult position in the table. However, they have also been thrilling at times, and none of their team have particularly misfired. So the only change they make is to lose back-up wingers Koc and Castillo, and bring in Martin Linnes and Ismail Koybasi, who can play as wing-backs, giving them the option of playing a more solid formation if needed.
Argentina are playing some superb football, and so their only change is to bring in Pedro Gutierrez as additional cover. Similarly, cover is brought in by Wales in the form of Mike Williams. Southeast Asia will miss Azevedo for the next 3-4 weeks, and so they bring in Toti.
South Africa need some inspiration, and so they bring in Phakamani Mahlembi, an 18-year old attacking midfielder who is valued at £12m – switching to a 4-4-1-1 in the hope they will stop leaking goals.
Matches 6-9
South Africa’s focus on defensive solidity reaped immediate reward as they pulled off an outstanding win in Buenos Aires, a 1-0 victory bringing about Argentina’s first defeat of the campaign, despite South Africa having to survive the final eight minutes with 10 men. This meant that Turkey could close the gap at the top, which they did by winning 2-0 at home to Wales, albeit only through two van Persie penalties. This also gave them a little space away from Malaysia, who could only draw 0-0 away to Southeast Asia.
As Turkey travelled to Johannesburg, it’s fair to say no-one will have had money on the correct result. Phala and Mahlambi got South Africa to half time 2-0 in the lead, before they cut loose in the second half, a fifteen-minute spelling bringing four goals to put them 6-0 ahead. Late goals for Skrtel and Eto’o were little consolation for a shell-shocked Turkey. There was arguably an even bigger shock in Kuala Lumpur as Argentina went down 2-1 to Malaysia, incredibly allowing the hosts to join Argentina at the top of the table. A semblance of normality was restored by Southeast Asia’s 1-0 win in a dour match in Cardiff.
Turkey are in a slightly difficult position in the table. However, they have also been thrilling at times, and none of their team have particularly misfired. So the only change they make is to lose back-up wingers Koc and Castillo, and bring in Martin Linnes and Ismail Koybasi, who can play as wing-backs, giving them the option of playing a more solid formation if needed.
Argentina are playing some superb football, and so their only change is to bring in Pedro Gutierrez as additional cover. Similarly, cover is brought in by Wales in the form of Mike Williams. Southeast Asia will miss Azevedo for the next 3-4 weeks, and so they bring in Toti.
South Africa need some inspiration, and so they bring in Phakamani Mahlembi, an 18-year old attacking midfielder who is valued at £12m – switching to a 4-4-1-1 in the hope they will stop leaking goals.
Matches 6-9
South Africa’s focus on defensive solidity reaped immediate reward as they pulled off an outstanding win in Buenos Aires, a 1-0 victory bringing about Argentina’s first defeat of the campaign, despite South Africa having to survive the final eight minutes with 10 men. This meant that Turkey could close the gap at the top, which they did by winning 2-0 at home to Wales, albeit only through two van Persie penalties. This also gave them a little space away from Malaysia, who could only draw 0-0 away to Southeast Asia.
As Turkey travelled to Johannesburg, it’s fair to say no-one will have had money on the correct result. Phala and Mahlambi got South Africa to half time 2-0 in the lead, before they cut loose in the second half, a fifteen-minute spelling bringing four goals to put them 6-0 ahead. Late goals for Skrtel and Eto’o were little consolation for a shell-shocked Turkey. There was arguably an even bigger shock in Kuala Lumpur as Argentina went down 2-1 to Malaysia, incredibly allowing the hosts to join Argentina at the top of the table. A semblance of normality was restored by Southeast Asia’s 1-0 win in a dour match in Cardiff.
Mahlambi was proving an astute addition by South Africa as his well-taken goal gave them a 1-0 win over Wales, and their third in a row. Argentina, meanwhile, looked to be back as they led 2-0 against Southeast Asia through goals from Lisandro and Mora. However, a disastrous spell after half time allowed their opponents to level with goals from Chappius and Xisco. This 2-2 draw meant that as Turkey and Malaysia met in Istanbul, the winner would go top of the table. Turkey took control with early goals from Sneijder and van Persie, but Malaysia struck back through a powerful Gomis effort. Eto’o teed up van Persie to restore Turkey’s two-goal lead, but again Malaysia came back, this time through Meneses, and Cellerino popped up just before half time to make the score 3-3. After the break Turkey once again took the lead, van Persie setting Eto’o up this time, but once more we were level as Cellerino found the top corner. With the game heading to an Argentine-friendly draw, it was Turkey who finally found the winner, van Persie completing his hat-trick with a powerful finish. A 5-4 victory for the hosts, and 17 goals in two Turkish matches, is remarkable given Turkey are aiming to play a sober counter-attacking game.
Turkey therefore had the chance to secure qualification, but to do so they would have to beat Argentina away. A tight match was decided in favour of the hosts by a goal from Mora. Malaysia continued their incredible campaign with a routine 2-0 win against Wales, Cellerino with both. South Africa therefore needed to win to keep up with the rest, and Mahlambi was the hero again, scoring the winner in a 2-1 win over Southeast Asia. This result eliminated Southeast Asia, who had put up a good fight, but ultimately had fallen short.
With one round of games to go, this ludicrous qualifying group looked like this:
With one round of games to go, this ludicrous qualifying group looked like this:
Argentina play Wales knowing that a win will secure them qualification and top spot. Turkey know that a home win over Southeast Asia will also see them through – even if they finish third, their record would be better than Peru’s. This means that the final match is between South Africa and Malaysia. It is likely that one of these teams will miss out entirely, and South Africa know it will be them if they fail to secure a win.
This group has been ludicrously exciting, so let’s get straight on with the final round of games!
Wales vs. Argentina
Barring an early draw, Argentina were flying in the first half of the campaign, but a terrible run of 1 point from a possible 9 has dragged them into a brutal fight for qualification. Wales had put up a number of plucky performances, and probably deserve more than two points from their nine games. Still, the pre-match preview expects “a cricket score” in favour of the visitors.
Wales’ job isn’t made any easier as key man Routledge has to miss the match through suspension, Baio playing out of position as his replacement. Argentina have no selection issues, and therefore choose to stick with the XI that has started every match this campaign.
This group has been ludicrously exciting, so let’s get straight on with the final round of games!
Wales vs. Argentina
Barring an early draw, Argentina were flying in the first half of the campaign, but a terrible run of 1 point from a possible 9 has dragged them into a brutal fight for qualification. Wales had put up a number of plucky performances, and probably deserve more than two points from their nine games. Still, the pre-match preview expects “a cricket score” in favour of the visitors.
Wales’ job isn’t made any easier as key man Routledge has to miss the match through suspension, Baio playing out of position as his replacement. Argentina have no selection issues, and therefore choose to stick with the XI that has started every match this campaign.
In the 9th minute a Rigoni free-kick finds Maxi unmarked at the far post. His header is parried by Morris, but he slams home the rebound. Argentina keep making chances, and Maxi nearly doubles his tally when a free kick hits the top of the bar. Leca gets a sight of goal for Wales, but he fires his shot over the bar, before Mora hits the bar with a close-range header. We reach half-time with the score 1-0, and Argentina very keen to get the security of the second goal.
They have to replace Gago, who has picked up a knock, with Ortigoza slotting in. Baio has been effective at breaking up Argentine attacks, but he picks up a second yellow card just after the break, and Wales have to alter their set-up, choosing to sacrifice Williams for Valentine, who will sit between defence and midfield. Lisandro has been disappointing, and Argentina bring on Alonso in his place, whilst Gary Taylor-Fletcher is brought on for Nardiello. Argentina are finally able to relax as Mora picks up a loose ball and powers it home from the edge of the box. Ortigoza’s game ends early, as he too is forced off injured. Coloccini secures the match as he taps in from a corner, and the game finishes 3-0.
They have to replace Gago, who has picked up a knock, with Ortigoza slotting in. Baio has been effective at breaking up Argentine attacks, but he picks up a second yellow card just after the break, and Wales have to alter their set-up, choosing to sacrifice Williams for Valentine, who will sit between defence and midfield. Lisandro has been disappointing, and Argentina bring on Alonso in his place, whilst Gary Taylor-Fletcher is brought on for Nardiello. Argentina are finally able to relax as Mora picks up a loose ball and powers it home from the edge of the box. Ortigoza’s game ends early, as he too is forced off injured. Coloccini secures the match as he taps in from a corner, and the game finishes 3-0.
Wales can take credit from how well they smothered Argentina until the red card, whilst their opponents will just be relieved to have secured qualification for the Draft World Cup.
Turkey vs. Southeast Asia
Argentina’s win means Turkey can’t top the group that they are top seeds for, but a win would secure qualification. A draw would secure a play-off spot, but unlikely anything more. Southeast Asia have been a dangerous team this campaign, but unlike Malaysia they couldn’t take enough points against the bigger teams, which is good news for Turkey.
The host’s only selection issue is a suspension for Inler, so Sandro comes in. Turkey stick with Babel and Quaresma on the wings, but Linnes and Koybasi are on call to act as wing-backs if needed. Southeast Asia make one change, the underperforming Campos replaced by Assis.
Turkey vs. Southeast Asia
Argentina’s win means Turkey can’t top the group that they are top seeds for, but a win would secure qualification. A draw would secure a play-off spot, but unlikely anything more. Southeast Asia have been a dangerous team this campaign, but unlike Malaysia they couldn’t take enough points against the bigger teams, which is good news for Turkey.
The host’s only selection issue is a suspension for Inler, so Sandro comes in. Turkey stick with Babel and Quaresma on the wings, but Linnes and Koybasi are on call to act as wing-backs if needed. Southeast Asia make one change, the underperforming Campos replaced by Assis.
Southeast Asia frustrate Turkey early on with solid defending. Eto’o has the first real chance, following a sharp pass from Sneijder, but his shot hits the base of the post. 32 minutes in, Quaresma puts a brilliant cross in, which van Persie can’t quite reach, but it falls to Sneijder who fires in the opening goal. Coming up to half time and Turkey have enjoyed 54% possession, and 12 shots to their opponent's 1. However, Southeast Asia's second shot brings the equaliser, Azevedo firing home when left unmarked in the box. A 1-1 half-time score is not ideal for Turkey, who really ought to be able to secure a win here.
Straight after the break van Persie slips Quaresma through, and he keeps his nerve to restore Turkey’s lead. Quaresma is promptly taken off, along with Babel as Turkey turn to their wing-backs. Eto’o has had a poor game, and he misses a glorious chance to double the lead as he fluffs a shot six yards out. Southeast Asia start to take the game to their opponents, but struggle to find a way through and the match finishes 2-1 to Turkey. It was a deserved win, but one which didn’t arrive easily.
Turkey secure qualification, either as second-place, or as one of the best 3rd-placed teams. Given their riches, it has not been the best campaign, but at times they have been irresistible.
South Africa vs. Malaysia
Turkey winning means one of these two sides will be knocked out. If Malaysia win, they will finish second and automatically qualify for the Draft World Cup. A draw would still see South Africa out, whilst Malaysia would face a play-off. A South Africa win would knock Malaysia out, and would also see South Africa qualify, either as a best third-placed side, or in second.
South Africa have no selection worries, and so they can name the XI which has earned them four straight wins since the halfway stage of this group. Jae-Won has been poor for Malaysia at LB, so the back four is shuffled to allow Meneses to move across, Ukah coming in.
Turkey secure qualification, either as second-place, or as one of the best 3rd-placed teams. Given their riches, it has not been the best campaign, but at times they have been irresistible.
South Africa vs. Malaysia
Turkey winning means one of these two sides will be knocked out. If Malaysia win, they will finish second and automatically qualify for the Draft World Cup. A draw would still see South Africa out, whilst Malaysia would face a play-off. A South Africa win would knock Malaysia out, and would also see South Africa qualify, either as a best third-placed side, or in second.
South Africa have no selection worries, and so they can name the XI which has earned them four straight wins since the halfway stage of this group. Jae-Won has been poor for Malaysia at LB, so the back four is shuffled to allow Meneses to move across, Ukah coming in.
It’s Malaysia who start stronger, a Diaz shot being blocked when he looked to be in. However, South Africa score with their first chance, a quick break leading to a Phala cross being expertly placed home by Nxumalo. Two minutes later and Malaysia’s failure to clear a corner gives Lebese a sight of goal, and he fires South Africa two up after only seven minutes. Cellerino misses a golden opportunity, whilst Mahlambi goes close with a long effort. Khune keeps Malaysia scoreless with a superb save to deny Barrales, who had been played in after a clearance had hit Diaz. Vilakazi has a chance to put his side further ahead, but his point-blank header is against the post. However, four minutes later he gets his goal, finishing after another fine assist from Phala. Still Malaysia make chances, and Cellerino is denied by Khune, who is playing brilliantly. On the half-hour mark Vilakazi adds a fourth with a neat finish, and a fifth nearly comes from Manyisa, but his header hits the bar. Barrales is denied by Khune again, and a crazy first half finishes 4-0, but could easily have seen another half-dozen goals.
It’s hard to know what Malaysia need to do differently, given how many clear chances they have made – and with no point in focusing on defence. They are instructed to try and work the ball into the box, but they continue to struggle – Lebese nearly getting his second goal before Matholo nods wide. Mahlambi finally gets the fifth goal with a neat turn and finish. There are a few half-chances, but the half fades away and South Africa secure qualification with an emphatic 5-0 victory.
Malaysia will be devastated to fall at the last, and in such an undignified way. They have put up one of the pluckiest qualification attempts across any of the groups, but ultimately miss out. South Africa will be delighted with their five consecutive wins ensuring they leapfrog both Malaysia and Turkey and take second spot. The addition of Mahlambi – originally left out as he didn’t fit the formation – changed their fortunes, and he can expect a side built around him in the finals.
Final results
Malaysia will be devastated to fall at the last, and in such an undignified way. They have put up one of the pluckiest qualification attempts across any of the groups, but ultimately miss out. South Africa will be delighted with their five consecutive wins ensuring they leapfrog both Malaysia and Turkey and take second spot. The addition of Mahlambi – originally left out as he didn’t fit the formation – changed their fortunes, and he can expect a side built around him in the finals.
Final results
Qualified for the Draft World Cup: Yorkshire, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Ukraine, Central Africa, Spain, China, France, Germany, Central Asia, Portugal, Romania, England, South America, Argentina, South Africa
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Turkey (q), Peru, North Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Slovakia, Norway, Chile
Best average rating: Phakamani Mahlambi (SAF) 7.94; George Lebese (SAF) 7.90; Robin van Persie (TUR) 7.78
Most goals: Robin van Persie (TUR) 11; Lisandro Lopez (ARG) 10; Rodrigo Mora (ARG) 7
Team of the group: Khune (SAF); Matholo (SAF), Vergini (ARG), Coetzee (SAF); Rigoni (ARG), Mahlambi (SAF), Gago (ARG), Lebese (SAF); van Persie (TUR), Lopez (ARG), Mora (ARG)
Match of the group: any of South Africa 3-3 Argentina, South Africa 6-2 Turkey or Turkey 5-4 Malaysia
Goal of the group
As before, you can vote here for the best goal of the group. The tabs below show the three candidates and the poll itself.
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Turkey (q), Peru, North Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Slovakia, Norway, Chile
Best average rating: Phakamani Mahlambi (SAF) 7.94; George Lebese (SAF) 7.90; Robin van Persie (TUR) 7.78
Most goals: Robin van Persie (TUR) 11; Lisandro Lopez (ARG) 10; Rodrigo Mora (ARG) 7
Team of the group: Khune (SAF); Matholo (SAF), Vergini (ARG), Coetzee (SAF); Rigoni (ARG), Mahlambi (SAF), Gago (ARG), Lebese (SAF); van Persie (TUR), Lopez (ARG), Mora (ARG)
Match of the group: any of South Africa 3-3 Argentina, South Africa 6-2 Turkey or Turkey 5-4 Malaysia
Goal of the group
As before, you can vote here for the best goal of the group. The tabs below show the three candidates and the poll itself.
Next time
It’s hard to see Group J living up to the mayhem of Group I (where we saw 112 goals in 30 games), particularly with top seeds Russia and Scotland not known for flowing attacking football. Belarus will put up a challenge, whilst there are plenty of stars playing for a combined Middle East side.
It’s hard to see Group J living up to the mayhem of Group I (where we saw 112 goals in 30 games), particularly with top seeds Russia and Scotland not known for flowing attacking football. Belarus will put up a challenge, whilst there are plenty of stars playing for a combined Middle East side.