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.
The group stages of a World Cup comprise 75% of matches in the tournament as a whole, which means that as we enter the knockout stages, we’ve only got a quarter of games left! In fact, it’s slightly less, as I have no intention of bothering with a third-place play-off. Anyway, the point is that we’ve reached the final ascent of the Draft World Cup.
This is the draw for the knockout stages:
The group stages of a World Cup comprise 75% of matches in the tournament as a whole, which means that as we enter the knockout stages, we’ve only got a quarter of games left! In fact, it’s slightly less, as I have no intention of bothering with a third-place play-off. Anyway, the point is that we’ve reached the final ascent of the Draft World Cup.
This is the draw for the knockout stages:
In today’s episode, we’re going to see how the four second-round matches from the left-hand side of the draw pan out. So with no further ado, let’s begin with the opening match, which just happens to feature the top two best sides from qualification...
Portugal (1st in Group A) vs. England (2nd in Group B)
Portugal have won every match thus far, with the exception of a draw with Italy in their last match, after qualification had already been secured. England also qualified for the tournament well (28 points from a possible 30), but were far less impressive once the tournament got underway, with their only win coming against 10 men of Mediterranean, whilst in their final game they actually lost 1-0 to Romania. This is enough to make Portugal favourites here, but probably not by very much.
Aboubakar didn’t take the chance when he started for Portugal against Italy, and so Silva returns, although neither player has put in a good performance yet in the finals. Herrera also returns to the side in place of Pele. England suffered injuries to strikers Callum Wilson and Divock Origi in their match against Romania. The good news is that Wilson is fit enough for the bench here. However, the bad news is that Origi is definitely out of the tournament. With the only other striker being Will Grigg of Wigan, England opt for a 4-4-1-1 formation, with the returning Alli playing behind Benteke. Cahill and Kante also return to the side after being rested against Romania.
Portugal (1st in Group A) vs. England (2nd in Group B)
Portugal have won every match thus far, with the exception of a draw with Italy in their last match, after qualification had already been secured. England also qualified for the tournament well (28 points from a possible 30), but were far less impressive once the tournament got underway, with their only win coming against 10 men of Mediterranean, whilst in their final game they actually lost 1-0 to Romania. This is enough to make Portugal favourites here, but probably not by very much.
Aboubakar didn’t take the chance when he started for Portugal against Italy, and so Silva returns, although neither player has put in a good performance yet in the finals. Herrera also returns to the side in place of Pele. England suffered injuries to strikers Callum Wilson and Divock Origi in their match against Romania. The good news is that Wilson is fit enough for the bench here. However, the bad news is that Origi is definitely out of the tournament. With the only other striker being Will Grigg of Wigan, England opt for a 4-4-1-1 formation, with the returning Alli playing behind Benteke. Cahill and Kante also return to the side after being rested against Romania.
Portugal kick off, and Corona immediately goes on a mazy run, feeding Silva, whose shot is held by Heaton. But he has the opening goal by the 5th minute, as Grujic’s backpass is horrifically midjudged, and an open invitation for Silva to get his first goal of the tournament, after 13 in qualification. This sums up England’s start as they appear incapable of keeping the ball, and Silva should add a second in the 18th minute, but his header is over the bar with Heaton beaten. England’s first big chance comes in the 40th minute when Gray steals the ball from Pereira and plays Benteke in, but his shot is blocked by Casillas. We reach the break with England improving in defence, but looking a clear second-best.
It’s time for Wilson to join the fray, with Grujic unsurprisingly hooked. However, this doesn't prevent Silva repeating his trick and scoring early on in the half, a loose ball falling to him in the box, which he powers into the roof of the net, the finish of a striker now back to full confidence. But just when Portugal had put themselves in a position to control the match, Martins Indi decides the only way to combat Benteke holding the ball up is to lunge in two-footed and get himself sent off. Can England take advantage now? They certainly can, as from the free kick Judge pops a cross in, where Wilson meets it at the far post to tap in. Game very much on! Two minutes later and another England free kick nearly results in a goal, but Judge’s shot is kept out by Casillas. Portugal weather the storm, though, and begin to have chances on the break, including a well-placed shot by Silva that Heaton has to stretch full-length to deny. Chances for England dry up, with a snapshot from Gray in the 82nd minute their best effort for a while, but it flies well wide. Shortly after, Yoshida meets a corner with a strong header, but it lands on the roof of the net as England’s chances slip by. In injury time England have a corner, and up comes Heaton... it falls to Alli, but his shot is cleared off the line! It only goes as far as Yoshida, but he’s facing away from goal and can’t force it in, and Portugal clear for another corner... Yoshida meets this one as well, but Casillas is behind it, and Portugal hold out for the win!
The obvious question is where was that intensity from England for the rest of the second half after they had scored? They can only blame themselves for their demise, whilst Portugal survive that scrape, and will hope that a reinvigorated Silva will make up for the suspended Martins Indi.
Switzerland (1st in Group C) vs. Peru (2nd in Group D)
Switzerland have been very impressive so far. They easily won a qualification group containing Belgium, before beating France to leapfrog them to the top of Group C. Meanwhile, Peru got through to the tournament as one of the best third-placed sides, and were able to get into the second round almost entirely due to a brilliant win over Ukraine with 10 men. However, Peru’s squad is only worth £103m, the lowest in the knockout stages, so £220m Switzerland are definitely strong favourites here.
The Swiss stick with the XI which performed brilliantly against France, with zero selection worries. Peru bring Riojas back into defence for Yglesias, whilst they also stick with the 4-3-1-2 they used in their final group match against Mexico.
Switzerland (1st in Group C) vs. Peru (2nd in Group D)
Switzerland have been very impressive so far. They easily won a qualification group containing Belgium, before beating France to leapfrog them to the top of Group C. Meanwhile, Peru got through to the tournament as one of the best third-placed sides, and were able to get into the second round almost entirely due to a brilliant win over Ukraine with 10 men. However, Peru’s squad is only worth £103m, the lowest in the knockout stages, so £220m Switzerland are definitely strong favourites here.
The Swiss stick with the XI which performed brilliantly against France, with zero selection worries. Peru bring Riojas back into defence for Yglesias, whilst they also stick with the 4-3-1-2 they used in their final group match against Mexico.
The first decent chance of the match comes in the 16th minute, when Sulejmani forces Carvallo into a save with a low snapshot. Soon after, Peru get their first real sight of goal as Boka’s clearance hits Aguiar, who gets a shot away from a tight angle, but Vaclik is able to parry it. At the other end, Boka’s low cross finds Barnetta, but his shot is narrowly wide. Sulejmani puts in a couple of crosses Hoarau can’t convert, as it’s clear that Switzerland are gaining a big advantage out wide. However, we reach half time with neither team really looking like they are about to make a breakthrough.
Peru are the first side to nearly score in the second half, but it’s at the wrong end as Riojas’ interception sends the ball towards the bottom corner, Carvallo having to push it around the post. From the resulting corner Suchy’s header is just wide as Switzerland start the half with intent. However, they cannot build on it, and Peru continue to look comfortable. Hoarau has been poor and is replaced with Konate, as both teams tweak their sides, but there are still no clear chances as we head into the final minutes of the game. In the 85th minute Switzerland lose the ball sloppily in midfield, and Tejada is played in by sub Santamaria. He’s one-on-one and shoots towards the corner, but his shot is well stopped by Vaclik. Aguiar swings in the corner, Rodriguez leaps into it, and it flies into the net for a Peruvian lead with just 5 minutes remaining! But as we brace ourselves for a shock, the goal has been disallowed, as Rodriguez was deemed to have fouled Suchy. Neither team creates any good chances in the remainder of the game, and we head for extra time.
Switzerland have had more chances, and have had the better of the play, but Peru’s countering has led to them having better quality chances so far. But four minutes into extra time and Switzerland have a golden chance when Ravet dribbles down the flank and drills a cross to Konate 6 yards from goal, but his shot is straight at Carvallo. A few minutes later and Santamaria meets a cross, but he too hits it down the middle, and Vaclik catches it. We reach half time in extra time, as both teams begin to think about who their best penalty-takers are. With six minutes to go Tejada goes close with a long shot, and that’s the last decent effort, as we finish the 120 minutes scoreless, and we get our first shootout of the tournament!
Ziegler...sends Carvallo the wrong way (Switzerland 1-0 Peru)
Tejada... powers it down the middle (1-1)
Neumayr... just beats Carvallo’s dive with a placed shot (2-1)
Aguiar... beats a static Vaclik (2-2)
Sulejmani... puts it into the bottom corner (3-2)
Ifran... goes to his left but not far enough, and Vaclik is able to push it onto the post! (3-2)
Kuzmanovic... doesn’t put much power into his shot and Carvallo makes an easy save! (3-2)
Vargas... belts it into the roof of the net to cap a MotM performance (3-3)
Konate... goes down the middle, but Carvallo stays put to save and it’s match point Peru! (3-3)
Balbin was brought on with 118 mins gone as a penalty taker, and he has the chance to win it... he tucks it into the bottom corner for a famous Peruvian victory! (3-4)
Ziegler...sends Carvallo the wrong way (Switzerland 1-0 Peru)
Tejada... powers it down the middle (1-1)
Neumayr... just beats Carvallo’s dive with a placed shot (2-1)
Aguiar... beats a static Vaclik (2-2)
Sulejmani... puts it into the bottom corner (3-2)
Ifran... goes to his left but not far enough, and Vaclik is able to push it onto the post! (3-2)
Kuzmanovic... doesn’t put much power into his shot and Carvallo makes an easy save! (3-2)
Vargas... belts it into the roof of the net to cap a MotM performance (3-3)
Konate... goes down the middle, but Carvallo stays put to save and it’s match point Peru! (3-3)
Balbin was brought on with 118 mins gone as a penalty taker, and he has the chance to win it... he tucks it into the bottom corner for a famous Peruvian victory! (3-4)
Well, well, well. Switzerland should have made more of their overall advantage in the middle of the pitch, and have paid the price in the cruellest possible way. Peru, the least-favoured of the sides in the knockout stages, are now into the quarter-finals! And on that performance, where they were very solid in defence and nerveless at the death, who’s to say that’ll be where their journey ends?
Germany (1st in Group E) vs. South Africa (2nd in Group F)
Germany’s squad was highlighted at the start of the tournament as looked pretty well-balanced, given the financial constraints. And they started in great fashion, outclassing Yorkshire. But a Spanish resurgence caught the Germans out, and they were on the brink of elimination against Bulgaria, eventually recovering to secure qualification. Despite their unconvincing form, they should have too much here against South Africa, who have continued to surprise as they fight their way deeper into the competition than anyone expected.
Germany’s main striker, and main gamble in terms of budget, is Aubameyang. He hasn’t been very good thus far, and after picking up a knock against Bulgaria, he is only fit for the bench. This means Kruse pushes up to be the side’s main striker, with Yurchenko coming in to play in the hole. Kolodziejczak has been rubbish thus far, and is replaced by Schafer. South Africa don’t have any enforced selection worries, so their only decision is who players behind Nxumalo, with neither Billiat nor Mahlambi taking their chances so far. Billiat is preferred.
Germany (1st in Group E) vs. South Africa (2nd in Group F)
Germany’s squad was highlighted at the start of the tournament as looked pretty well-balanced, given the financial constraints. And they started in great fashion, outclassing Yorkshire. But a Spanish resurgence caught the Germans out, and they were on the brink of elimination against Bulgaria, eventually recovering to secure qualification. Despite their unconvincing form, they should have too much here against South Africa, who have continued to surprise as they fight their way deeper into the competition than anyone expected.
Germany’s main striker, and main gamble in terms of budget, is Aubameyang. He hasn’t been very good thus far, and after picking up a knock against Bulgaria, he is only fit for the bench. This means Kruse pushes up to be the side’s main striker, with Yurchenko coming in to play in the hole. Kolodziejczak has been rubbish thus far, and is replaced by Schafer. South Africa don’t have any enforced selection worries, so their only decision is who players behind Nxumalo, with neither Billiat nor Mahlambi taking their chances so far. Billiat is preferred.
A quick ball from defence catches South Africa out, and Kruse is through, but his shot flies narrowly wide. Germany dominate the opening stages, and Dembele should open the scoring in the 20th minute when slipped through by Kruse, but Khune makes a solid save. However, Germany don’t need to wait long, as a quick throw-in is fired into the box by Yurchenko straight to Bittencourt, who places it into the back of the net for a 22nd-minute lead. The Germans just keep coming, as Khune denies both Kruse and Dembele in the passage of play following the restart. However, South Africa have repeatedly shown they know how to take their chances, and they are level in the 27th minute when Lebese scampers down the wing, crossing to Nxumalo. Sane blocks the shot, but it falls to Billiat who rolls it into the corner for a surprise equaliser. Once again Khune produces saves to deny both Kruse and Dembele, as Germany look to regain the lead immediately. Matholo does brilliantly to prevent Kruse getting a shot away, but it falls to Yurchenko, whose shot appears destined for the top corner, but Khune is once again there to keep the scores level, which is how the score remains at the break.
The second half progresses in a quieter fashion than the first, with long shots from Kerem and Vilakasi not close to giving either side the lead. Germany blink first and make the first subs, with Aubameyang replacing Kruse and Kolodziejczak coming on for the underperforming Sane. However, the changes do little to alter the progression of the match, as we enter the final 15 minutes with no further idea who will progress to the next stage. Manyisa has a half sight of goal as sub Tshabalala’s free kick falls to him, but his effort is blocked at the last second. Dembele finds Yurchenko in the box, who cleverly plays a disguised pass to Aubameyang, but he also cannot find a way beyond Khune. In the 82nd minute Dembele picks up the ball on the edge of his own box, and he is allowed to run all the way to the South African by-line, where he clips the ball in to Aubameyang yards from goal, but incredibly he manages to prod his header against the underside of the bar and away to safety. The Gabonese striker has another clear sight of goal in the 90th minute as he turns away from Coetzee, but (surprise surprise) his shot is parried away by Khune. That’s the last real chance, and we’re going to extra time again!
The only change made for extra time is Shongwe on for Lebese. Two minutes into extra time, he is put through by Manyisa, but he is denied by a diving Horn. South Africa push up for the corner, but it’s cleared and they are exposed. Bittencourt lofts the ball to the back post, and Vidal is there to volley into the roof of the net. South Africa aren’t giving up, though, as Nxumalo fires wide from the edge of the box. We reach half time in extra time. Vilakasi appears too knackered to carry on, and he is replaced by Gabuza as South Africa switch to a wide diamond formation. 30 seconds after kick-off, Shongwe is played in down the right-hand side of the box, with several players waiting in the middle, but his cross is terrible and a serious chance is wasted. A minute later and he is in a similar position. This time he finds Gabuza with his cross, but his header is too weak and Horn easily holds it. The Germans have reason to be concerned by this start to the period, and they switch to a 4-1-4-1 with Ignjovski coming on for Yurchenko. Manyisa forces Horn into a fine save with a speculative 25-yard volley, as Germany try and soak up the pressure. In the end, they do just enough, and get themselves through. Just.
What a valiant effort from South Africa, who were plucky to the last. Germany will be concerned that they didn’t see this game out in more convincing fashion, and once again they found Aubameyang wasteful up front.
North Africa (1st in Group G) vs. China (2nd in Group H)
This leaves North Africa the remaining representative of the continent. This will be a fascinating match. North Africa were extremely solid in qualifying for the second round, and their defensive formation has resulted in three clean sheets. Meanwhile, China has the most blatantly top-heavy side in the competition, which was exposed against Uruguay, but which was deadly against Russia and Slovakia to secure qualification. So a battle of two extremes, this will be a very difficult match to call, despite the value disparity (China are worth the full £250m, North Africa only £133m).
North Africa still can’t call upon goalkeeper Zniti, but Mhamdi has proved an effective deputy – neither keeper has conceded a goal yet. The outfield remains the same, despite below-par performances from the experienced duo of Fathy and Abd Rabo. Unsurprisingly, China stick with Yan in goal after his heroics, as the only dilemma they have is whether to return Martinez to the side, or stick with his understudy Gyan, who was excellent against Slovakia. Gyan can consider himself unlucky to be the one who misses out.
North Africa (1st in Group G) vs. China (2nd in Group H)
This leaves North Africa the remaining representative of the continent. This will be a fascinating match. North Africa were extremely solid in qualifying for the second round, and their defensive formation has resulted in three clean sheets. Meanwhile, China has the most blatantly top-heavy side in the competition, which was exposed against Uruguay, but which was deadly against Russia and Slovakia to secure qualification. So a battle of two extremes, this will be a very difficult match to call, despite the value disparity (China are worth the full £250m, North Africa only £133m).
North Africa still can’t call upon goalkeeper Zniti, but Mhamdi has proved an effective deputy – neither keeper has conceded a goal yet. The outfield remains the same, despite below-par performances from the experienced duo of Fathy and Abd Rabo. Unsurprisingly, China stick with Yan in goal after his heroics, as the only dilemma they have is whether to return Martinez to the side, or stick with his understudy Gyan, who was excellent against Slovakia. Gyan can consider himself unlucky to be the one who misses out.
North Africa have the better of the early stages, and a N’Djeng shot deflects to Fathy, but he can only hit the side netting with a snapshot. Unfortunately for North Africa, that’s the last contribution for N’Djeng, as he injures his thigh and is replaced by Djabou. Tevez hits a long-range free kick well, but Mhamdi is able to push it to safety. It’s not a good day for strikers, as Martinez also picks up a knock, and Gyan is soon back in the side. Tevez is beginning to look very dangerous, running at North Africa’s defence and peppering Mhamdi with long shots. As the half wears on, North Africa find themselves more and more penned back, although China can’t create any clear opportunities. Just as it looks as if North Africa have got to the break all square, a mammoth long throw from Zainadine is nodded on by Carvalho and tapped in by Mbia.
North Africa have been toothless since losing N’Djeng as Djabou just doesn’t have the physical presence to hold the ball up for his side. Therefore, Darragi is brought on for Fathy. Darragi immediately cracks off a long shot at the start of the half, but Yan holds the shot. Soon after, a Hulk free kick goes narrowly wide as China look to pull away. They get their second goal just before the hour mark when Renato lets fly from the edge of the box into the top corner. Ten minutes later Gyan’s shot is deflected straight to Tevez, who lashes home to finally get a deserved goal. China are in a position to protect players who would pick up a suspension should they get a yellow here, and Sainsbury and Matheus replace Zainadine and Hulk. However, Sainsbury’s first real contribution is to trip Djabou in the box after the striker had gone on a mazy dribble after being left isolated once again. Abd Rabo steps up, with a chance to possibly get North Africa back into the contest with ten minutes remaining... but Yan saves! He really is trying to get revenge on me saying that he’d struggle to get into an English League Two side. That surely is the end of North Africa’s chances, although Djabou rattles the crossbar with a shot from the edge of the box soon after. In fact, North Africa do eventually get a goal back, as Hichri rises unchallenged to nod in an Abd Rabo free kick in the 85th minute. In the 89th minute Abd Rabo slips Djabou through, who slips it home, but the striker had been standing in a clear offside position and the whistle had already gone. That was the last hurrah from North Africa, and they slip to a 3-1 defeat.
It was striking how much North Africa struggled once they lost the outlet of N’Djeng, and once Mbia had opened the scoring they always had a tough uphill battle. China looked very dangerous in attack, although the final ten minutes of the game highlighted their glaring Achilles heel; their soft defence.
Draw
Draw
That was a pretty exciting start to the knockout stages! Portugal and China have laid down early markers for their title bids, whilst Germany are just relieved to still be in the draw and Peru are wondering how long their fairytale will continue.
Next time
We’ll see how the other four second-round matches play out. There will be two matches that are hard to call as the Netherlands take on Italy and Mexico take on France. Meanwhile, Greece and Uruguay may be group winners, but they will have difficult matches against Spain and the USA.
Next time
We’ll see how the other four second-round matches play out. There will be two matches that are hard to call as the Netherlands take on Italy and Mexico take on France. Meanwhile, Greece and Uruguay may be group winners, but they will have difficult matches against Spain and the USA.