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.
There’s no messing about now, because we’re onto the final four of our Draft World Cup. The quarter-finals were chaotic, and featured one of the all-time shocks as Peru dumped hot favourites Portugal out, despite being down to 10 men. They’re up in today’s semi-final against Germany, who overcame China in a heavyweight slugfest, settled by an idiotic mistake from Ricardo Carvalho. We’re going to profile both teams, then get stuck into the match!
There’s no messing about now, because we’re onto the final four of our Draft World Cup. The quarter-finals were chaotic, and featured one of the all-time shocks as Peru dumped hot favourites Portugal out, despite being down to 10 men. They’re up in today’s semi-final against Germany, who overcame China in a heavyweight slugfest, settled by an idiotic mistake from Ricardo Carvalho. We’re going to profile both teams, then get stuck into the match!
Peru
Going all the way back to qualification, Peru started excellently, but in the end only qualified as Sweden slipped up in their final game. In the tournament proper, Peru opened with a shock win over Ukraine, achieved despite going down to 10 men in the first half (and not for the last time). A draw against Central Asia left their fate in the balance, and once again help was needed as Ukraine’s draw with Central Asia allowed Peru to go through despite losing to Mexico. In the second round Peru faced Switzerland, and were very sturdy in drawing 0-0. This time it looked like their luck had run out when they were match point down, but two saves from goalkeeper Carvallo saw the fairytale continue. Incredibly, Peru gave their best performance (despite another first half red card) in overcoming Portugal (who were unbeaten across the whole campaign) 2-0, and with a degree of ease. This has been one hell of a rollercoaster, and they are now two matches away from a Hollywood-level victory story.
Tactically, Peru’s narrow 4-3-1-2 has enabled Peru to compete well in midfield. The real start of the show for Alessa Peru has been her veteran wing back Juan Manuel Vargas, whose marauding runs were particularly impressive in the win over Portugal. The other side of this is that Peru can be exposed down their left flank when Vargas is upfield, but it’s a balance which has got them this far. Striker Luis Tejada is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Panama national team, and has helped them get to their first-ever actual World Cup.
Germany
Tactically, Peru’s narrow 4-3-1-2 has enabled Peru to compete well in midfield. The real start of the show for Alessa Peru has been her veteran wing back Juan Manuel Vargas, whose marauding runs were particularly impressive in the win over Portugal. The other side of this is that Peru can be exposed down their left flank when Vargas is upfield, but it’s a balance which has got them this far. Striker Luis Tejada is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Panama national team, and has helped them get to their first-ever actual World Cup.
Germany
Needless to say, Germany were always a side expected to be fighting for silverware in this tournament. However, they nearly started with the embarrassment with being pipped to top spot in their qualification group by Central Asia. However, a controversial re-match resulted in Germany topping their group. Hanna Deutschland’s finals squad always looked impressive, with a healthy balance all through the squad. This impressive was helped by a convincing opening win against Yorkshire, but a major setback occurred when they were outplayed in defeat by Spain. Progression was secured unconvincingly with a nervy 2-1 win over Bulgaria. In the second round Germany continued to struggle, only beating South Africa 1-0 after extra time. They were better against China, but another close 1-0 win means that we’re still waiting for the best of this side. However, due to upsets elsewhere, Germany are possibly tournament favourites right now.
Germany utilise a – wait for it – efficient 4-4-1-1, with main man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on his own up front. However, he’s not been anywhere near his best in the finals, and it’s unlikely German can go all the way without him getting somewhere close to his qualification form. Their midfield has been their key area, with Leonardo Bittencourt in particular being outstanding.
Line-ups
Peruvian goalkeeper, and hero against Switzerland, Carvallo recovers from a knock sustained against Portugal to take the gloves here. This means that Peru remain unchanged. The only played brought into the German side is Jedvaj, who returns from suspension. Kolodziejczak is the unfortunate man to miss out.
Germany utilise a – wait for it – efficient 4-4-1-1, with main man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on his own up front. However, he’s not been anywhere near his best in the finals, and it’s unlikely German can go all the way without him getting somewhere close to his qualification form. Their midfield has been their key area, with Leonardo Bittencourt in particular being outstanding.
Line-ups
Peruvian goalkeeper, and hero against Switzerland, Carvallo recovers from a knock sustained against Portugal to take the gloves here. This means that Peru remain unchanged. The only played brought into the German side is Jedvaj, who returns from suspension. Kolodziejczak is the unfortunate man to miss out.
Kick-off
It’s a dull start, to say the least, as we wait until the 35th minute for the first decent chance. Despite Germany looking stronger in the early stages, it falls to Peru as Aguiar’s devilish cross finds Tejada in the 6 yard box, but his header crashes off the crossbar and away to safety.
It’s a dull start, to say the least, as we wait until the 35th minute for the first decent chance. Despite Germany looking stronger in the early stages, it falls to Peru as Aguiar’s devilish cross finds Tejada in the 6 yard box, but his header crashes off the crossbar and away to safety.
In the 42nd minute Peru have a corner, swung in by Vargas. Riojas leaps highest and sends the ball towards goal, where fellow centre back Rodriguez meets it to put Peru into (another) shock lead!
We reach half time with the score 1-0, and huge concern for Germany. They may have started stronger, but they created no chances of note as Peru look set for a third successive clean sheet. As well as his assist, Riojas has been critical for Peru at the back, with numerous tackles and interceptions.
Germany’s average position map suggest that Aubameyang is slightly isolated, and so Bittencourt and Dembele are moved into AML and AMR positions respectively for the second half.
It’s a change which reaps immediate reward when Dembele plays Aubameyang in down the right. Riojas forces him out wide, but his cross is met by Vidal and the ball flies beyond Carvallo to bring Germany level.
Germany suddenly look very confident, and a neat Aubameyang pass puts Dembele through. The winger could bring the ball closer in, but instead shoots first time and is denied by a combination of Carvallo and the post. Sane has been instrumental for Germany at the back, but he is rapidly tiring and Kolodziejczak comes on. Aubameyang creates another chance for Dembele, but his header doesn’t trouble Carvallo. Peru bring on Ramirez for Santamaria, a fairly bold call, as they look to halt Germany’s momentum. It appears to work, as we enter a period of quiet. Entering the final 10 minutes we still don’t know who is most likely to progress, as Germany replace the tiring Kerem with Yurchenko. Yurchenko’s first real contribution is to unleash a powerful shot from range, but it flashes wide. Tejada has been disappointing and is replaced by Ifran. There’s no more chances, and we reach the end of normal time.
Earlier I mentioned how well Sane was playing, well that is emphasised by the fact he has made 43 interceptions. The next-highest in the match is Riojas, who has made 17.
The second half is muted, until the 103rd minute when a simple ball by Bittencourt catches Peru’s defence off-guard and Aubameyang is through. He is one-on-one with Carvallo, and holds his nerve to put Germany ahead!
A mazy half-pitch-length run from Dembele results in a half-chance for Aubameyang, but his shot is easily held as Germany look to put the game away. But just before the break in extra time a quick pass from Ifran releases Avila. Jedvaj does a good job to get back and force Avila into an early shot, which Horn pushes behind. The corner is met by Rodriguez, but his strong head is well over. Peru’s final change is to bring Guastavino on for Aguiar, whilst Germany try and shut up shop by replacing Kruse with Ignjovski.
A tiring Peru don’t look capable of putting Germany under pressure, and their hopes are surely ended when Aubameyang gets free in the box, and pokes a shot into the bottom corner for 3-1.
In added time Peru’s corner is cleared, and Aubameyang leads the counter attack. His cross finds Dembele, who selflessly plays it back to the Gabonese striker to complete his hat-trick, wrapping up a 4-1 scoreline which Peru hardly deserve.
Aubameyang really went up the gears towards the end of that match, and the map of chances he had is validation for Hanna Deutschland’s decision to give him more support.
Meanwhile, Peru’s average position map shows how pinned back they were during extra time.
So, Germany were once again unconvincing, but by the end they exploited Peru’s tiredness to get to the final in style. After a poor first half Germany were easily the better side, and will have real hopes of becoming the reigning champions of both the actual World Cup and the Draft World Cup.
Draw
Draw
Next time
It’s our other semi-final, as Italy take on Uruguay. So once again it’s a European side heavily favoured against a South American underdog. Will it pan out the same way? There’s only one way to find out.
It’s our other semi-final, as Italy take on Uruguay. So once again it’s a European side heavily favoured against a South American underdog. Will it pan out the same way? There’s only one way to find out.