So, that's the inaugural Draft World Cup completed. Hopefully you enjoyed the journey! The final was a tense affair, and it saw Germany add the Draft World Cup to the actual one they won in Brazil three years ago with a 2-1 win over Uruguay.
In this final episode we're going to review the tournament and give you the chance to vote for some of the end-of-tournament awards!
Tournament review
Qualifying
Things started in a bright way, as Yorkshire went on a fine winning run to win the opening qualifying group, as late drama saw Serbia miss out to Slovakia. The top seeds, Italy, had to settle for second in that group, and that was a trend continued as Belgium, Ukraine, Spain and France all finished second in groups they were expected to win. The most remarkable of these was Spain, who finished second behind a thrilling Central Africa side.
Group F was probably the most dramatic of the lot, as the top seed curse appeared to have continued when Central Asia claimed top spot ahead of Germany. However, one of Central Asia's games had to be replayed due to a major glitch. The replay with Israel ended in a draw, and Germany became the first group seed to finish top.
There was no such drama in the next group as Portugal won all ten games in qualifying, whilst England followed that with 9 wins and 1 draw in their group. Argentina won Group I easily, but behind them there was a chaotic finish as Malaysia's final-round defeat to South Africa denied them a shock finals place. The next group was even more daft, as Russia and Scotland qualified with ease, but India, Belarus, the Middle East and the Mediterranean were involved in a ugly scrap which resulted in Mediterranean scraping through in the last glamourous way possible.
The Netherlands and the USA had a tight battle for Group K, with the Americans winning out. At this stage, every top seed had ensured qualification, and the final group contained Brazil, who had never missed a World Cup. However, Brazil never got going, and they finished in 4th, not even in the play-off places, for the shock of the qualifying round.
In the play-offs there were good wins for Norway, Mediterranean and Chile over Hungary, South Korea and Austria respectively. The highest drama was in the play-off between Slovakia and Former Yugoslavia, which needed an extra replay to separate the two sides. It was Slovakia who claimed the solitary goal to become the 32nd team to qualify for the finals.
Group stage
Group A looked to be a tight battle between Portugal, Italy and Turkey, but the first four matches meant Portugal and Italy sailed through with no trouble. The Netherlands were similarly untroubled in the next group, but England only just avoided elimination despite a poor performance in losing to Romania in the final round. Switzerland pipped France to top spot in a group where Argentina's elimination after two games was the main surprise. Ukraine and Mexico were expected to cruise Group D, but Peru were on hand to shock Ukraine and claim second place.
Group E was billed as the Group of Death, with Germany and Spain drawn together. Despite Bulgaria's best efforts, they and Yorkshire didn't have enough to stop the two most recent actual World Cup winners progressing. Belgium had never lived up to expectations, and a surprise defeat to South Africa saw them eliminated as South Africa and Greece sailed through. Group G was a skirmish with all four teams battling until the end. USA and North Africa were the sides to claim key victories in the final round of fixtures to progress. Russia and China were expected to cruise the final group, but they hadn't reckoned for the giantkiller of Uruguay, who beat both sides in topping the group, as China claimed second place, and the final spot in the knock-out rounds.
Second round (part 1; part 2)
What a way to start the knockouts but with a battle between the best two sides in qualifying. Portugal raced to 2-0 against England, but a red card gave England hope, but ultimately they were only able to pull one goal back. Switzerland were favourites against Peru, but never looked comfortable and were taken to penalties. After Ifran's miss it looked to be Switzerland's win, but Carvallo made two saves as Peru's journey continued. Germany were pushed all the way by South Africa, but Vidal's extra-time winner was enough. China, meanwhile, were barely troubled by North Africa as they looked lethal in attack, winning 3-1.
The Netherlands and Italy looked to be very well-matched, and so it proved as their game had little between them. In the end, a brace from Bacca gave Italy a 2-1 win. The most dramatic moment of the round came as Mexico lost out to France thanks to a late fluked goal by Lima - despite Mexico goalkeeper Marchesin appearing to have been fouled by Cavani. Spain's XI always looked unbalanced - with Messi, Ronaldo and 9 lesser players - and they were eventually found out by a defensively-solid Greek side. The USA became the latest side to underestimate Uruguay, who ran riot in scoring 4 first-half goals in a 4-2 win.
Quarter-finals
Portugal thus far had racked up 13 wins and 1 draw in 14 games, so it's no exaggeration to say that their subsequent 2-0 defeat to (10-man!) Peru was the shock of the tournament. Meanwhile Germany and China faced up a titanic battle. However, it was a rather tame affair until Carvalho's suicidal back-pass allowed Aubmeyang in to score the only goal for Germany.
Another tight game followed between France and Italy, and it went all the way into extra time. With penalties looming, Montolivo scored an outrageous strike from distance to put Italy through. Greece and Uruguay faced off to see who would secure a surprise semi-final berth, and Olaza's first-half free kick was the only goal, putting the two-time World Cup winners through.
Semi-finals
By this stage, it's not unfair to say that Peru had become the neutral's favourite, and they played tournament favourites Germany in their semi-final. The fairytale looked set to continue as Rodriguez put Peru ahead, but Germany soon levelled through Vidal. The match went to extra time, and a tiring Peru were cruelly put away by three Aubameyang strikes.
The other semi-final also saw a European giant face an insurgent South American minnow, this time in the forms of Italy and Uruguay. The sides traded first-half penalties, before Uruguay re-took the lead through de la Cruz. Italy huffed and puffed, but their lack of attacking depth showed as Uruguay held on for a 2-1 victory.
Final
So this left us with the first-ever World Cup winners in Uruguay and the most recent winners in Germany. It was the Germans who looked the better in the opening half, but the match remained scoreless at the break.
The breakthrough came when Olaza's careless tackle gave Germany a penalty, which Vidal dispatched for his third goal in the knockout rounds. Soon after, Germany looked to have secured the trophy when Dembele's neat pass allowed Bittencourt to double the lead. Uruguay looked surprisingly muted in attack, and they only got on the scoresheet in added time when Rodriguez's penalty beat Horn. It wasn't enough, though, and Germany claimed a deserved tournament triumph.
Awards
Golden boot
There was no one player putting all others in the shade with their goalscoring heroics. The early lead was taken by South Africa's Prince Nxumalo and France's Falcao, who both got an impressive five goals in the group stage. However, he was narrowly pipped by the eventual golden boot winner Sebastian Fernandez of Uruguay, whose two goals against the USA were enough to take him to 6. The final standings were as follows:
Golden ball
Here's your chance to vote for who you think deserves the golden ball (player of the tournament). Use the tabs below to cycle through the three nominees and to cast your vote.
In this final episode we're going to review the tournament and give you the chance to vote for some of the end-of-tournament awards!
Tournament review
Qualifying
Things started in a bright way, as Yorkshire went on a fine winning run to win the opening qualifying group, as late drama saw Serbia miss out to Slovakia. The top seeds, Italy, had to settle for second in that group, and that was a trend continued as Belgium, Ukraine, Spain and France all finished second in groups they were expected to win. The most remarkable of these was Spain, who finished second behind a thrilling Central Africa side.
Group F was probably the most dramatic of the lot, as the top seed curse appeared to have continued when Central Asia claimed top spot ahead of Germany. However, one of Central Asia's games had to be replayed due to a major glitch. The replay with Israel ended in a draw, and Germany became the first group seed to finish top.
There was no such drama in the next group as Portugal won all ten games in qualifying, whilst England followed that with 9 wins and 1 draw in their group. Argentina won Group I easily, but behind them there was a chaotic finish as Malaysia's final-round defeat to South Africa denied them a shock finals place. The next group was even more daft, as Russia and Scotland qualified with ease, but India, Belarus, the Middle East and the Mediterranean were involved in a ugly scrap which resulted in Mediterranean scraping through in the last glamourous way possible.
The Netherlands and the USA had a tight battle for Group K, with the Americans winning out. At this stage, every top seed had ensured qualification, and the final group contained Brazil, who had never missed a World Cup. However, Brazil never got going, and they finished in 4th, not even in the play-off places, for the shock of the qualifying round.
In the play-offs there were good wins for Norway, Mediterranean and Chile over Hungary, South Korea and Austria respectively. The highest drama was in the play-off between Slovakia and Former Yugoslavia, which needed an extra replay to separate the two sides. It was Slovakia who claimed the solitary goal to become the 32nd team to qualify for the finals.
Group stage
Group A looked to be a tight battle between Portugal, Italy and Turkey, but the first four matches meant Portugal and Italy sailed through with no trouble. The Netherlands were similarly untroubled in the next group, but England only just avoided elimination despite a poor performance in losing to Romania in the final round. Switzerland pipped France to top spot in a group where Argentina's elimination after two games was the main surprise. Ukraine and Mexico were expected to cruise Group D, but Peru were on hand to shock Ukraine and claim second place.
Group E was billed as the Group of Death, with Germany and Spain drawn together. Despite Bulgaria's best efforts, they and Yorkshire didn't have enough to stop the two most recent actual World Cup winners progressing. Belgium had never lived up to expectations, and a surprise defeat to South Africa saw them eliminated as South Africa and Greece sailed through. Group G was a skirmish with all four teams battling until the end. USA and North Africa were the sides to claim key victories in the final round of fixtures to progress. Russia and China were expected to cruise the final group, but they hadn't reckoned for the giantkiller of Uruguay, who beat both sides in topping the group, as China claimed second place, and the final spot in the knock-out rounds.
Second round (part 1; part 2)
What a way to start the knockouts but with a battle between the best two sides in qualifying. Portugal raced to 2-0 against England, but a red card gave England hope, but ultimately they were only able to pull one goal back. Switzerland were favourites against Peru, but never looked comfortable and were taken to penalties. After Ifran's miss it looked to be Switzerland's win, but Carvallo made two saves as Peru's journey continued. Germany were pushed all the way by South Africa, but Vidal's extra-time winner was enough. China, meanwhile, were barely troubled by North Africa as they looked lethal in attack, winning 3-1.
The Netherlands and Italy looked to be very well-matched, and so it proved as their game had little between them. In the end, a brace from Bacca gave Italy a 2-1 win. The most dramatic moment of the round came as Mexico lost out to France thanks to a late fluked goal by Lima - despite Mexico goalkeeper Marchesin appearing to have been fouled by Cavani. Spain's XI always looked unbalanced - with Messi, Ronaldo and 9 lesser players - and they were eventually found out by a defensively-solid Greek side. The USA became the latest side to underestimate Uruguay, who ran riot in scoring 4 first-half goals in a 4-2 win.
Quarter-finals
Portugal thus far had racked up 13 wins and 1 draw in 14 games, so it's no exaggeration to say that their subsequent 2-0 defeat to (10-man!) Peru was the shock of the tournament. Meanwhile Germany and China faced up a titanic battle. However, it was a rather tame affair until Carvalho's suicidal back-pass allowed Aubmeyang in to score the only goal for Germany.
Another tight game followed between France and Italy, and it went all the way into extra time. With penalties looming, Montolivo scored an outrageous strike from distance to put Italy through. Greece and Uruguay faced off to see who would secure a surprise semi-final berth, and Olaza's first-half free kick was the only goal, putting the two-time World Cup winners through.
Semi-finals
By this stage, it's not unfair to say that Peru had become the neutral's favourite, and they played tournament favourites Germany in their semi-final. The fairytale looked set to continue as Rodriguez put Peru ahead, but Germany soon levelled through Vidal. The match went to extra time, and a tiring Peru were cruelly put away by three Aubameyang strikes.
The other semi-final also saw a European giant face an insurgent South American minnow, this time in the forms of Italy and Uruguay. The sides traded first-half penalties, before Uruguay re-took the lead through de la Cruz. Italy huffed and puffed, but their lack of attacking depth showed as Uruguay held on for a 2-1 victory.
Final
So this left us with the first-ever World Cup winners in Uruguay and the most recent winners in Germany. It was the Germans who looked the better in the opening half, but the match remained scoreless at the break.
The breakthrough came when Olaza's careless tackle gave Germany a penalty, which Vidal dispatched for his third goal in the knockout rounds. Soon after, Germany looked to have secured the trophy when Dembele's neat pass allowed Bittencourt to double the lead. Uruguay looked surprisingly muted in attack, and they only got on the scoresheet in added time when Rodriguez's penalty beat Horn. It wasn't enough, though, and Germany claimed a deserved tournament triumph.
Awards
Golden boot
There was no one player putting all others in the shade with their goalscoring heroics. The early lead was taken by South Africa's Prince Nxumalo and France's Falcao, who both got an impressive five goals in the group stage. However, he was narrowly pipped by the eventual golden boot winner Sebastian Fernandez of Uruguay, whose two goals against the USA were enough to take him to 6. The final standings were as follows:
- 6 goals: Fernandez (Uruguay)
- 5 goals: Nxumalo (South Africa), Falcao (France)
- 4 goals: Tevez (China), Bittencourt, Aubameyang (Germany), Ronaldo (Spain), Bacca (Italy), Ramirez (Uruguay), Kaka (USA).
Golden ball
Here's your chance to vote for who you think deserves the golden ball (player of the tournament). Use the tabs below to cycle through the three nominees and to cast your vote.
Leonardo Bittencourt (Germany)
In real life, Bittencourt is a fairly unknown winger for Koln, who has accumulated a few German youth team caps. However, during the tournament he continually found himself in the right place at the right time.
He kicked Germany's campaign off with a goal against Yorkshire, and following this with a goal in the next game against Spain. He got Germany's first goal of the knock-out rounds as well, against South Africa. However, his most important goal was his fourth and final, as it was the one which secured the tournament, the winner in the final.
With an average rating in the group stage of 7.70 and a rating in the knock-out stages of 8.08, it's hard to say anyone had as consistently good a tournament as Bittencourt.
In real life, Bittencourt is a fairly unknown winger for Koln, who has accumulated a few German youth team caps. However, during the tournament he continually found himself in the right place at the right time.
He kicked Germany's campaign off with a goal against Yorkshire, and following this with a goal in the next game against Spain. He got Germany's first goal of the knock-out rounds as well, against South Africa. However, his most important goal was his fourth and final, as it was the one which secured the tournament, the winner in the final.
With an average rating in the group stage of 7.70 and a rating in the knock-out stages of 8.08, it's hard to say anyone had as consistently good a tournament as Bittencourt.
Sebastian Fernandez (Uruguay)
Fernandez is a forward who plays for Nacional in the Uruguayan leagues, who he joined after unremarkable spells in Spain for Malaga and Rayo. Who would have thought, then, that he would be the first winner of the Draft World Cup's golden boot. However, this is exactly what happened, as his six goals led Uruguay all the way to the final.
Fernandez's partnership with Kevin Ramirez was in evidence from the first match, as they were instrumental in a 5-2 mauling of China, Fernandez with two goals. He added another in the subsequent draw with Slovakia, and got the winner in the final group game against Russia with a brilliant shot from a tight angle.
He and Ramirez were rampant again as USA were put the sword, Fernandez with two first-half goals, meaning he got enough goals to win the golden boot in the first half of his campaign. His lack of goals in the remaining 3.5 games may count against him, but even against Germany he was Uruguay's most dangerous attacking threat.
Fernandez is a forward who plays for Nacional in the Uruguayan leagues, who he joined after unremarkable spells in Spain for Malaga and Rayo. Who would have thought, then, that he would be the first winner of the Draft World Cup's golden boot. However, this is exactly what happened, as his six goals led Uruguay all the way to the final.
Fernandez's partnership with Kevin Ramirez was in evidence from the first match, as they were instrumental in a 5-2 mauling of China, Fernandez with two goals. He added another in the subsequent draw with Slovakia, and got the winner in the final group game against Russia with a brilliant shot from a tight angle.
He and Ramirez were rampant again as USA were put the sword, Fernandez with two first-half goals, meaning he got enough goals to win the golden boot in the first half of his campaign. His lack of goals in the remaining 3.5 games may count against him, but even against Germany he was Uruguay's most dangerous attacking threat.
Juan Manuel Vargas (Peru)
Some may remember Vargas from his spell with Fiorentina in Italy, who he represented in the Champions League. Now 34, he represents Universitario in his homeland. Vargas' experience was vital for Peru, as they made waves in getting to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Deployed as a complete wing back, Vargas was often Peru's main attacking threat, and it was his delightful cross which allowed Tejada to score the only goal in Peru's shock opening win against Ukraine, despite being down to 10 men. In the final match of the group stage Vargas got a goal for himself, firing a powerful shot into the Mexican net. In the second round Vargas was everywhere, and earned man of the match against Switzerland, scoring in the penalty shoot-out to boot. And in Peru's shock win over Portugal, it was Vargas who set up Avila for the opening goal.
Sometimes his attacking intent was exploited by opponents, but without his drive and creativity, Peru would have been far less likely to have got as far as they did.
Some may remember Vargas from his spell with Fiorentina in Italy, who he represented in the Champions League. Now 34, he represents Universitario in his homeland. Vargas' experience was vital for Peru, as they made waves in getting to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Deployed as a complete wing back, Vargas was often Peru's main attacking threat, and it was his delightful cross which allowed Tejada to score the only goal in Peru's shock opening win against Ukraine, despite being down to 10 men. In the final match of the group stage Vargas got a goal for himself, firing a powerful shot into the Mexican net. In the second round Vargas was everywhere, and earned man of the match against Switzerland, scoring in the penalty shoot-out to boot. And in Peru's shock win over Portugal, it was Vargas who set up Avila for the opening goal.
Sometimes his attacking intent was exploited by opponents, but without his drive and creativity, Peru would have been far less likely to have got as far as they did.
Goal of the tournament
Again, you can vote for your selection. The tabs below show GIFs of each effort, so have a look at each clip and place your vote.
Again, you can vote for your selection. The tabs below show GIFs of each effort, so have a look at each clip and place your vote.
Story of the tournament
Finally, you can vote for the most exciting story that happened throughout the campaign. Unlike the above awards, this includes qualification. As before, the nominees are shown in the tabs below along with the vote.
Finally, you can vote for the most exciting story that happened throughout the campaign. Unlike the above awards, this includes qualification. As before, the nominees are shown in the tabs below along with the vote.
Central Asian controversy
Central Asia, representing teams from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, did incredibly well to even qualify for the Draft World Cup finals. However, the main talking point was how they didn't win their group, despite initially finishing 1st. A key result along the way was a 4-2 win over Israel.
However, upon checking the highlights of this game, the goals shown were all for Israel, who appeared to win 3-0. With conflicting versions of events, it was decided that a replay would be necessary. Despite having nothing to play for, Israel claimed a draw to deny Central Asia top spot.
This wasn't the last of it, as during the finals the game would crash if I tried to control Central Asia. This meant I had to go on holiday and cede control to the assistant manager. Perhaps with full control Central Asia could have got further into the tournament?
Central Asia, representing teams from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, did incredibly well to even qualify for the Draft World Cup finals. However, the main talking point was how they didn't win their group, despite initially finishing 1st. A key result along the way was a 4-2 win over Israel.
However, upon checking the highlights of this game, the goals shown were all for Israel, who appeared to win 3-0. With conflicting versions of events, it was decided that a replay would be necessary. Despite having nothing to play for, Israel claimed a draw to deny Central Asia top spot.
This wasn't the last of it, as during the finals the game would crash if I tried to control Central Asia. This meant I had to go on holiday and cede control to the assistant manager. Perhaps with full control Central Asia could have got further into the tournament?
Brazil's shock elimination
In each of the first twelve qualifying groups, the top seeds always ensured a qualification spot - none had even ended up in the play-offs. And with one group remaining this appeared set to continue, as the top seeds were Brazil, football's greatest nation, who have never missed an edition of the actual World Cup.
Brazil's club scene may not be near the level of its national side, but by spending their full £200m on their squad, you still have to expect an easy triumph, particularly when the competition was Austria, Uruguay, Mexico and two combined African sides - Western and Southern. However, Brazil never got going, and they only accumulated 9 points in the first 9 games, partly due to a shock 1-0 defeat to Southern Africa. Somehow, they were still holding a play-off spot, and just needed to avoid defeat to Austria in the final match.
An early Austrian penalty set the tone, and they end up 4-0 down. A late consolation did little to disguise the horror of Brazil's campaign.
In each of the first twelve qualifying groups, the top seeds always ensured a qualification spot - none had even ended up in the play-offs. And with one group remaining this appeared set to continue, as the top seeds were Brazil, football's greatest nation, who have never missed an edition of the actual World Cup.
Brazil's club scene may not be near the level of its national side, but by spending their full £200m on their squad, you still have to expect an easy triumph, particularly when the competition was Austria, Uruguay, Mexico and two combined African sides - Western and Southern. However, Brazil never got going, and they only accumulated 9 points in the first 9 games, partly due to a shock 1-0 defeat to Southern Africa. Somehow, they were still holding a play-off spot, and just needed to avoid defeat to Austria in the final match.
An early Austrian penalty set the tone, and they end up 4-0 down. A late consolation did little to disguise the horror of Brazil's campaign.
Peru & Uruguay's fairytale journeys
When you think of which sides you'd expect at the business end of the Draft World Cup, you'd never expect to see two relatively small South American nations like Peru and Uruguay, given the might of the European giants.
Peru only just managed to qualify for the tournament, but once there their dynamic play shocked Ukraine to help them get to the knock-out stages, where they upset Switzerland on penalties. But their greatest flourish was defeating strong tournament favourites Portugal 2-0, before eventually succumbing to Germany in the semi-final, but only after extra time. Incredibly, both of Peru's wins in the tournament were earned despite being down to 10 men for the majority of the game.
Probably even more impressive was Uruguay's run. They qualified well, beating Brazil twice on the way. Drawn alongside two giants in Russia and China should have been the end of things for Uruguay, but they went goal-crazy against China, and a 1-0 win over Russia secured their passage. They faced another expensive side in the form of the USA, but this time Uruguay racked up the goals again to progress thrillingly. A tense win over Greece was followed with a win over Italy, and Uruguay reached the final. Unfortunately, it was one step too far as Germany proved too good.
When you think of which sides you'd expect at the business end of the Draft World Cup, you'd never expect to see two relatively small South American nations like Peru and Uruguay, given the might of the European giants.
Peru only just managed to qualify for the tournament, but once there their dynamic play shocked Ukraine to help them get to the knock-out stages, where they upset Switzerland on penalties. But their greatest flourish was defeating strong tournament favourites Portugal 2-0, before eventually succumbing to Germany in the semi-final, but only after extra time. Incredibly, both of Peru's wins in the tournament were earned despite being down to 10 men for the majority of the game.
Probably even more impressive was Uruguay's run. They qualified well, beating Brazil twice on the way. Drawn alongside two giants in Russia and China should have been the end of things for Uruguay, but they went goal-crazy against China, and a 1-0 win over Russia secured their passage. They faced another expensive side in the form of the USA, but this time Uruguay racked up the goals again to progress thrillingly. A tense win over Greece was followed with a win over Italy, and Uruguay reached the final. Unfortunately, it was one step too far as Germany proved too good.
So... that's all for the 2017 edition of the Draft World Cup. But with Football Manager 2018 released, we'll be back with a new edition!
The exciting thing is that I'll be aiming to time the tournament to coincide with the actual World Cup in the summer - so look out for a post soon explaining how this will work!
But mostly, thanks for reading this series, it's been dead fun to do, and I think pretty exciting to follow. Please share on social media if you know anyone who would be interested!
The exciting thing is that I'll be aiming to time the tournament to coincide with the actual World Cup in the summer - so look out for a post soon explaining how this will work!
But mostly, thanks for reading this series, it's been dead fun to do, and I think pretty exciting to follow. Please share on social media if you know anyone who would be interested!