World Cup History: A Crystal Ball with Leather Panels

[MGoldman]

Football Manager is a game that allows every fan to live his dreams, whether it be conquering Europe with Stockport or leading the Three Lions to World Cup glory. At its heart, it is a game based on putting the average fan into an extraordinary perspective-- that of a professional football manager. I have spent many hours of my life masquerading as a manager, assuming the lives of Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, and Fabio Cappello. This is a story of a return to a new (yet familiar) perspective: the fan.

Through the eyes of John Doe, the eternally “unemployed” manager, the events of each World Cup will be recounted in dramatic, journalistic fashion. Think of it as series of entries into a football encyclopedia yet be written, documenting the world’s greatest tournament--its classic matches, winning teams, top players, and most compelling storylines. Collectively, they will form a long-term narrative of nations and players, as their fortunes rise and fall many years into the future.

WORLD CUP HISTORY

(A Crystal Ball with Leather Panels)

[MGoldman]

Logistics

*Each World Cup will be recounted in three parts. Each part will be released weekly:

Intro + Group Stage

Second Round + Quarterfinals

Semifinals + Finals + Epilogue

*The database is being run on large

*Leagues from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Mexico, USA, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina have been included

*I am synthesizing the gameworld’s “records” with those of the actual World Cup through 2006. Combined, this data will provide a true set of milestones that give player/team achievements greater context

*I will be happy to answer non-World Cup questions about the gameworld, whether it be transfers, club results, etc.

[MGoldman]

World Cup 2010

South Africa

(Part 1 of 3)

All eyes turned to South Africa, as the emerging football nation played host to World Cup 2010. The first tournament on African soil saw a host of top powers and surprising newcomers descend on the continent, each vying for the game’s greatest prize. Once again, Brazil found itself among the favorites after winning the 2009 Confederations Cup, joined by an Argentina squad led by Leo Messi. Cup holders Italy similarly solidified their reputation with a perfect qualifying record, while Spain’s win at Euro 2008 also put the La Furia Roja among the teams to beat. Among the debutants were Uzbekistan, Mali, and European upstarts Montenegro.

Group Stages

Group A: (Italy, Japan, Montenegro, Tunisia)

Italy justified their pre-tournament hype with a maximum 9 points from their group stage matches. The Azzurri were followed closely by the early surprise package of the tournament, Montenegro. Making their World Cup debut, the small European country beat Tunisia and Japan to seal a knockout berth.

Group B: (Morocco, South Korea, Switzerland, Portugal)

Switzerland surprised many with a strong group stage, finishing with three wins and top spot over Portugal. Their 1-0 victory over the 2006 semifinalists was a surprising upset, but the stellar play of Helder Postiga was enough to see the Portuguese past Morocco and a dismal South Korea.

Group C: (Chile, England, Germany, Honduras)

In one of the group stage’s highly-anticipated encounters, a strong Germany side saw off England, 3-1. The Germans would finish the stage with a perfect record, while England had to dramatically overcome Chile in their final match to move on. Michael Carrick and Gareth Barry’s second half strikes made a 2-1 comeback complete, saving England from blushes after defeat to Germany and a draw to unfancied Honduras.

Group D: (Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, Turkey)

“D” fortuitously stood for “death”, as Group D provided the stage’s most competitive set of teams. Brazil, Turkey, Mexico, and Nigeria all slugged it out for two spots in the knockout rounds. Brazil would end up taking the “Group of Death” with 5 points, followed by Mexico over Nigeria on goals scored. A talented Turkish squad, semifinalists at Euro 2008, could only rue their unfortunate draw.

Group E: (Czech Republic, North Korea, Paraguay, South Africa)

If Group D was the “Group of Death”, then Group E was surely the “Group of Life”. Czech Republic was a dominant 3-0 after the group stage, easily dispatching South Africa, Paraguay, and North Korea. The Bafana Bafana made history as the first hosts never to advance to the knockout rounds, unable to even beat a poor North Korea. Paraguay nabbed the final spot, emphatically crushing the North Koreans in their final game, 9-0.

Group F: (Colombia, France, Holland, Uzbekistan)

While France had started their 2006 campaign slowly, they got off the block quick in a talented Group F. Les Blues defeated Holland in a 1-0 group showdown, extracting revenge from the Orange’s rout in Euro 2008. The defeat would come back to haunt Holland on the final matchday, as a reckless Robin van Persie red card led to a 1-0 upset victory for Colombia, sending the Dutch packing early. Colombia would take a knockout spot behind France’s 9 points, while debutants Uzbekistan failed to score a goal and anchored the tournament form table.

Group G: (Argentina, Cameroon, Scotland, USA)

Argentina gave fans what they expected, delivering three wins and a top spot in Group G. The South Americans had to get by Cameroon with a stoppage time penalty kick, but victories against Scotland and USA righted the Argentine ship. Carlos Tevez and Leo Messi put in strong performances, dooming Scotland and a disappointing USA to elimination. In Africa’s first World Cup, Cameroon would be the only team representing the continent in the knockout stage.

Group H: (Australia, Mali, Russia, Spain)

Spain showed the form that made them Euro 2008 champions and tournament favorites, defeating Australia, Mali, and Russia en route to winning Group H. 26 yo. midfielder Andres Iniesta had a scintillating three games, scoring 3 goals and assisting 4 to power the Spanish offense. While Spain led the way, the Aussies also impressed in wins over Mali and Russia, locking up second spot.

[HorusFM]

You just have to feel sorry for Uzbekistan. Nice start, MGoldman.

[BobBev]

Welcome MGoldman - nice start

[MGoldman]

Thanks, guys. I just started reading "Product from Iceland", gavrenwick, and I appreciate the support.

[tenthreeleader]

Welcome to FMS. I have yet to see a USA team that doesn't disappoint in a World Cup, so there you have it, I guess.

[Kryston]

Thought the team in 2002 was pretty good...

[MGoldman]

World Cup 2010

South Africa

(Part 2 of 3)

Round of 16

Italy 2-1 Portugal: Italy kept its title defense alive in Johannesburg, defeating Portugal on the back of two second half strikes. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 48th minute PK was matched with Andrea Pirlo’s bending effort in the 71st. Daniele De Rossi finished the job from long range in the 78th, the midfielder’s third of the tournament.

Switzerland 2-1 Montenegro: The Swiss ended Montenegro’s dream run with an Alex Geijo brace. The Levante man netted his fourth and fifth goals of the World Cup in an impressive display. Stevan Jovetic’s strike in 65th gave the Balkan underdogs some hope, but it would be curtains for the plucky Montenegrans.

England 1-1 Brazil (Eng 4-2 on pks): The English banished their penalty shootout demons and proved their many critics wrong, defeating five-time champions Brazil. Johannesburg witnessed John Terry and Pato trade first half goals, only for the match to come down to spot kicks. Goalkeeper Scott Carson proved hero with Peter Crouch burying the deciding shot. Despite their early struggles, England found itself in the quarterfinals while Brazil went packing uncharacteristically early.

Germany 1-0 Mexico: The Germans continued their winning ways as the Mexicans made their customary second round exit from the tournament. Fabian Hartmann put the Europeans ahead in the 10th minute and held on for victory as Mexico’s Giovanni dos Santos was sent off just before halftime.

France 3-1 Paraguay: The French looked like legitimate title contenders in a first half demolition of their South American opposition. Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema, and Jeremy Toulalan all scored in a replay of 1998’s Round of 16 clash between the two sides. While Les Blues would go on to lift the trophy on that occasion, the current squad looked every bit their equal.

Czech Republic 1-0 Colombia: Tomas Rosicky continued his remarkable resurgence on the world stage, scoring in the 39th to send the Czech Republic through.

Spain 2-0 Cameroon: The last remaining African side bowed out to the European champions, as Spain defeated Cameroon in Cape Town. Iniesta continued his stellar tournament with a 60th minute strike, complemented by David Silva’s 87th minute insurance marker.

Argentina 2-1 Australia (aet): It took 120 minutes, but Argentina finally saw off a formidable Aussie side in Bloemfontein. Bruce Djite put the Socceroos into dreamland with a 27th minute strike, eyeing the nation’s greatest ever victory. However, reality set in as Lucho Gonzalez’ second half equalizer and Fabricio Coloccini’s 104th minute winner sent Argentina onto the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals

Switzerland 0-0 Germany (SUI 9-8 on pks): Switzerland pulled a stunning upset as they knocked off heavily-favored Germany in penalty kicks, advancing to their first ever semifinal. The Germans dominated the match, but could not turn their superior play into goals. A string of successful spot kicks ended when defender Jonas Konrad missed, sending the Swiss through to the final four.

Italy 1-0 England: A physical encounter ended with Italy’s return trip to the semifinal and England’s third straight quarterfinal exit. De Rossi’s 11th minute strike held up for the Azzuri, aided by Gareth Barry’s straight red early in the second half. Despite the victory, the team would lose De Rossi for its semifinal due to a stoppage time ejection for his second yellow.

France 3-0 Argentina: Les Blues and Gold Ball candidate Ribery were firing on all cylinders for their marquee encounter with Argentina. The Bayern playmaker set up two of France’s goals, providing service to Toulalan and Phillipe Mexes. Young midfielder Clement Chantome finished the route with a controversial set piece goal in stoppage time, completing the route and setting up a semifinal with Italy.

Spain 0-0 Czech Republic (ESP 4-3 on pks): Despite controlling the match, it took spot kicks to see Spain past the Czech Republic. Gerard Pique’s conversion paved the way for Iker Casillas’ acrobatic save on Radek Sirl, ending the contest and sending Spain into ecstasy.

[MGoldman]

World Cup 2010

South Africa

(Part 3 of 3)

Semifinals

France 3-1 Italy: France booked passage to their second consecutive final and third in four tournaments, defeating Italy in a scintillating affair. Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi got things started in the 7th minute with a clinical finish, only to be equalized in the 11th by Hatem Ben Arfa from close range. The competitive and attacking match was tied with halftime looming, but Benzema broke the deadlock in the 42nd. The Azzurri battled back for an equalizer, but the game was put out of reach in the 90th, as Ben Arfa found himself unmarked at the back post and finished coolly on the volley. It was revenge for Les Blues’ loss to Italy in the 2006 final, now only one match away from the ultimate prize.

Spain 2-0 Switzerland: Spain advanced to its first ever World Cup final after a convincing win over Switzerland. The surprising Swiss were not up for the big occasion, looking overmatched for much of the game. A superb Francesc Fabregas free kick put Spain ahead in the 35th minute, capped off by Bojan’s classy, close range effort in first half stoppage time. The win set up a final showdown with France in Johannesburg

Third Place Match

Switzerland 0-0 Italy (SUI 4-2 on pks): The Swiss came away from World Cup 2010 with an impressive third place, defeating Italy on penalties. Similar to their other knockout round performances, Switzerland relied on defense to secure a favorable result. Their discipline paid off, as they forced extra time with the Italians and clinically finished their spot kicks to earn a bronze medal.

Final

The 2010 FIFA World Cup final emanated from Johannesburg. Spain had reached the final through knockout wins over Cameroon, Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Powered by the play of Iniesta and the emergence of 19 yo. Bojan, the Spanish were on the cusp of their first World Cup title. They would face a battle-hardened France, who had emerged after victories over Paraguay, Argentina, and Italy. The talismanic Ribery had provided excellent performances all tournament, spurring Raymond Domenech’s side along with the 22 yo. Benzema and his four goals. Other familiar faces would be front and center, as Spain’s all-time leading scorer Raul would line up with Carlos Puyol and Xavi. France’s veteran leadership similarly guided their squad through the tournament, thanks to the presence of captain William Gallas and 32 yo. Thierry Henry, now appearing in his fourth World Cup and the lone hold-over from the 1998 winning side.

Spain drew first blood in the 2nd minute, as Fabregas placed a one-time shot from the penalty spot into the right corner. It was a nightmare start for France, but Les Blues would right the ship in the 33rd, as Lassana Diarra drew level from close range. The final would eventually be decided in the second half, as Ribery’s setpiece cross led to a misplayed header from Spain, creating havoc at the back. The scramble led to Diarra being brought down by Sergio Ramos in the box, as Ribery stepped up in the 70th minute and powered the ensuing penalty kick past Casillas. Les Blues would hang on for the final 20 minutes, winning 2-1 and capturing their second World Cup title.

France 2-1 Spain

(Diarra 33, Ribery 70 pk - Fabregas 2)

Awards

Champions: France

Runners-up: Spain

Third Place: Switzerland

Golden Boot: Alex Geijo (Switzerland ST, 28 yo., 5 goals)

Silver Boot: Fabian Hartmann (Germany MF, 23 yo., 4 goals)

Bronze Boot: Andres Iniesta (Spain, 26 yo. MF, 4 goals)

Golden Ball: Franck Ribery (France, 27 yo. MF, 3 goals & 6 assists)

Silver Ball: Andres Iniesta (Spain, 26 yo. MF, 4 goals & 4 assists)

Bronze Ball: Daniele De Rossi (Italy, 26 yo. MF, 4 goals)

[MGoldman]

World Cup 2014

Brazil

(Part 1 of 3)

Almost 64 years on, the planet’s biggest sporting event returned to the land of samba for World Cup 2014. Brazil welcomed the world for a competition packed with familiar contenders, emerging darkhorses, and surprising qualifiers. The host country entered the tournament with a loaded lineup and considerable expectations, entrusting Luiz Felipe Scolari to win Brazil a World Cup on home soil. The nation’s public would hope the aging manager could replicate his achievement of 2002, when his trio of Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho took the trophy home.

Brazil’s squad boasted Man City legend Robinho (30), as well as the skillful midfield duo of 26 yo. Anderson and the veteran Kaka (32). A powerful Italy side joined the Selecao as joint favorites, having won Euro 2012 and the 2013 Confederations Cup in convincing style. The Azzurri deservedly held FIFA’s #1 ranking and featured Fiorentina’s All-World midfielder Riccardo Montolivo (29). Tenacious Daniele De Rossi and star striker Giuseppe Rossi also entered the cup as key Italian cornerstones behind ageless captain Gianluigi Buffon (36).

The usual suspects also entered the tournament strong. France still had many pieces of its 2010-winning side intact, while Argentina and Spain each negotiated qualifying undefeated. Among the darkhorses were African champions Nigeria, who upset Brazil in Sao Luis to reach the prior year’s Confederation Cup final. Peru also threatened to make some noise, having finished an impressive second in South American qualifying behind Juan Manuel Vargas’ excellent flank play. The tiny Latin nation was making its first cup appearance since 1982, while Oceania qualifiers New Zealand were also returning after a 32-year hiatus.

Group Stages

Group A: (Chile, France, Greece, New Zealand)

Defending champions France were pushed to the limit by what many considered a mediocre group. Les Blues’ road would get rocky early, needing a late Abou Diaby header to get past Greece, 1-0. New Zealand then scored one of the upsets of the tournament, as Jarrod Smith’s injury time strike secured a famous 1-0 win over two-time champions. Stingy defense gave the Greeks a deserved spot atop the group, while Chile and France battled on the final matchday. After Samir Nasri’s clutch strike erased Chile’s 2-1 lead, some last-ditch defending sent France through on goal differential. The Kiwis ended the group stage bottom on 3 points, but had made a statement on the world stage.

Group B: (Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia)

A group of darkhorse contenders played out extremely competitively, as Mexico and Nigeria eventually emerged from the four-team dogfight. Behind the world-class strikeforce of Giovani dos Santos and Real Madrid ace Carlos Vela, El Tri topped the group with 5 points. Following close behind were Nigeria, spurred by their own star hitmen Ikechukwu Uchue and his 3 goals. Peru narrowly missed advancing on goal differential, followed by Russia propping up the group.

Group C: (China, Colombia, England, Germany)

For the second consecutive cup, rivals England and Germany would open their campaigns against each other. The Germans’ 2nd minute strike was equalized by Wayne Rooney on the stroke of halftime and Steven Gerrard’s injury time winner sent the Three Lions’ traveling support into ecstasy. However, this measure of revenge was short-lived, as China’s 2-1 upset of Stuart Pearce’s side blew the group wide open with one match to play. Germany won the group with a 5-0 thrashing of the Chinese and England dramatically defeated Colombia, 2-1, for the final spot. Frank Lampard, 36 years young, would be the hero with a 84th minute winner.

Group D: (Australia, Czech Republic, Italy, Ivory Coast)

Italy justified their pre-tournament hype with three wins in Group D. Despite losing Montolivo to injury, Salvatore Foti picked up the offensive slack and paced the Italians with 3 goals. 2010 quarterfinalists Czech Republic also returned to the knockout stage, albeit with help of already-eliminated Australia. By holding the Ivory Coast to a thrilling 3-3 draw, the Aussies sent their opponents packing as well.

Group E: (Argentina, Mali, Switzerland, USA)

Cup contenders Argentina marched through Group E with maximum points, defeating Mali, Switzerland, and the USA. Attacking duo Leo Messi and Sergio Aguero led the way and combined for 3 goals and 3 assists during the group stage. Mali would depart Brazil with zero points, leaving Switzerland and the United States to fight for second place. The showdown would not disappoint, as American talisman Freddy Adu would punctuate a thrilling encounter with his game-winning free kick at 90+5. The 3-2 victory would see the States through to the knockout stage and send Switzerland, a 2010 semifinalist, home considerably earlier.

Group F: (Brazil, Cameroon, Holland, Saudi Arabia)

Playing in front of its home fans, Brazil started its quest for the cup in stylish fashion. A Robinho double sunk Holland, 2-0, in a highly-anticipated opening fixture. The Selecao followed with 1-0 shutouts of Saudi Arabia and Cameroon, traversing the group stage without buckling under the nation’s considerable pressure. Though beaten comprehensively by Brazil, the Dutch would right its ship and finish second behind two victories.

Group G: (Denmark, Ghana, South Korea, Spain)

After losing the 2010 final to France, Spain’s talented squad sought redemption in Brazil. Their group form signaled a team to be reckoned with, topping G with 9 points. Claiming second behind the Spaniards were Ghana, led by midfield play of Michael Essien and Derek Boateng. One of the Africans’ two wins came at the expense of Denmark, who settled for third in front of underwhelming South Korea.

Group H: (Jamaica, Portugal, Turkey, Uruguay)

Portugal rode the stellar wingplay of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, and Bosingwa, capturing top spot on 7 points. The winners of Brazil’s last World Cup tournament also got off the mark in 2014, as Uruguay defeated Turkey and Jamaica for the second knockout spot. Though a perennially scrappy side, Turkey was unable to record a win and bowed out at the group stage for a second consecutive tournament. Having tied the Turks for their lone point would be achievement enough for Jamaica.