FM: Harrogate's (hopeful) ascendency

[Eaglesfan27]

June 13th, 2006 -

Spain beat Jordan 1-0.

Czech Republic beat Honduras 4-0.

This puts Spain firmly at the top of group A with 6 points.

The Czech Republic and Jordan each have 3 points and Honduras is at the bottom of Group A with 0 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 14th, 2006 -

Ian Marshall, my physio, announced he is retiring at the end of the season. He wants to go home and enjoy life with his wife and grandchildren.

I watched the USA face Wales today. David Vaughn scored a soft goal against Tim Howard at the 18 minute mark to give Wales the 1-0 lead. Freddy Adu (who is now playing for Real Madrid) had a great assist to Brian McBride at the 37 minute mark to tie up the score. 3 minutes later, Clint Mathis made a great pass inside the box to Brian McBride who finished the play to make it 2-1. However, at the 77 minute mark, Claudio Reyna tried to clear a Wales corner without success as he headed it into the goal for an own goal! That ended the scoring in a game that ended 2-2.

Turkey beat Mali, 2-0.

That means that Turkey has qualified for the next round with their 6 point total which leads Group B. Wales is in the driver seat as they have 4 points. The USA needs a Wales loss to advance as well as a big win as they only have 1 point. Mali has no hope with 0 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jun 15th, 2006 -

F!#%! Blackpool just offered 170,000 dollars plus 25% of next sale for Mark Smyth! I really don't want to lose him as I feel that we will be unlikely to win promotion to the next league without him and Kelly working together. From my time with him, he doesn't seem particularly ambitious. I hope that Mr. Fotherby doesn't get pissed. I also hope that Mark doesn't become mad, but I turn down the offer.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 15th, 2006 -

Algeria beat Chile 1-0.

Argentina beat South Korea 1-0.

Algeria now has 6 points and has qualified for the next round.

Argentina has 4 points and is in the driver seat for the next round.

Chile has 1 point.

South Korea is out of it with 0 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 17th, 2006 -

Brazil beat Croatia 3-1.

Serbia & Mont. beat Libya 2-0.

As a result of these wins, both Brazil and Serbia & Mont. advance to the next round with 6 points from Group D.


Portugal beat Jamaica 1-0.

Germany beat Turkmenistan 3-1.

As a result of these two wins, both Germany and Portugal advance with 6 points from Group E.

Uruguay beat Ghana 1-0.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 18th, 2006 -

I watched England demolish Bahrain 5-1 today. Jermaine Dafoe was particularly brilliant with a hattrick in the 2nd half. Dafoe also had an assist on a goal by David Beckham. Beckham assisted on 2 of Dafoe's goals and Frank Lampard assisted on the other.

Denmark beat Sweden 2-0.

As a result of these matches, Denmark is 1st in group F with 6 points, England is 2nd with 3 points, and Sweden is tied for 2nd with 3 points. Bahrain is out of it with 0 points.

Peru beat France 1-0.

As a result, Peru qualifies from group H with 6 points. Uruquay has 3 points. France and Ghana each have 1 point.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 19th, 2006 -

Lennie Curtis, my 33 year old defender, announced that he will retire after this season.

Russia beat Tunisia 2-0.

Mexico beat Italy 1-0.

As a result, Russia is leading Group G with 4 points, Mexico and Tunisia each have 3 points, and Italy is done with only 1 point.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 20th, 2006 -

Greg Kelly won the Harrogate Supporter's Player of the Year award.

Oh YEAH!!! We just received 180,000 dollars for Conference National TV rights for the upcoming season! Goodbye club debt.. Hello Black!

Mark Smyth and I sat down and talked. He said he is enthusiastic about his future here at Harrogate and doesn't want to leave. I let him know that I have no plans to sell him at any price.

The board told me that their expectations and goal for the upcoming season is that I will fight bravely against relegation from the English Conference National. I have 32,000 in transfer funds as previously promised. I plan on greatly exceeding those expectations if I can keep the big 3 together and healthy.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 20th, 2006 -

Today is the big match for the USA. They need a big win over Mali as well as a Wales loss in order to advance.

Interesting the USA manager dropped Freddy Adu from the entire lineup for this game. The USA started out strong controlling ball possession. At the 8th minute, Landon Donovan played a nice cross for Brian McBride who headed it into the goal. At the 14 minute mark, Donovan took a pass from Steven Cherundolo and dribbled it into the box. Donovan sent a powerful shot from 20 yards out which went into the upper right corner of the net. Claudio Reyna took a pass from Greg Vanney at the 83 minute mark in which he shot from 25 yards out, but buried the goal. The USA won 3-0.

The USA now needed Turkey to beat Wales by at least 2 points to insure that the USA advanced. The games were played simultaneously, so at the end of the match, the USA team got the good news! Turkey won 4-1 against Wales. USA advances with 4 points and the +1 differential as opposed to Wales which had a -1 GD with their 4 points.

So, it will be Turkey and the USA advancing from Group B.

In Group A, the Czech Republic beat Jordan 4-0.

Spain beat Honduras 3-0. The win over Jordan allowed the Czech Republic to advance with 6 points. Spain advances with a perfect 9 points. Jordan ends up with 3 points. Honduras finishes up with 0 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 21st, 2006 -

Argentina tied Algeria 1-1.

Chile beat South Korea 2-0.

As a result, Algeria advances with 7 points.

Argentina advances with 5 points.

Chile is left outside looking in with 4 points.

South Korea has 0 points.

In meaningless group D games, Serbia beats Brazil 1-0 and Croatia beats Libya 3-2.

Serbia advances with 9 points.

Brazil advances with 6 points.

Croatia ends up with 3 points.

Libya has 0 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

Group E is already decided with Portugal and Germany advancing. However, Group F with England is very much up in the air.

Portugal beat Germany 2-1. Portugal advances with 9 points. Germany advances with 6 points. Turkmenistan and Jamaica tied 1-1. As a result, each have 1 point.

England and Sweden each have 3 points, and play against each other today to see who advances. This should be an exciting game!

At the 6 minute mark, David Beckham hit a wicked curving pass to Wayne Rooney who received it inside the box.. Rooney banged home the shot past the Swedish keeper. At the 36 minute mark, Beckham assisted a second Rooney goal with a more mundane through ball. Paul Robinson was solid in goal for England as he stopped 4 shots from Sweden. However, England really controlled possession most of the game, and outshot Sweden 22-7 (12-4 on goal)

England advances with 6 points! Denmark beat Bahrain 2-0.

Denmark also advances with 9 points.

Sweden ends up with 3 points.

Bahrain has 0 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 23rd, 2006 -

Italy is in dire straights trying to find a way to advance from group G. They need a win and a loss from Mexico. Italy does its part by beating Tunisia 2-1. However, Mexico ties Russia 1-1.

Russia advances with 5 points. Mexico advances with 4 points and the tie breaker, the 1-0 win over Italy earlier in the tournament. Italy ends up with 4 points but no advancement. Tunisia ends up with 3 points.

France has much more control of their destiny in Group H. They have to beat Uruguay and they are in. Lose or tie, and they are out. France dominated from the first whistle. Thierry Henry had a goal, David Trezeguet had 2 goals to complete the scoring in a 3-0 win. They outshot Uruguay 9-2 for on target shots.

Peru beat Ghana to advance with 9 points. Ghana ends up with 1 points, and Uruguay ends up with 3 points, and France advances with 4 points.

So, the field of 16 is clear!

The USA will face Spain.

Turkey will face the Czech Republic.

Algeria faces Brazil.

Argentina faces Serbia & Mont.

Portugal will face England.

Denmark and Germany square off.

France will play Russia.

Peru and Mexico will battle.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 24th, 2006 -

The USA plays Spain today. The USA started Howard in goal, Carlos Bocanegra at left fullback, Eddie Pope and John O'Brien at DC, Steven Cherundolo at right fullback. They put Landon Donovan at left winger, Bobby Convey at MC, Claudio Reyna at the other MC spot, Justin Moose at right winger, and Brian McBride and Clint Mathis up front. The first half was very conserative as both sides seemed content to play very defensive. Each team only had 1 shot by halftime.

They both opened up a bit more in the 2nd half, and Howard had to make a good save on a nice breakway by Joaquin. However, Howard came up strong. At the 72 minute mark, The USA manager subbed out both Mathis and McBride and put in Eddie Lewis and Daniel Karbassiyoon up front. This ended up being a fortitous move, as Landon Donovan crossed a pass for Lewis in the 85th minute which Lewis met with a diving header for a goal. The 1-0 margin stood up, and the USA advances.

In the late game, Turkey survived a wide open attack by the Czech Republic. Turkey's keeper Recher Rustu managed to collect 12 saves (21 shots in total, with 12 on goal) and he helped initiate a counter attack that led to 2 goals for Turkey. Turkey gladly moves on with the 2-0 win.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 25th, 2006 -

Argentina absolutely dominated Serbia & Mont. this game by controlling ball possesion. They outshot them 26-2! Andres D'Alessandro (OOC: one of my absolute favorite players from CM 03/04) provided all of the offense with 2 goals from his attacking midfield spot.

Algeria shocked Brazil. Despite outshooting Algeria 27-3, Brazil could not get it past the Algerian keeper, Mohamed Benhamou. Mohamed stopped 18 shots! The match eventually went to Penalty shots and Mohammed made 3 more saves in this phase! Brazil also missed one shot wide, and Algeria won the penalty shootout 2-1 to advance!

[Eaglesfan27]

June 26th, 2006 -

Germany and Denmark faced off in a great matchup. Germany outshot Denmark 21-9, but didn't score til the final minute of extra time for a 1-0 victory.

England took on Portugal today as well. England started Paul Robinson in goal. Wayne Bridge started at left fullback, John Terry and Jonathan Woodgate at DC, and Owen Hargreaves at right fullback. Shaun Wright-Phillips started at right winger, Gareth Barry at left wing, David Beckham and Frank Lampard at MC. Jermaine Dafoe and Wayne Rooney started at striker.

England controlled possession all game long, and Frank Lampard headed in a pass from Jermain Dafoe at the 35 minute mark. This ended up being the game winner as Portugal never even got a shot on goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 27th, 2006 -

Peru beat Mexico 2-0 today excellent keeper play from Francisco Bazan who had 9 saves.

France beat Russia 2-1 thanks to 2 goals by Thierry Henry who looked brilliant on the pitch today. Trezeguet was injured 30 minutes into the match, and he might miss the next round match.

[Eaglesfan27]

June 30th, 2006 -

The final 8 begin play today. First we have the match between Turkey and Algeria. The late match will be the USA vs Argentina. Turkey's striker Nihat beat the puzzle that was the Algerian keeper with two quick goals at the 25 minute and 31 minute mark. The goals help up for a 2-0 win.

The USA played Argentina in the latter game. The USA chose to start DeMarcus Beasley at right wing in place of Justin Moose and this looked like a good move as Beasley started off playing well. Landon Donovan was hit with a hard body check at the 14 minute mark that took him out of the game. The hit looked brutal and I suspect that Donovan will miss the rest of the World Cup. At the 21 minute mark, Herman Crespo broke free on the counter attack and he beat Howard with a strong shot into the upper left corner.

DaMarcus Beasley finally answered for the USA with a goal at the 78 minute mark that tied it up.

The game went into extra time Claudio Reyna found the new striker Daniel Karbissiyoon in the box open.. Daniel quickly shot it for the lower right corner.. past the Argentinian keeper. The USA made the 2-1 lead stand up with excellent defense down the stretch in front of Howard.

[daedalus]

Out of curiosity, what position is Daniel Karbasiyoon listed as playing for Arsenal? (It's possible that he will have been gone by this point.) He has been converted to fullback for awhile now but the demo still had him as a striker. Also, is Franklin Simek still a centreback-only or is he rated for right fullback now?

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by daedalus

Out of curiosity, what position is Daniel Karbasiyoon listed as playing for Arsenal? (It's possible that he will have been gone by this point.) He has been converted to fullback for awhile now but the demo still had him as a striker. Also, is Franklin Simek still a centreback-only or is he rated for right fullback now?

Daniel is a striker in Arsenal's reserve in the game. He is only listed as playing striker for the USA (current S4 on their tactics)

Franklin Simek is in the Arsenal reserves with centreback his only listed position.


As a side note, I can't wait til I coach a team with the type of talent that Arsenal has in their reserves.

[Eaglesfan27]

(OOC Note: Normally this would be the point that I would start a new thread as the year has offically ended, but I'm going to continue this thread since the World Cup is still going on. I guess I will end it after the WC is over and start a new thread for the next season.)

July 1st, 2006 -

Today, Nick Bruxton, Justin Jackson, James Turley, and Michael Ord were all released as their contract expired and I had chosen not to renew it.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 1st, 2006 -

Germany beat France 2-1 to advance to the next round. France's only goal came from Trezeguet.

The England - Peru game was one that I was excited to watch on TV. The match started off with England dominating ball possession. However, Juan Jose Flores caught England on the counter attack after receiving a long kick from the keeper.. and he blasted a shot past Paul Robinson for a 1-0 lead.

The next 20 minutes were tension filled, until Rio Ferdinand intercepted a ball deep in England's turf. He sent a long pass up the field to David Beckham.. Beckham hit a wonderful curving shot that sailed in the upper left corner of the goal for the equalizer.

The remainder of the 1st half saw both teams play somewhat conservatively.

However, England opened things up in the 2nd half and started attacking aggressively. Peruvian keeper, Francisco Bazan made one great save after another. Finally, at the 82 minute mark he was beat as Alan Smith had a breakaway in which he passed back to the trailing Joe Cole who quickly hit a laser strike that went into the lower left corner of the net.

The 2-1 margin held up as Paul Robinson stopped one last flurry of shots by Peru at the 88 minute mark.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 4th, 2006 -

Today we have the first semifinal match! The USA will face Germany, and England will face Turkey.

The USA started Tim Howard in Goal, Carlos Bocanegra at left fullback, John O'Brien and Eddie Pope at DC, Steven Cherundolo at right fullback, DaMarcus Beasley (for the injured Landon Donovan) at left wing, Justin Moose and Claudio Reyna at MC, Robbie Russell at right wing, The aging Brian McBride up front along with Freddie Adu (OOC: who is now 17 in the game and looks like a star on his player profile.)

Germany started off quickly with an incisive breakaway that put them up 1-0 at the 17 minute mark. The Germans put the USA down 2-0 at the 78 minute mark with a second goal. Germany was absolutely dominating the USA, controlling ball possession and outshooting them at a 15-5 pace. However, the USA brought on 3 subs at the 75 minute mark and suddenly the team woke up after that second German goal. Daniel Karbissiyoon came on for Freddy Adu, Gregg Berhalter came on for Eddie Pope, and Bobby Convey came on for Justin Moose.

At the 80 minute mark, Convey threaded a great pass between two German defenders to set up Karbissiyoon with a great goal to cut the lead to 2-1.

4 minutes later, Karbissiyoon made a wonderful dribble into the right side of the box.. crossed to DaMarcus Beasley who headed it past the keeper.

With the score tied 2-2, the game went into extra time. It seemed destined to head to penalty shots, but in the 119th minute, Christian Wolters headed a corner kick from Mario Baum and Howard couldn't stop the powerful header. Germany won 3-2 to advance to the Final (in their own country no less.)

[Eaglesfan27]

July 5th, 2006 -

Turkey and England are playing today to see who plays Germany in the final.

England is starting the following players:

Paul Robinson in Goal, Wayne Bridge at left fullback, Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate at DC, Owen Hargreaves at right fullback, Gareth Barry at left wing, David Beckham and Frank Lampard at MC, Shaun Wright-Phillips at right wing, Jermain Dafoe and Wayne Rooney at striker.

From the very beginning England dominated the ball, and was attacking the Turkish defense seemingly at will. However, Turkish keeper Volkan Enlu (in his 1st WC start no less!) was absolutely amazing. He stopped the first 6 shots he faced. He then triggered a quick counter attack that ended in a goal by Akin Serhat to give Turkey a 1-0 lead.

Volkan Enlu continued the play amazing in the 1st half, and the halftime score was 1-0. However, England continued to attack in the 2nd half, and Wayne Rooney drew a tripping penalty at the 54 minute mark earning a penalty shot. Gareth Barry took the kick and shot it low and to the right into the net. England continued to attack, but Volkan Enlu continued to make save after save.

As a result, the game was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. England dominated the extra time as well, but couldn't solve the mystery of Volkan Enlu. He had 21 saves by the end of the game. At the 119th minute, David Beckham was injured. I wonder if he will be able to play in the final, if England makes it. With the score tied 1-1, it went into penalty shots.

Penbu Ergin and he buried it into the top left corner.

Frank Lampard took England's first shot and went for the lower right corner, but Emlu dove and saved it! The pressure was on England now.

Belozoglu Emre stepped up and took the next shot for Turkey.. He went for the lower right corner.. Robinson dove.. tipped it wide.. great save!

Jermain Dafoe stepped up with the opportunity to tie it for England. He shot for the lower left corner, and Unlu couldn't get to it. Tied 1-1 with 3 shooters from each side still left (potentially.)

Buruk Okan stepped up for Turkey, and promptly shot it over the bar!

Sol Campbell ran up to take the 3rd penalty shot, and he drilled it into the lower left corner. England was now up 2-1.

Ates Necati stepped up to take the important penalty shot for Turkey, and shot it towards the right side of the net. Robinson dove, and tipped it wide!

Darius Vassell stepped up with a chance to win the game for England. He looked nervous, but he kicked the ball hard towards the lower left corner. Unlu dove, but it was out of his reach. GOAL!!! England wins the penalty shootout 3-1! 1-1 win of the match on penalties! It will be England and Germany in the World Cup Final.

[daedalus]

Sol's a bad man, baby!

F'n bastards started Bridges over Ash, though. Fookers.

Man, Karbasiyoon is being superstudly for the US team in this WC.

[jbmagic]

can your team ever compete in the world cup, if so what you have to do?

thanks

[Eaglesfan27]

July 8th, 2006 -

The USA plays Turkey in the 3rd place faceoff match today.


The USA started Tim Howard in Goal, Carlos Bocanegra at left fullback, John O'Brien and Eddie Pope at DC, Steven Cherundolo at right fullback, DaMarcus Beasley (for the injured Landon Donovan) at left wing, Justin Moose and Claudio Reyna at MC, Robbie Russell at right wing, Brian McBride and Clint Mathis at Striker.

Turkey dominated ball possession for the first 45 minutes, and had 3 good scoring opportunities, but Howard saved all 3 of those shots. In the beginning of the second half, Turkey continued to dominate ball possession, and they began attacking more. By the 60 minute mark, Turkey had outshot the USA 7-1, but Howard was keeping them in it.

At the 75 minute mark, the USA manager subbed in Greg Vanney for Cherundolo, Bobby Convey for Moose, and Freddy Adu for Clint Mathis.

Despite these subs, Turkey continued to dominate ball possession, fortunately, Howards stopped 2 more shots and it went into extra time tied 0-0.

At the 96 minute mark, John O'Brien intercepted a Turkish offensive, and sent a long pass to Adu up the field. Adu played a great through ball into the box for Brian McBride. McBride dribbled to his right... fired a shot for the upper left corner... past Volkan Enlu!

The USA then went to a defensive posture with John O'Brien doing a particularly good job of turning away several Turkish attacks, and the USA won 1-0.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by jbmagic

can your team ever compete in the world cup, if so what you have to do?

thanks

The World Cup is a tournament featuring collections of all-stars from various countries around the world. I'd have to become the coach of a national team in order to compete in this tournament. One of my goals for this career is to become either coach of the English or USA squad.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

However, I suspect achieving that goal is a LONG way into the future, if I ever accomplish it.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 9th, 2006 -

Tonight is the World Cup Final between Germany and England.

England is starting the following players:

Paul Robinson in Goal, Ashley Cole at left fullback (I wonder if the manager heard fans complaining ), Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate at DC, Owen Hargreaves at right fullback, Gareth Barry at left wing, Joe Cole (for the injured Beckham) and Frank Lampard at MC, Shaun Wright-Phillips at right wing, Jermain Dafoe and Darius Vassell at striker.

The first 20 minutes was played quite conservatively by both sides as they tentatively probed each other's defense.

At the 30 minute mark, Hargreaves intercepted a German offensive in the English zone. He dribbled up the right sideline part way before passing it to Wright-Phillips. Wright-Phillips dribbled past a German Defender. He ran into the right edge of the box.. then he crossed for the far corner. Gareth Barry was at the post.. he jumped with the keeper.. and headed it in!!! Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips put England up 1-0!

Germany then turned up the offensive pressure, however, Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, and Jonathan Woodgate did a wonderful job of turning away attack after attack. Paul Robinson saved the few meager shots that got through.

Thanks to a superb defensive effort, England made the goal standup, and won the World Cup 1-0! Party tonight! Ashley Cole won MoM for his superb defense.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 9th, 2006 -

Immediately after the match, Germany announced that they were sacking (firing) Jurgen Klinsmann for his poor effort in managing the club in the World Cup.


Apparently, second place just isn't good enough.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 10th, 2006 -

Today Italy announced that Milan boss Nevio Scala will be taking over management of the Italian National Team.

(OOC: With the end of the WC, I guess I will start the 3rd season in a new thread as our first friendly is about to occur. Thanks to all who have commented that they enjoyed reading this thread. I hope you all enjoy reading about next season as well.)

[SirFozzie]

Hurry up and make the new thread, dangit.

FM withdrawl..

so cold...

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Hurry up and make the new thread, dangit.

FM withdrawl..

so cold...

LOL

I know the feeling. I'm not too ashamed to say that I had a dream about FM last night

Here is the link to the new thread: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/f...ad.php?t=33908