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All Time Soccer Tourney Group B charvik v. Spartans Rule (1 Viewer)

Which team has the better offensive substitutes? Which team has the better defensive substitutes? (F

  • Charvik has better offensive and defensive subs.

    Votes: 10 50.0%

  • Spartans Rule has better offensive and defensive subs.

    Votes: 7 35.0%

  • Charvik has better offensive subs, but Spartans Rule has better defensive subs.

    Votes: 2 10.0%

  • Spartans Rule has better offensive subs, but Charvik has better defensive subs.

    Votes: 1 5.0%
  • Total voters
    20
Ramsay Hunt Experience

Ramsay Hunt Experience

Footballguy
This is a thread for a match in the All-Time Soccer/Football Greatest XI Tournament.  Your votes will influence the shape of this match by assigning a team with a 60% supermajority in any given category useful advantages in our 12 dice rolling rounds that determine gameplay events.  Specifically, before each voting is accounted for each team is assigned 2 rolls (of a 20 sided die) against an "Advantage" table meant to denote a high probability of favorable game events, 2 rolls against a "Neutral" table with an equal distribution of positive and negative events, and 2 rolls against a "Disadvantage" table with a higher probability of negative game events for the rolling team.  Bonuses are accounted as followed.

  • A team that 60% or more of voters believe will create more chances will receive one extra roll against the "Advantage" table that is more probably to generate goals and other positive gameplay events for that player in lieu of a roll against the "Neutral" table.  The team that receives less than 40% of that vote will receive one less roll against the "Advantage" table and will roll that event against the "Neutral" table instead.
     
  • A team that 60% or more of voters believe will have better finishing will be entitled to roll a six-sided die on "near scoring events."  A roll of 5 or 6 converts that event to a goal.  A player may continue to use saving rolls for each near goal event until he has a successful savings roll. 
     
  • A team the 60% or more voters believe will have a better defense will receive one fewer roll against the "Disadvantage" table and instead roll a "Neutral" roll.  A team with 40% of fewer of the votes in this category will receive one additional roll against the "Disadvantage) table instead of a Neutral roll.
     
  • A team that 60% or more of the voters believe has better goalkeeping will be entitled to roll a six-sided die on any of his opponent's scoring events.  A roll of 5 or 6 will result in a Save instead of a goal on that event.  A player may continue to attempt savings rolls for each goal event until he has a successful savings roll.
     
  • The team that 60% of voters believe is most vulnerable to a counter-attack will be subject to "Counter" savings rolls on "Counter" events on the Advantage and Neutral tables.  The team will roll a six-sided die.  A result of 1, 2, or 3 will result in a counter-attacking goal against that side.
     
  • The team that 60% or more voters believe has better offensive subs may use the better of TWO D20 rolls on any one roll subsequent to the substitution (designated in advance).
     
  • The team that 60% or more voters believe has better defensive subs may require his opponent to roll TWO D20 rolls on any Opponent roll subsequent to the substitution with only the worst result applying.
     
  • If a player is sent off with a red card, his team may no longer roll on the Advantage table.  All such rolls will be downgraded to the Neutral table.  Also, the team's opponent will no longer roll on the Disadvantage table.  All such rolls will be upgraded to the Neutral table. 


Please consider the home stadium and managers when voting if you believe that it would make a difference in the outcome of the game. 

 
pre-match interview with Claire Rourke 

Now that the tournament has finally kicked off for you and your team, how excited are you for a trip to Anfield?

SPARTANS-  I'm very excited. Obviously Anfield is a great ground with a lot of history and I'm sure it will be a fantastic atmosphere. Our players won't be the least bit intimidated though. They have all played big games in hostile environments before. And I know our hoolig... er, fans are looking forward to making the trip. I suspect the loudest part of the stadium will be the away stand.

It's a return home for Xabi Alonso, how do you think the home fans will react?

SPARTANS- I'm sure they will give him a warm welcome and remember all the great things he did at Anfield. And I know Xabi Alonso never wanted to leave, but it was always going to be difficult for a club like Liverpool to hold on to a player of his caliber.

Wait, what the #### did you just say!?

SPARTANS- Oh I gotta troll the home fans a little. Looks like it's working.

I hope Roberto Carlos tears an ACL

*STORMS OUT*

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Indeed, today's match will be played at Anfield in the heart of scenic Liverpool.  I don't know what showtune charvik will choose as his team's home anthem, but I'm betting it won't come from Hamilton. 

 
Alright, this won't really be much of a contest, as the home side is vastly superior. Write ups on the all star squad from the original thread:

[SIZE=10pt]Like Sinn Fein I have done quite a few hours in FM, and my strategy for this draft, and especially when choosing my coach is based on this. I like to set up my teams to play possession football, very direct and attacking. They also press with a high line, and it requires a superb work rate from all my players. This is very much in line with [/SIZE]Ernst Happel, who is my gaffer. He is known and recognized as a tactical master mind, who is also very flexible when it comes to counteracting opposing setups.

[SIZE=10pt]Our home ground is the famous [/SIZE]Anfield:

[SIZE=10pt]" Liverpool did not lose a match at Anfield during the [/SIZE]1893–94, 1970–71, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1987–88, and 2008–09 seasons. They won all their home games during the 1893–94 season. Liverpool's longest winning streak at home extended from January 1978 to January 1981, a period encompassing 85 games, in which Liverpool scored 212 goals and conceded 35.[65] Liverpool's worst losing streak at Anfield is three games. This has occurred three times in the club's history to date (1899–1900, 1906–07 and 1908–09 seasons). "

[SIZE=10pt]This is my base 4-1-2-3 formation:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]4-1-2-3[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Mentality is [/SIZE]control which follows my aim for possession football.

[SIZE=10pt]This tactic and setup allows me to:[/SIZE]

  • [SIZE=10pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Be alert for opponent counter attacks[/SIZE]


  • [SIZE=10pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Move the ball around the park[/SIZE]

  • [SIZE=10pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Patiently probe the final third[/SIZE]

  • [SIZE=10pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Find space as and when it opens up[/SIZE]

  • [SIZE=10pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Wing Backs overlap[/SIZE]

  • [SIZE=10pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Midfielders break ahead of the forwards only in relatively risk free situations[/SIZE]

  • [SIZE=10pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Sit back and help the midfield maintain possession until chances open up[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]I play with a fluid philosophy. This is very important as I want to honor the beautiful game and give my adoring home fans something to look forward to. My players are good enough to contribute to more than one phase of play at a time[/SIZE]. I want my players to play free flowing football and absolutely want the creative players to shine.
Click to expand...

 
[SIZE=10pt]Sweeper Keeper:[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Support Duty[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Manuel Neuer[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]My Sweeper goalkeeper will focus on simple and risk free use of the ball which is vital for a keeper; you don’t want your keeper taking too many risks. That said, when using the best sweeper keeper the game has seen, considering his ball distribution skills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4vNE--C-gM&feature=youtu.be&t=59 he will look to start counters when they are available. Neuer is intelligent enough to make the correct decisions. [/SIZE]His ability to start counters quickly with accurate throws is one of the reasons I elected to go with Neuer as my sweeper keeper.
Personal Instruction: Roll it out, Distribute to Centre Backs and Look for counter attacking opportunities with accurate throws.

[SIZE=10pt]Backup goal keeper:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Ricardo Zamora [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“El Divino” Ricardo Zamora was an all-time greatest legend among goalkeepers before World War II had even happened, and still being among the best footballer ever of his country. Zamora, was noted for wearing a cloth cap and a white polo-neck jumper on the field, a look later copied by several of his contemporaries. He claimed it was to protect him from both the sun and his opponents. He was also noted for his bravery. Zamora was also the subject of controversy throughout his career. He allegedly enjoyed drinking Cognac and smoking up to three packs of cigarettes a day, was arrested for his violent behavior in Olympic Game 1926. The award for goalkeeper who have gotten the fewest conceding goal in La Liga, The Ricardo Zamora trophy, is named in his honor. Additionally, He played for Catalan XI and helped them winning the Copa Princep De Asturies 3 times. Zamora won 20 clean sheets for his nation. IFFHS’s poll result shows him as World’s fifth greatest goalkeeper of the century. [/SIZE]
Click to expand...

 
[SIZE=10pt]Wing Back:[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Attack Duty[/SIZE]
 

[SIZE=10pt]Left back: Jose Antonio Camacho[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Right back: Phil Neal[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]https://vk.com/video-2505734_160336489[/SIZE]
 

  • Plays outside with no wing support: I use Inside Forwards instead of wingers so this is fine.
  • [SIZE=10pt]Fulfil attacking and defensive duties of winger and full backs: Check.[/SIZE]
  • [SIZE=10pt]Run at his defender and put in aggressive crosses: I want to frighten the opposition so aggressive crosses are great and I want to run at the defense, put the defense on the back foot, get the defense back peddling. [/SIZE]
  • [SIZE=10pt]In Midfield to win the Possession Battle: Great because this is a possession tactic.[/SIZE]
  • [SIZE=10pt]In Defense to close down opponents, block crosses and win back the ball when possible. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]I want the closing down approach in line with attacking, and of course winning back the ball will help us to regain possession as soon as possible.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Jose Antonio Camacho is a legendary footballer of Real Madrid who is considered as the greatest full-back in history of Spanish football. Camacho played as left-back, was noted for his top-level strength, stamina and aggressive style of play. He was not a technical specialist but possessed leadership, bravery, winning mentality and consistency.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]As a backup/option I have Manuel Amoros. He was a versatile full-back who was able to play both left and right-side without a significant difference due to him being great with both feet. He was an extraordinary wing-back in the world during 1980s with his fast, excellent, and intelligent movement. Amoros played his first World Cup as a starter in 1982 in spite of his age (20 year old only). He often went forward to play like winger and his elegant style led him to be viewed as a popular defender, especially after his performance in match against Brazil in World Cup 1986 and he was voted as the best right-back of tournament by international press. Amoros was one of the most successful French players during his time, won top trophies both in club and international competitions. He finished 4th for European footballer of the year in 1986 and also finished 12th in 1987.[/SIZE]
 
Click to expand...

 
Central Defender: Defend Duty
Gaetano Scirea

Possess the technique and composure in aggressive tactics (which this is) to help the team maintain possession and lay off simple passes to more creative players. This is perfect for a team which wants to play possession football. 

Scirea is one of only five players in European football history to have won all international trophies for football clubs recognized by UEFA and FIFA. Scirea is also one of only nine players in the history of the European football that won all three major UEFA football competitions. He played for the Italian national team for more than a decade, during which he was an undisputed member of Italy's defensive line-up, keeping Franco Baresi out of the national team for four years, until he retired in 1986. Scirea became a World Champion with the 1982 FIFA World

Man, Champion, Legend:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dEuMCwVhK8

On my bench for both CB roles, I have Alan Hansen.

Alan Hansen was known as the greatest defender ever to come from the Scotland and is one of the greatest defenders in history of the English football league and European Cup. A stellar defensive organizer and technician, He was one of the most important player of “The Red Machine” Liverpool which is the most successful team in Europe for years between lately 1970s to early 1980s. Hansen played all 4 European Cup final matches and won 3 times. He played as sweeper, possessed an uncanny coolness and was reliable in every situation.
Click to expand...

 
[SIZE=10pt]Ball Playing Defender:[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Defend Duty[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Ronald Koeman[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]The reason I have chosen a ball playing defender in this position is because the ball playing defender thinks a lot about attacking passes, so he does everything a central defender does but also he will be encouraged to make a searching attacking ball / through ball up field if he has the vision to see it through. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Ronald Koeman was well-known as the greatest defender-scorer in history of the game with 225 goals in 647 matches which is an all-time world record. This record could be as good as a lot of strikers who played as the same level as him. Koeman scored not less than 10 goals in a season almost every year for his career. Most of his scores were done by his free-kick specialist, powerful and rocket long shooting and penalty taking, not only scoring quality but also great as a sweeper with intelligent play ensured an organized defense and provided excellent distribution from the back, always generated precision passing. His leadership ability enabled him to excel as captain of Holland in 1994 World Cup final. Aside from Barcelona, He played for all three big of Holland like Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Freekick:
https://youtu.be/8B8x-oxwc8E?t=11[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Another freekick:[/SIZE]

https://youtu.be/lzQH4xIPL7o?t=362
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[SIZE=10pt]Regista:[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Support Duty[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Luis Monti[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]The Regista is aggressive which is what you want in an aggression tactic. Suitable for possession orientated systems which press high up the pitch. (This is exactly what this tactic is all about) [/SIZE]Given complete freedom to dictate from deep positions which is perfect because he is in a deep position, the Regista offers a dynamic and unpredictable creative outlet from behind the attack.The Regista seeks to maintain intense pressure (which is perfect in a tactic which attacks) by constantly looking for new chances as his more advanced teammates get into goal scoring positions.

[SIZE=10pt]“The Double Wide” Luis Monti is considered as the greatest Half-Back in the world before the World War II. Monti was gotten his nickname because of his coverage on the pitch, was a rugged and ruthless player, but had good technical skills to go with his strong tackling. He played as an attacking centre half in the old-fashioned Metodo system: a position roughly equivalent to the defensive central midfield position today. As such he would mark the opposing centre forward when his team were defending, but would be the main midfield playmaker when his team was on the attack. He played in two World Cup final with different team, first won runner-up with Argentina and changing to play for Italy and winning the 1938 World Cup.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Agostino Di Bartlomei [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]is an outstanding option off the bench here.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Going to slot in Mark van Bommel when I am up by 6 against Brady Marino, late in the game, just so I can take a couple of his @!^#!$@#&!@ out of the tourney.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Advanced Playmaker:[/SIZE] Attack Duty

[SIZE=10pt]Francesco Totti[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]This player makes himself available for passes at all times, which is what I want possession wise. This player also aims to turn defense into attack in an instant which is great because it also deals with the attacking intent of this tactic. The reason he has an attack duty is because he will run at the defense from deeper positions which is great as we want to run at the opposition and frighten the life out of them! Plus, an added bonus is that he will craft out crossing or through ball opportunities whilst moving into the final third. [/SIZE]This is very important because since I am playing with a possession tactic, which pass the ball about the park, I also want the tactic to have an end product. I need players which are moving into the final third and creating chances on the opposition goal. Totti is key to this goal, and will be a perfect fit.

[SIZE=10pt]Top 10 goals:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IeAjbmBuKA[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]but I also want him for his eye for the assist, and flawless passing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35YvcWmmaBA[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Can score on a FK with power and/or accuracy[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]I also have Agostino Di Bartlomei and Jozsef Bozsik who can both fill this role with ease.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Agostino Di Bartlomei (1972-84) – A skilful playmaker, who dictated the tempo of the game, ‘Ago’ was tall, elegant, and had fantastic vision and technical ability. He would regularly hit pinpoint 60-yard passes to a team-mate’s feet and would spot through-balls that most other players did not know existed. His style of play was in some ways similar to Andrea Pirlo today. Di Bartolomei played 308 games for Roma, scoring 66 goals, and captaining them to the Scudetto in 1983.[/SIZE]
Click to expand...

 
[SIZE=10pt]Central Midfielder:[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Attack Duty [/SIZE]
 

[SIZE=10pt]Falcao[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The central midfielder offers a link between the defense and the attack and having good links in your tactic are vital to success in this game. The central midfield will support both attacking and defensive play as needed. Whilst it is great that the central midfielder will supplement the attack, it is also good to know that should we find ourselves in a defensive situation; the central midfielder will chip in as well. So this central midfield will more readily surge into the final third to support the forwards in and around the box![/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The “8th King Of Rome” Falcao was a part of the Brazil national team in World Cup 1982 which has been regarded as the most beautiful playing team in the history of the World Cup. He was one of the greatest players ever of AS Roma. Falcao is the most talented midfielder of all-time. He played as a box-to-box midfielder, his vision, passing and long-range shot were world-class. Even though there were so many world-class players in the 1982 World Cup, he was able to win the silver ball beating outstanding players like Platini, Zico and Rummenigge. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-iNbr1EMgQ[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Here’s a goal for RHE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGbYsn2Blus It is worth viewing many many times.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu_RQIMWSiY[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The king of Rome:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S368T-0mx4M[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Jozsef Bozsik[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]My main backup playmaker/mid[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Cucu” Jozsef Bozsik is regarded as the greatest deep-lying playmaker in history of European football and was the best midfielder in the World during the mid-50s, was one of World-Class players but was overshadowed by the gifted attackers “The Magic Magyars” The Hungary Golden team. He was known for his flawless technique, flair, tactical nous, passing accuracy in both short and long range with the right moment, reliable ball possession with very difficult to lose the ball and control the game with ease, although he suffered from a lack of pace. He was an extremely intelligent player and was often used as a deep lying playmaker where his tackling ability was also helpful. He holds the record most Caps and most consecutive years of Caps for Hungary national team.[/SIZE]
Click to expand...

 
[SIZE=10pt]False Nine:[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Support Duty[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Ferenc Puskas[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZfCDHegItE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFXoWOJh9Ks
I don’t usually opt for False Nines in a tactic but this role really suits what I am trying to create here. This is a more advanced attacking midfielder/playmaker role, which is great because I want the player to be more advanced as he is in the attack position. It is a lone striker role and I am playing with a Lone Striker. Ferenc Puskás was a Hungarian footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He scored 84 goals in 85 international matches for Hungary, and 514 goals in 529 matches in the Hungarian and Spanish leagues.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]I like that Puskas is used to dropping deeper into midfield because, I don’t want a lone striker just waiting for someone to pass it to him, I want a striker who is going to go into the midfield and get the ball themselves when needed.[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The purpose of this is that it creates a massive problem for opposing central defenders in that they either follow him, leaving space behind them for onrushing midfielders, forwards or wingers to exploit. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]This is exactly what I am planning for, the central defenders will mark or follow my striker into midfield leaving open goals and clear cut chances for my onrushing midfield or inside forwards to exploit to devastating effect. [/SIZE]Alternatively, they don’t do this, they then leave him the time and space he needs to dribble at the opposition or pick out a pass which is fine as well because this falls in line with attacking play, and also the pass will help to maintain the possession aspect of the tactic.

[SIZE=10pt]Francesco Totti[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] is another player in my squad who would excel in this role, but I want him as my attacking midfielder to start the games, but considering my very strong midfield options, Totti can go up in the False Nine role if Puskas has failed to score through 60 (yeah right).[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]This brings me to my bench, on which I have Ian Rush. In the case he is subbed in, or in the games I elect to start with him, I will change to a different formation, still with the same characteristics as this, but with a true poacher up top.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwyN9__not4[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]At club level Rush played for Liverpool F.C. from 1980-1987 and 1988-1996, and is the club's all-time leading goalscorer, having scored a total of 346 goals in all competitions during his two spells at the club. At international level he made 73 appearances for the Wales national football team and remains the record goalscorer for his country with 28 goals between 1980 and 1996.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Five typical Rush goals:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Q_leTHfq0[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Never one to waste time taking extra touches, it's usually touch, shot, goal. Just clinical and so typical of his style. He wasn't the best technician, the fastest runner, the best shot, or flashy player, he just possessed that uncanny drive and ability to be at the right spot at the right time. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]No. 3 in the 100 players that shook the Kop:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQpT5V6hKG8[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=10pt]Inside Forwards:[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Attack Duties[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]LIF: John Barnes[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOE3P2ryfg4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOILkVsEoEU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2Zpf6lPb6Y[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]RIF: Bruno Conti[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0ZXcUGD6Jg
The inside forward is going exploit the spaces left by the central defenders when they follow the false nine. They are going to run directly at the opposition which is great because I want to frighten the life out of the opposition. Their movement will open up the spaces for my overlapping wing backs, as well as overloading a retreating defense. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Bruno Conti is rated as one of the greatest players in history of AS Roma. He increased his fame with his performance in World Cup 1982 team. He could play as both left and right-winger due to being great with both feet. Among the best in the world during his time, Conti was extremely fast, a great passer and a phenomenal dribbler. All in all, Conti is regarded as Italy’s greatest winger of all-time and the best winger in the world during the early 1980s. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“The Digger” John Barnes is one of the greatest English left-wingers of all-time. He was famous for his powerful running, acceleration and ability to score on his own. He began his career with Watford and his outstanding performance led him to be signed for Liverpool after their golden era had passed. Barnes remained going on his impressive playing and established himself in all-time Liverpool XI for many sources. Internationally, he was not used at the 1986 World Cup until the quarter final against Argentina when England were trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes, setting up one goal for Gary Lineker and laying on another chance which Lineker missed. Barnes had been recognized for his contribution in the game.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Puskas can slot in as my LIF if I need to spell Barnes, or if I need to mix up my lineup to get other names in due to matchups.[/SIZE]
Click to expand...

 
Spartans roster:

Pick


Team


Player


Position


Nationality


1.17


Spartans Rule


Roberto Carlos


LB


Brazil


2.1


Spartans Rule


Lothar Matthaus


M


Germany


4.1


Spartans Rule


Djalma Santos


RB


Brazil


4.13


Spartans Rule


Johann Neeskens


M


Netherlands


5.5


Spartans Rule


Karl-Heinz Rummenigge


F


West Germany


5.17


Spartans Rule


Fernando Hierro


CB


Spain


6.1


Spartans Rule


Gianni Rivera


AM


Italy


8.1


Spartans Rule


Xabi Alonso


CM/DM


Spain


9.17


Spartans Rule


Karlheinz Forster


CB


West Germany


10.1


Spartans Rule


Mario Kempes


F


Argentina


11.17


Spartans Rule


Edwin van der Sar


GK


Netherlands


12.1


Spartans Rule


Zbiginew Boniek


M


Poland


13.17


Spartans Rule


Tostao


AM/FW


Brazil


14.1


Spartans Rule


Didier Deschamps


M


France


15.17


Spartans Rule


Vincent Kompany


CB


Belgium


16.1


Spartans Rule


Rajko Mitic Stadium


Stadium


Belgrade, Serbia


17.17


Spartans Rule


Rafael Gordilo


LB/LM


Spain


18.1


Spartans Rule


Valery Lobanovskyi


Manager


Ukraine/USSR


19.17


Spartans Rule


Bryan Robson


M


England


20.1


Spartans Rule


Amadeo Carrizo


GK


Argentina
Click to expand...

 
I will attempt a team preview for the visiting Spartans Rule side.

Sparty is managed by Valery Lobanovski, a revolutionary Soviet/Ukranian manager who pioneered many innovations in "modern" soccer management.  As manager of Dynamo Kiev in the Ukraine, Lobanovski broke the long-standing Russian dominance in the Soviet League, winning the league 8 times.  His Kiev squad was also the first USSR side to win a European competition, The European Cup Winners Cup of 1975 (he would win the same competition in 1986).  Kiev also won the European Super Cup in 1975.  Lobanovski also had successful reigns as coach of both the Soviet and later the Ukranian national team.  His Soviet side made the final of the 1988 European Championships, where they lost to a Netherlands side considered to be among the most talented European sides assembled.  The Soviet side also topped their respective group in the 1986 World Cup but lost a controversial match to Belgium in the second round.  Returning to Kiev after perestroika, Lobanovski guided the club (featuring a young Andriy Shevchenko) the semi finals of the 1999 Champions League.  Lobanovski is a major figure and hero in Jonathan Wilson's daunting history of soccer tactics, Inverting the Pyramid.

Spartans Rule will likely lineup in a 4-4-2 (Diamond) formation featuring two strikers (Karl Heinz Rummenigge and Mario Kempes) supported by free roaming attacking playmaker (Gianni Rivera).  Rumminigge scored 217 goals in 416 senior appearances for Bayern Munich (where he led the Bundesliga in scoring in three seasons) and 45 goals in 95 appearances for West Germany.  He was a two-time Ballon D'Or winner.  Mario Kempes was a prolific scorer in the Argentinian league (111 goals in 149 appearances) in La Liga with Valencia (116 goals in 184 appearances).  With Argentina, Kempes scored 20 goals in 43 appearances but is best known for being the leading scorer and Most Valuable Player for the Argentinian team that won the 1978 World Cup on home soil.  Kempes scored the winning goal in the final.   Rivera was known as Italy's Golden Boy and was one of the most celebrated attacking midfielders of his generation.  He won the Ballon D'Or in 1969.

In the center of a narrow diamond, Sparty will play Johan Neeskens and Lothar Mattheus with Xabi Alonso at the base of the diamond as a deep-lying playmaker (note that Matthaus could also conceivably play behind Alonso).  Neeskens is one of the most dynamic box to box midfielders in the history of the game.  He was the "engine" at the center of the great Dutch Total Football teams of the 70's and was renowned for covering the ground of "two men."  Neeskens, however, also possessed solid technical skills and the ability to score on late runs into the penalty area.  Lothar Matthaus is one of the most celebrated central midfielders, and perhaps the most celebrated "defensive" midfielder in the history of the game.  In an extremely long career with the West German and German national teams, Matthaus won the European Championships in 1980 as an all-action central midfielder and captained the side to the World Cup in 1990 as perhaps the last of the storied line of German "liberos", sweepers who assumed central playmaking duties for their teams.  Early in his career, Matthaus was a consistent double-digit goal scorer out of central midfield, but Matthaus won the Ballon D'Or in 1990 and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991 after transitioning to a more defensive role.  He is regarded as one of the great "two-way" players of all time.  Xabi Alonso is one of the most stylish and decorated midfielders in modern football.  Typically deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, Alonso is known for his fantastic passing range, positioning, and tactical awareness.  Unlike many other registas, however, Alonso is also an above average tackler who can contribute physically in the defensive phase of play.  Sitting at the base of the diamond is , who many consider the greatest defensive midfielder of all time, although some believe that undersells his ability as an all-around box to box midfielder. 

Continuing the theme, Spartans Rule boasts two-way threats at each full back position.  Roberto Carlos is probably the most celebrated offensive left back in the history of the game.  His blistering pace and wicked left foot shots and crosses are staples on YouTube.  In particular, he is widely regarded as scoring what may be the greatest free kick of all time, a bending shot that must have started at least five yards to the right of the goal before bending back inside the post.  Carlos was a staple on dominating teams with Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.  At right back, Djalma Santos, also Brazilian, was perhaps the first two-way fullback in the game's history.  Amazingly, Santos featured in no less than three World Cup All-Star teams.  At center-back Real Madrid's elegant Fernando Hierro and renowned man marker Karl-Heinz Forster.  Spartans Rule plays the consistent Edwin Van der Sar, rock of Alex Ferguson's later Manchester United sides, in goal.

 
Charlie Steiner said:
FWIW, I dug up my old Koeman Barcelona jersey and am wearing it today.  :ptts: Don't want to seem like a homer, just sayin'...
Click to expand...
I'm wearing my Davids Holland jersey. :nerd:

eta: oh- wrong teams. guess I'll have to just keep on wearing it. :pickle:

 
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I think Spartans Rule has one of the most well-constructed teams in the draft.  Like everyone else, I worried when he drafted Roberto Carlos early, but he drafted perfect midfield cover for attacking full backs.  Neeskens and Matthaus are two of the top five box to box players in the draft.  Xabi Alonso has the tactical awareness and passing range to affect the game from a deep position, allowing the center backs to spread out a bit.  Rumminigge is a complete forward who can work the channels.  Kempes was  penalty box monster.  Rivera has the freedom to operate as a play maker.  One thing I like about Sparty's setup is that the late run can come from anywhere.  Either full back or central midfielder can come at any time, and they've all got the chops to make a play when they do. 

 
As for bench options, I think Sparty did a very good job of mostly finding like for like options.  Robson is another box-to-box monster.  Tostao is another free-roaming 10.  Deschamps another tactically aware holding mid (with less passing range but a bit more defensive bite).  Boniek offers a little more flair in midfield (and a bit more width).  Kompany is a starting caliber CB IMO.

 
Also, when RHE posts the narratives for all of these games moving forward, I'm going to imagine hearing it in Tommy Smyth's voice.  :nerd:

 
Attempting to look at the game positionally:

Goal keepers:

Neuer vs Van der Sar

Not really a contest in my mind. Van der Sar is a serviceable goal keeper, but Neuer is widely regarded as the best sweeper keeper of his generation, which to some extent overlaps with Van der Sar. Neuer has the advantage in shot stopping, reflexes, command of the goal area, distribution and vision for the game.

Charvik attack vs Spartans defense:

A fluent attack with super stars, renowned for their tactical, technical and scoring prowess, meets a defense that while boasting great names in Santos and Carlos on the wings, will cause them issues, as they are primarily offensive threats. Sure, they could be regarded as two way players, but they will struggle to contain 2 of the best dribblers and distributers from the flanks the game has seen. Hierro and Forster are great man markers, but neither can be said being fast, and they will struggle to contain Puskas, and a roaming Totti.

Midfield battle:

Neeskens, Mattheus and Xabi are all great players, but they will struggle to over power the all star trio of Totti, Falcao and Monti. Couple these names with a high press tactic, and the well known distribution skills of Spartans players will be nullified.

Spartans attack vs Charvik defense:

Rummenigge and Kempes vs Neal, Camacho, Scirea, Koeman? The attack will struggle, considering the quality of that defense. Add Monti providing support through the middle and there will be few chances created. Spartans narrow focus will also struggle on the counter attack with the lightning fast and accurate distribution from Neuer, and the speed and quality on the wings. I have wing backs that could be offensive, but in this game they will be instructed to nullify the wide threat from Spartans players.

Bench:

No contest here, on either side of the ball.

Spartans have solid players, but the charvik side boasts game changers and super stars, with a proven ability to change the game.

Manager:

Ernst Happel over Valery Lobanovskyi, LOL, please...

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
I think Spartans Rule has one of the most well-constructed teams in the draft.  Like everyone else, I worried when he drafted Roberto Carlos early, but he drafted perfect midfield cover for attacking full backs.  Neeskens and Matthaus are two of the top five box to box players in the draft.  Xabi Alonso has the tactical awareness and passing range to affect the game from a deep position, allowing the center backs to spread out a bit.  Rumminigge is a complete forward who can work the channels.  Kempes was  penalty box monster.  Rivera has the freedom to operate as a play maker.  One thing I like about Sparty's setup is that the late run can come from anywhere.  Either full back or central midfielder can come at any time, and they've all got the chops to make a play when they do. 
Click to expand...
:goodposting:

spartans killed it, IMO.

 
lol @ Charvik talking about his team in the third person and declaring it a no contest to boot

 
As for charvik, my first thought is that I think this Football Manager obsession with two Inside Forwards working off a false nine is a bad fit for his team.  Barnes was a very good goal scoring wing.  So I get having him work inside.  Conti scored less than 50 career goals in over 400 senior appearances.  He's a classic winger.  I'd keep him outside.

I have the similar misgivings with pairing a false nine with an attacking playmaker.  Totti and Puskas are both performing roles as the top of the box with neither getting in behind. 

I don't know enough about Monti to know if he could be a Regista, but the description doesn't scream Regista to me.  A classic destroyer, maybe.  Which may be necessary with the team relying for fullbacks for so much width.

I find the team hard to evaluate because I just don't understand the tactics.  Of course, I'm not great at Football Manager, so what do I know.  The players are all excellent.  I'm just not sure they fit. 

 
The overlap between the false nine and the attacking mid is intentional, and the north/south movement between the two will cause issue for the slower CB. Plenty of box action in the tactics.

i can see the concerns with Conti, but he does possess all traits need for the role. 

Likewise Monti, he has the traits

 
I already know I'm going to be the tactical contrarian in this tournament.  My team will not be fluid.  There will be some flexibility in spots, but mostly structured.  My team will not "press high throughout the game."  Modern pressing is an opportunistic tactic, and I'm not sure how successful it would be against teams with the most technically proficient players in history.  My team will most assuredly not always adopt a high line. I'm going to lose a few possession battles.  I'm OK with that. 

 
I would like to keep voting in these, but it would be helpful if we could standardize an easy way to view rosters, along with a quick summary.

Ideal would be each coaches lineup, along with a brief couple sentences making their specific case for why they should get my vote in each of the categories. I think votes would go up dramatically. As it stands now, if requires a good chunk of research to informatively cast a vote.

My other wish list...RHE post your play by play above the dice roll instead of below. Would be more interesting to read the "announcer" before knowing the dice results.

 
in one of these formation generators, is it possible to see both lineups facing each other? that would aid my addled brain.

 
charvik said:
See above, and:

http://imgur.com/wMVYGyb
Click to expand...
these type of images should be mandatory for each team.  It gives so much info quickly!

As an aside, I think there are plenty of sites out there where you can just set a lineup and leave a direct link.  You don't need to do the extra step of saving to an image site.

Like this site (there are a bunch like this but this one is super easy and gives a direct link to your lineup)

http://lineupbuilder.com/new.php

 
My starting XI

GK: Edwin Van der Sar

Career highlights: Two-time Best European Goalkeeper of the Year, most capped player in Dutch history, helped teams to 25 major trophies.

Playing style: Regarded as one of the greatest and most complete keepers in football history, Van der Sar was a large, athletic, yet slender goalkeeper, who excelled at handling crosses due to his height and physique; an intelligent goalkeeper, in addition to his reflexes and shot-stopping, he was also known for his calm composure, and his ability to organise his defence. However, Van der Sar was known in particular for his skill with the ball at his feet, as well as his accurate distribution with either foot, which gave him the ability to launch counter-attacks from his area with long balls. Due to his ability in possession, he also functioned as a "sweeper keeper" on occasion throughout his career, in particular during his time with Ajax.

CB: Karlheinz Förster

Career highlights: 81 caps for Germany, helped team win 1980 Euro and finish runner-up at 1982 World Cup.

Playing style: Karlheinz Forster is rated as the greatest man marker in history of the Bundesliga games. Kicker ranking rated him 1.5 world-class seasons and 7.5 International-class seasons. Forster was the most important player in defensive line of both VFB Stuttgart and Germany during early 1980s.

CB: Fernando Hierro

Career highlights: Five-time La Liga winner and three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid. 89 caps for Spain.

Playing style: Equally at ease as a central defender, sweeper or defensive midfielder, he had the ability, at his peak, to combine solid defensive play with a near-unlimited passing range and surprising goalscoring talent, which made him one of the world's most sought-after players.

LB: Roberto Carlos

Career highlights: Four La Liga titles and three Champions League titles with Real Madrid. 125 caps for Brazil and a starter for the 2002 World Cup champions.

Playing style: “Roberto Carlos is amazing. He’s a brilliant defender, but his biggest strength is his ability to get from box to box all the time. He’s got so much energy. He’s so quick and strong that he’s always making you defend rather than the other way round. And he can be lethal from set pieces too.” - Ryan Giggs

RB: Djalma Santos

Career highlights: Helped Brazil win two World Cups. One of only three players to make three World Cup All Star teams.

Playing style: After beginning his career in midfield, Santos found much success as a defender due to his composure, as well as his excellent and consistent displays in this position, and is regarded as one of the greatest right-backs of all time; he was also capable of playing as a centre-back. Santos was a quick and strong defender, who was known for his stamina, marking, and tackling ability; he was also effective in the air. In addition to his defensive ability, he was also known for his excellent technical and offensive skills, being gifted with good ball control, creativity, and distribution, often making overlapping runs down the flank in order to contribute to his teams' attacking plays. Santos was also an accurate penalty kick and set-piece taker.

DM: Xabi Alonso

Career highlights: 114 caps for Spain and part of the country's greatest run of success ever. Won Champions League at both Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Playing style: A complete, consistent, hardworking and versatile midfielder, Alonso is regarded as one of the best players of his generation, and is effective both creatively and defensively. Gifted with good technique, excellent vision, and varied passing range, he excels in the deep-lying playmaking role, where he can best use his accurate long passing ability to create goal scoring chances for team-mates;] he also possesses a powerful and accurate shot from distance, and he is an effective set-piece and penalty kick taker. Due to his height, positioning, and physical characteristics, Xabi Alonso is also effective in the air, often contributing with headed goals from set pieces when advancing into more offensive positions. In addition to his creative attributes, he is also capable of excelling as a defensive midfielder due to his strength and powerful physique, combined with his tenacity, tactical intelligence, aggressive tackling and his ability to read the game.

CM: Lothar Matthäus

Career highlights: Most capped player in German history with 150. Captained West Germany to 1990 World Cup. Appeared in a record 25 matches over 5 World Cups. First-ever FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991. Won German Footballer of the Year for a second time at age 38.

Playing style: A versatile and complete player, Matthäus was renowned for his perceptive passing, positional sense, well-timed tackling, as well as powerful shooting. During his career, he usually played as a box-to-box midfielder, although late in his career he played as a sweeper.

CM: Johan Neeskens

Career highlights: A key player for the Dutch during the Total Football era, he helped Ajax win three straight European Cups from 1971-73, and the Netherlands finish runner-up in the 1974 and 1978 World Cups. He had four goals in the 1978 tournament.

Playing style: The "steel-hard midfielder was a tireless runner yet also had nice technique and scored goals, helping to set the stage for Cruyff to shine. One of the first box-to-box midfielders," he was great at pressuring opponents to regain possession too. "He was worth two men in midfield," said team-mate Sjaak Swart.

AMC: Gianni Rivera

Career highlights: Known as Italy's Golden Boy, he had 63 caps and scored 15 goals. Won the 1969 Ballon D'Or. Scored 160 goals for Milan and led them to three Serie A titles and four Italian Cups. Placed 19th in IFFHS's election for World Player of the 20th Century, and placed 35th in the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll.

Playing style: Rivera was a graceful, creative, technically gifted, and efficient offensive midfield playmaker, who possessed outstanding footballing intelligence, and class. Rivera was capable of playing anywhere in midfield or along the front line, but he was usually used in a free role, either as a central midfielder, or as a classic number 10 behind the forwards.

ST: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Career highlights: Two-time Ballon D'Or winner. Scored 45 goals in 95 caps for West Germany, and 220 career club goals.

Playing style: Rummenigge was often seen as a complete and versatile forward and unlike his predecessor Gerd Muller did not score most goals from inside the penalty area and often scored individual goals and sometimes long-range goals. Rummenigge was often renowned for his dribbling ability and could work well with another striker or on his own. His great instinct allowed him to score frequently and scored over 200 goals during 10 years in Bayern.

ST: Mario Kempes

Career highlights: Led Argentina to the 1978 World Cup. He won the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and scored twice in the final. Also scored 300 career club goals and was twice La Liga's leading scorer.

Playing style: Famous as a hard-working forward, he used to strike from outside the penalty area with his surging runs towards goal and was not the traditional center-forward operating solely inside the box. Many defenders found difficulty handling his attacking style.

 
Spartans> are you looking to play 4-4-2 diamond like RHE suggested?

eta: doh... Missed the link

 
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Interesting tight midfield formation Spartans has, which looking at the lack of natural wide players, makes some sense.  Clearing space for Roberto Carlos to bomb forward is certainly never a bad thing, if the coach can convince Lothar to cover for him.

 
yeah- I see a lot of guys loading up their MF with central players and forcing those guys to be wider type players, including spartans. but given the 2 outside backs and those particularly defensive and two-way minded MFs, I think the lineup works. the Brazilians will be motoring up the aviailable flank at every opportunity and will be provided cover by their CBs and those three very savvy central MFs.

 
Subs:

Vincent Kompany is the sub who's most likely to start a game at some point. He offers a more physical option than Forster to use against teams that employ a target man. Against charvik, Forster makes more sense.

Zbigniew Boniek is a classic pacy winger who will be used to give more width if needed. He could come on for a striker, or for a midfielder if we're behind.

Tostao is an intelligent and versatile attacker who could cover for any of the front 3.

Bryan Robson is a like-for-like replacement for my central midfielders. Those guys need to run a lot so we may want fresh legs late.

Didier Deschamps is also a hard-working midfielder, but a little more defensive in nature and could come on to help us see out wins.

Rafael Gordillo can be a like-for-like sub for Roberto Carlos, or play left midfielder if we go to a wider formation.

Amadeo Carrizo is the backup goalkeeper I hopefully won't need.

Note: Neeskens also played some right back, and would move there if anything happened to Djalma Santos. Djalma never got sent off in his career so I'm not too worried about it.

 
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