Silver Road and Golden Stripes, Yet Another Football TL

[Wings]

After Portugal last year, it was time for Wales to make a big underdog run. The Welsh shocked Europe by beating titleholders France in Cardiff 2-0, and despite losing the return in Toulouse, they only did so by a single goal, therefore qualifying for the Semi-Finals. There, they'd meet Argentina, who barely squeezed pass Poland, after drawing away and winning by a single goal in Argentina.
England also qualified in a similar fashion to Wales, losing their away game in Spain, but not taking any goals at home saved them as two goals from Kevin Keegan allowed them to book a ticket to the Semi-Finals. It was a harder task for the Soviets, who had to battle hard against the Czechs both at home and away, but managed to qualify thanks to the away goals rule, having scored two in Prague against the Czechs' lone goal in Kyiv.

Deyna misses a penalty that would have given his team an equalizer against Argentina.

 

[Wings]

As Portugal did last year, Wales' underdog run would finally stop in the semi-finals, where Argentina would not fall for the Welsh traps. The Albiceleste easily handled the Welsh squad, beating them twice, both at home and away and booking themselves another ticket for a Nations League final.
England would also qualify easily, beating the Soviets 3-0 at Wembley with two goals from Keegan and one from Wilkins to secure a spot in the final for the Three Lions, the defeat away in Moscow being of no importance towards the final result.

English star player Kevin Keegan in action against the Soviet Union in Wembley

 

[Unknown]

Argentina vs. England two years before the start of the Falklands War IOTL? That's an interesting matchup...

 

[Coulsdon Eagle]

Argentina vs. England two years before the start of the Falklands War IOTL? That's an interesting matchup...

IIRC around 78/79 Argentina played at both Wembley & Hampden Park. England won 3-1 (?) but a young Maradona lit up the match.

 

[Wings]

Expectations were mixed for this year's final in Naples. Both England and Argentina hadn't exactly cruised during the tournament, with Argentina struggling against both Yugoslavia and Poland, and England against Spain. Neither team had beaten a true favorite either, with West Germany being eliminated by France, the Dutch by the Poles, the Italians by the Spanish and Brazil by Czechoslovakia. As such, no one really knew what to expect from this confrontation. England quickly took control of the match, with David Johnson being credited with the first real chance of the match less than 5 minutes in, his shot meeting the post.
Argentina didn't take long to react though, and answered in kind, Kempes' shot going slightly wide. In the end though, it was England who scored first. A blunder by Gallego led to Keegan snatching the ball and opening up the scoreline. Argentina didn't last long to react, Gallego making up for his blunder by gifting the ball to Kempes whose strike was deviated into a corner kick by Shilton. The corner kick would be taken by Ortiz, and he would find Pasarella's head, the Argentinian defender equalizing with a swift header. Argentina didn't stop there, and a great collective action from the Argentinians ended up giving them the lead. Ardiles escaped alone with the ball, delivering a long pass to Bertoni, who found Maradona alone in the box, giving Argentina the lead. England tried to react, but couldn't find a way into the Argentinian box before half-time.
The Albiceleste didn't take long to sink England's hopes with Kempes swiftly scoring Argentina's third after a miscommunication in the English defense let the Argentine midfielder alone. England didn't roll over and concede the defeat, with Wilkins seeing his shot blocked by Fillol, and Brooking managing to bring it down to 3-2 after a great cross from Keegan. It wasn't enough however, and Argentina would lift the trophy for the third time, the third nation to do so after Brazil and West Germany.

Spoiler

Young Argentine prodigy Diego Maradona fights against three English defenders

England unsuccessfuly try to even out the scoreline after half-time

Kempes scores Argentina's third, winning them the 1979-80 Nations League

 

[Wings]

Winners: Argentina - 3rd title
Top Scorer: Kevin Keegan (ENG) - 7 goals

1980-81 Participants:
Europe: West Germany (26), Soviet Union (22), Poland (11), Belgium (10), Yugoslavia (21), Italy (25), East Germany (15), Netherlands (9), England (26), France (11), Czechoslovakia (23), Austria (13), Spain (25), Wales (2)
South America: Brazil (26), Argentina (26)

Final Location: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo
Bracket Order
Yugoslavia v Czechoslovakia
Italy v Wales
West Germany v England
Brazil v France
Argentina v Netherlands
Soviet Union v East Germany
Belgium v Spain
Poland v Austria

 

[Wings]

Chile v Denmark 4-0 / 1-1
Ireland v Mexico 3-0 / 3-1
Romania v Zaire 3-0 / 1-0
Scotland v Ghana 2-0 / 1-1
Israel v Sweden 2-1 / 0-1
Uruguay v Australia 3-0 / 2-0
Greece v Senegal 5-0 / 1-1
Portugal v Tunisia 4-0 / 1-0
Hungary v Egypt 5-0 / 2-2
Nigeria v Morocco 2-1 / 0-0
Paraguay v Turkey 0-2 / 1-1
Iran v Cuba 2-1 / 1-0
South Korea v North Korea 0-0 / 3-3
Iraq v Bulgaria 0-2 / 0-1
Northern Ireland v Canada 6-0 / 3-1
Peru v Algeria 3-2 / 0-2

Chile v Ireland 3-2 / 1-0
Romania v Scotland 1-0 / 0-0
Sweden v Uruguay 3-1 / 0-4
Greece v Portugal 2-3 / 0-3
Hungary v Nigeria 4-0 / 1-2
Turkey v Iran 1-0 / 2-2
South Korea v Bulgaria 4-0 / 1-3
Northern Ireland v Algeria 2-1 / 2-2

Chile v Romania 2-1 / 1-1
Uruguay v Portugal 1-0 / 0-1 aet 3-5 pen
Hungary v Turkey 0-0 / 1-2 aet
South Korea v Northern Ireland 3-0 / 0-0

Chile v Portugal 1-3 / 1-2
Turkey v South Korea 1-1 / 0-4

Portugal v South Korea 4-0 / 2-2
Winners: Portugal - 1st title

1980-81 Participants:
Europe: Scotland (4), Hungary (5), Northern Ireland (10), Ireland (9), Romania (7), Denmark (10), Bulgaria (10), Portugal (3), Sweden (8), Israel (10), Greece (9), Switzerland (7)
South America: Uruguay (10), Chile (10), Peru (10), Paraguay (10)
North America: Mexico (10), Honduras (1), Canada (2), El Salvador (1)
Africa: Ghana (9), Algeria (5), Tunisia (10), Cameroon (5), Egypt (10), Zaire (10), Morocco (9)
Asia: Iran (9), Iraq (4), South Korea (8), Kuwait (5), China (6)

 

[Wings]

This edition of the Nations League would see a completely stacked upper bracket with four of the favourites (England, West Germany, Brazil and France) facing each other in the Round of 16 and Quarter-Finals until only one would be left in the Semi-Finals. This left a seemingly open road for Italy, but the Squadra Azzura would continue the tradition of not making it past the Round of 16 by conceding an all important goal to Wales before being beaten in Cardiff and ousted from the tourney. The Welsh would meet Czechoslovakia in the Quarters, who defeated Yugoslavia in two close games. The clash of the titans would not disappoint, as both West Germany and England won their home games. However it was the Mannschaft who managed to score more in Munich and therefore advanced to the Quarters to face Brazil, who defeated France before a gruelling draw in Paris sent them to the next round.
Argentina also didn't have it easy, drawing twice to the Netherlands, before finally finding their opening in extra time, and advancing to play the Soviets, who nearly got upset by East Germany, but managed to pass on away goals. Spain also denied Belgium a shot at glory, the Red Devils not being able to capitalize on their win at home and conceding three goals at Camp Nou, while Austria completely annihilated Poland in two one-way games, much to everyone's surprise.

German players celebrate their equalizer in Wembley against the Three Lions, a goal which would send them through to the Quarter-Finals (1-2)

Argentina's Alberto Tarantini in action against the Dutch in Buenos Aires (1-1)

 

[Wings]

Wales would continue to surprise everyone. Despite losing against Czechoslovakia, they answered in kind at home, with Wales taking it to extra time, where a second goal would send them straight into the Semi-Finals. There they would be tasked with taking on a giant in Brazil. The Selecao and the Mannschaft battled it out in two epic games, notably the one in Hamburg, where Germany and Brazil traded blows, with Brazil finally coming out on top thanks to a late goal from Socrates. The return match was no offensive fest, but rather a defensive battle, with Brazil scoring one and Germany failing to score, Brazil therefore advancing.
In the lower bracket, the matches weren't as close. Both Argentina and Spain slammed the Soviet Union and Austria, leaving them safe during the return leg to shuffle the starting lineup with no consequences.

Welsh players in action against Czechoslovakia in Cardiff (2-0 aet)

 

[Wings]

Wales wouldn't go down in one big thud as they did in the past Nations League. This time, they were eliminated, but they made Brazil sweat for it, managing to hold an improbable draw in Cardiff, before conceding a loss in Brasilia after Careca scored 65 minutes into the match. Brazil would aim to win their first title in 10 years.
For that, they'll have to go past Spain, who managed to eliminate titleholders Argentina, who were surprised by the low defensive block put in place by Spain to lock down Kempes and Maradona in Rosario. The Spaniards then managed to get a win off of the Albiceleste in Madrid, thanks to goals from Santillana (31st minute) and Dani (61st minute).

Brazil's Zico in action against Wales

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Spain keeps me amazed in this edition.

 

[Wings]

The finals returned to South America with this years' being organized in Montevideo. Brazil came in as clear favorites over Spain, who had just came back from a disappointing Euro 1980 campaign while heading towards a World Cup at home the following year. The Spanish had eliminated Argentina though, and as such were stil not to be underestimated. Brazil understood this, and started attacking from the earliest stages of the game. It didn't take long for them to get a chance, as Zic's shot was saved by Arconada after less than 5 minutes of play. The Spanish defense struggled but held, neither Serginho or Eder managing to get clear chances. This also didn't mean Spain stood idle and watched. At the 30th minute Zamora found Santanilla who hit the bar after dribbling two Brazilian defenders. Brazil were the first to finally open up the scoreline however. A long ball from Luizinho found Falcao who delivered the ball to Zico, who saw his shot parried by Arconada. However, the ball rebounded into Socrates' waiting hands, the Selecao's captain driving the ball into the net with ease.
Spain reacted as soon as the second half started, with Cardenosa finding Juanito alone in the box. The Spanish striker couldn't arm his shot however, and his attempt went slightly over the bar after a good intervention by Waldir Peres. Brazil sought to keep their advantage then, relying on short passes through the midfield and avoiding giving possession. This didn't mean they did not attempt anything. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Zico managed to find Eder alone, the Brazilian scoring but the goal was denied for an offside position. Five minutes later, a corner kick saw Oscar heading in a possibly winning goal, only to be denied by Arconada once more. Spain didn't have any more occasions though, and would have to concede the game to Brazil. The Selecao has waited ten years for their next title, and now they can strike a seventh silver star on their jersey.

Spoiler

Spain's Dani during the final

Socrates scores Brazil's opener in the final

Brazilian celebrations after the final whistle

 

[Wings]

Winners: Brazil - 7th title
Top Scorers: Mario Kempes (ARG) & Klaus Allofs (FRG) - 4 goals

1981-82 Participants:
Europe: Italy (26), England (27), West Germany (27), Soviet Union (23), Poland (12), France (12), Austria (14), Belgium (11), East Germany (16), Netherlands (10), Czechoslovakia (24), Wales (3), Yugoslavia (22), Spain (26)
South America: Brazil (27), Argentina (27)

Final Location: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Bracket Order
England v Yugoslavia
Argentina v Czechoslovakia
Soviet Union v Spain
Brazil v Belgium
Italy v Austria
France v East Germany
West Germany v Netherlands
Poland v Wales

 

[Wings]

Bulgaria v China 5-0 / 1-1
South Korea v Ghana 6-0 / 1-0
Denmark v Honduras 1-0 / 0-0
Scotland v Algeria 2-1 / 0-0
Sweden v Kuwait 5-0 / 2-0
Hungary v Canada 2-0 / 0-0
Uruguay v Tunisia 3-0 / 1-0
Northern Ireland v Morocco 2-0 / 3-1
Peru v Israel 6-1 / 1-3
Ireland v Mexico 2-1 / 2-1
Iran v Cameroon 6-0 / 0-4
Romania v Zaire 4-0 / 0-2
Chile v Egypt 5-1 / 1-2
Iraq v Switzerland 2-2 / 2-3
Paraguay v El Salvador 7-2 / 1-2
Portugal v Greece 2-3 / 0-4

Bulgaria v South Korea 3-0 / 1-1
Denmark v Scotland 0-3 / 1-6
Sweden v Hungary 2-2 / 0-2
Uruguay v Northern Ireland 2-2 / 1-6
Peru v Ireland 1-0 / 1-3
Iran v Romania 2-1 / 1-5
Chile v Switzerland 0-0 / 1-3
Paraguay v Greece 1-1 / 0-1

Bulgaria v Scotland 1-4 / 0-5
Hungary v Northern Ireland 1-1 / 0-6
Ireland v Romania 1-3 / 0-6
Switzerland v Greece 1-5 / 0-1

Scotland v Northern Ireland 3-2 / 0-0
Romania v Greece 3-1 / 1-3 aet 2-4 pen

Scotland v Greece 3-0 / 1-3
Winners: Scotland - 2nd title

1981-82 Participants:
Europe: Scotland (5), Hungary (6), Romania (8), Portugal (4), Northern Ireland (11), Switzerland (8), Ireland (10), Denmark (11), Sweden (9), Bulgaria (11), Israel (11), Greece (10), Norway (1)
South America: Uruguay (11), Peru (11), Chile (11), Paraguay (11)
North America: Mexico (11), Honduras (2), Canada (3)
Africa: Ghana (10), Algeria (6), Cameroon (6), Zambia (2), Libya (1), Zaire (11), Egypt (11)
Asia: Iraq (5), Kuwait (6), Iran (10), South Korea (9)
Oceania: Australia (10)

Bracket Order:
Uruguay v Kuwait
Denmark v Libya
Portugal v Egypt
Bulgaria v Greece
Scotland v Cameroon
Chile v Honduras
Algeria v Norway
Ireland v Mexico
Romania v South Korea
Hungary v Zambia
Sweden v Paraguay
Ghana v Israel
Peru v Iran
Northern Ireland v Australia
Switzerland v Canada
Iraq v Zaire

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

So close... .well, it seems that Spain is beginning to play well. More impressive if José Santamaría is the manager of the Spanish team.😲

Just waiting to 1982 for the new flag and Miguel Muñoz...

 

[Wings]

The Round of 16 of this edition of the Nations League kicked off with England recieving Yugoslavia. The English would get an easy victory at home, but let their guard down and got slammed in Belgrade, as Yugoslavia came up with four goals, eliminating the Three Lions. They wouldn't be the only first seed to be knocked out, though, as the Soviets had to yield to Spain, who proved to be the better team in both confrontations. West Germany weren't expected to drop however, yet they got hooked by the Netherlands, who put on an impressive defensive showing to kick out the Mannschaft, securing their Quarter-Final spot. Poland also dropped, to Wales this time, as the Welsh continued their tradition of an underdog run.
Both South American teams moved on, but not without difficulty. Argentina had to battle it out against Czechoslovakia, only advancing thanks to a late goal from Maradona in Prague. Brazil also sweated, as a goal from Careca in Brussels was enough for them to move on, but the titleholders still conceded a win to the Red Devils. Finally, both Italy and France advanced without too much worries, defeating Austria and East Germany, respectively.

Argentinian players protesting a refereeing decision during the return leg against Czechoslovakia in Prague (1-1)

Italy's Rossi in action against Austria in Vienna (2-1)

 

[Wings]

The Quarter-Finals would prove to be too much for titleholders Argentina. Defeated in Zagreb against Yugoslavia, they would beat them at home, but concede two crucial goals that would see them leave the tournament. Their neighbours Brazil wouldn't have such problems, beating Spain in a close game in Madrid, before smashing the Spaniards in Recife. Wales also wouldn't be able to see the Semi-Finals again, being smashed by the Dutch in the Netherlands, and despite winning the return leg, they would have to let the Dutch through to face France, who defeated Italy 3-0 in France after drawing earlier on.

Yugoslavia in action against Argentina during the return leg in Mendoza (2-4)

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

What an unlucky beginning for the new Spanish flag

 

[Wings]

What an unlucky beginning for the new Spanish flag

Well...Brazil is scary.

 

[Wings]

Contrarily to the Quarter-Finals and Round of 16, the Semi-Finals of the Nations League weren't even close. Brazil slammed Yugoslavia 3-0 twice, both in Sarajevo and Sao Paulo, leaving no chance for the Yugoslavian squad. France likewise 3-0'd the Netherlands at home, before dominating the Oranje in Rotterdam, advancing to the final to face off against titleholders Brazil.

French and Dutch players in action during the return Semi-Final leg between the two nations