Silver Road and Golden Stripes, Yet Another Football TL

[Wings]

Winners: Norway - 1st title
Top Scorer: Pierluigi Casiraghi (ITA) - 9 goals

1996-97 Particpants:
Europe: Germany (42), France (25), Czech Republic (1), Italy (41), Netherlands (24), Spain (40), Russia (3), Sweden (27), Denmark (13), Portugal (15), England (40)
South America: Brazil (42), Colombia (5)
North America: Mexico (18)
Africa: Zambia (1), South Africa (1)

Final Location: Cairo International Stadium, Cairo
Groups & Seeding
Group A: France, Russia, Colombia, South Africa
Group B: Germany, Italy, Denmark, England
Group C: Czech Republic, Netherlands, Sweden, Zambia
Group D: Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Mexico

 

[Wings]

Egypt v Slovakia 5-0 / 0-7
Poland v Japan 1-1 / 1-1 aet 2-4 pen
Greece v Iceland 4-0 / 2-1
United States v Morocco 3-0 / 4-1
Belgium v Zimbabwe 2-0 / 2-1
Czech Republic v Israel 1-0 / 2-3
Scotland v Cameroon 4-1 / 2-3
France v Senegal 6-0 / 2-1
Netherlands v Nigeria 1-1 / 2-2
Tunisia v Saudi Arabia 0-1 / 3-3
Zambia v Chile 0-1 / 1-1
Uruguay v Lithuania 6-1 / 1-1
Ghana v South Korea 3-3 / 0-5
England v Austria 3-0 / 1-0
Turkey v Finland 8-0 / 3-0
Ivory Coast v Mali 1-2 / 2-2

Slovakia v Japan 0-2 / 1-4
Greece v United States 2-2 / 0-4
Belgium v Czech Republic 0-2 / 1-1
Scotland v France 0-2 / 0-8
Netherlands v Saudi Arabia 2-0 / 2-1
Chile v Uruguay 3-0 / 0-1
South Korea v England 0-1 / 1-6
Turkey v Mali 3-1 / 0-0

Japan v United States 1-1 / 0-2
Czech Republic v France 0-1 / 0-4
Netherlands v Chile 2-0 / 1-0
England v Turkey 2-0 / 2-1

United States v France 1-0 / 0-3
Netherlands v England 4-0 / 1-2

France v Netherlands 5-1 / 0-1
Winners: France - 5th title

1996-97 Participants:
Europe: Bulgaria (24), Romania (17), Croatia (1), Norway (11), Turkey (13), Greece (25), Switzerland (19), Scotland (18), Ireland (17), Slovakia (3), Austria (19), Belgium (14)
South America: Chile (24), Argentina (2), Ecuador (7), Bolivia (4), Paraguay (23)
North America: United States (8), Trinidad and Tobago (1), Jamaica (1), Honduras (11)
Africa: Ghana (18), Tunisia (17), Egypt (26), Ivory Coast (15), Morocco (21), Algeria (18), Cameroon (20), Gabon (1)
Asia: Japan (5), Saudi Arabia (8), South Korea (23)

Bracket Order:
Romania v Ireland
Turkey v Morocco
Tunisia v Bolivia
Greece v Gabon
Ecuador v Slovakia
Japan v Austria
Norway v Honduras
Croatia v Jamaica
Argentina v Algeria
Ghana v Trinidad and Tobago
Switzerland v South Korea
Ivory Coast v Saudi Arabia
United States v Belgium
Chile v Paraguay
Bulgaria v Cameroon
Egypt v Scotland

Final Locations up to 2000:
1998 - Ouagadougou
1999 - Asuncion
2000 - Lagos

 

[Wings]

Group A was interestingly close. While France was expected to easily dominate the group, they dropped both their away games against Russia and Colombia. Added to that, they also drew twice to South Africa, who also drew twice to Russia and once to Colombia, beating them in Bloemfontein to secure an unlikely spot in the Quarter-Finals. Smashed by France 5-1 and Colombia 6-0, Russia wouldn't have the goal average to move on, letting France take the first seed, while Colombia's defeat against the Bafana Bafana would cost them, dropping as 4th place, a single point away from qualifying.

Note: COL - RSA is supposed to be 2-2

Group B was appropriately named the "Group of death" with four strong european squads composing it. Once more though, Germany would utterly disappoint, only being able to catch one win against Denmark at home. England came back much stronger, winning every game at home, scoring victories at Anfield against Italy, at Wembley against Germany and at St.James against Denmark. Their away games would be good, but not enough to snatch first place from Italy, who took advantage of a better goal average to get first seed and a match against South Africa. For their return in the Nations League, England would have to face off against France in the Quarter-Finals.

South African players and fans erupt in joy as they qualify on the last day after their 3-0 victory over Colombia in Bloemfontein.

Gascoigne celebrates with his teammates after scoring England's fourth goal against Italy in Anfield.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

I'm happy for Gazza but sad for the Mannschafft.

 

[Wings]

I'm happy for Gazza but sad for the Mannschafft.

Yeah Germany is in a bad spot right now. But they'll climb out of it.

 

[Wings]

Group C was much less close than the two previous ones, with the Netherlands and the Czech Republic competing to end on top. In the end the Dutch managed to clinch this first seed despite a harsh 3-0 loss to the Czechs in Prague. This is due to the Czechs not being able to get more than a point in two games versus Sweden, while also drawing to Zambia. Zambia also saved the Czechs from elimination by defeating Sweden at home in Lusaka, and despite finishing last, could hold their heads high as they grabbed 5 points in the group.

Group D in comparaison was much closer, with Mexico out of the picture quickly, only managing to get two draws at home and losing the rest of their games. Brazil, Portugal and Spain battled for the two spots in the Quarter-Finals. Spain didn't start off well, but didn't drop a single game, managing to draw four times. Portugal on the other hand were defeated twice, but snatched 9 points, including the full 6 against Mexico. Brazil didn't do great either, being solid at home, but only scoring a single goal away, and losing the all-important game in Lisbon against Portugal meant they missed the Quarter-Finals by a point. Portugal would advance as second seed, while Spain got first on goal average.

Czech players celebrate qualifying for the Quarter-Finals after their win over Zambia in Brno (2-1).

Portugal's Luis Figo scores during Portugal's game against Spain in Tenerife.

Quarter-Finals:
England vs France
Czech Republic vs Spain
South Africa vs Italy
Portugal vs Netherlands

 

[Unknown]

My picks: Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and France

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

England
Czech Republic
Italy
Netherlands

 

[Wings]

The two first Quarter-Finals weren't even close. England, for their return to the Nations League, got absolutely dismanted by France in two resounding defeats in Old Trafford and Auxerre. Similarly and despite a good start, the Czechs also got dismantled by Spain 4-0 in Madrid, leaving the Rioja to go straight into the semi-finals to face off against France. The other semi-finals were much closer, with South Africa starting off by shocking Italy at home with a 2-1 victory. The Squadra Azzura did manage to turn it around and win at home, but the unexpected loss to the Bafana Bafana stung. Meanwhile, Portugal were the only second seeded team to make it out, after defeating the Netherlands at home thanks to a late goal from Luis Figo.

Spanish substitute Guillermo Amor scores Spain's fourth and final goal at home against the Czechs, sending his team towards the Semi-Finals.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Spanish substitute Guillermo Amo scores Spain's fourth and final goal at home against the Czechs, sending his team towards the Semi-Finals.

A minor "but". It's Guillermo Amor.

 

[Unknown]

My picks for the final: France vs. Italy

Winner: France

 

[Wings]

A minor "but". It's Guillermo Amor.

Typed it slightly too fast.

 

[Wings]

Both France and Spain came into the Semi-Finals having crushed their opponents, and as a result the pressure was on both of them to perform. Evenly matched in both games, it would take a free kick from Zidane to send France into the final at the 88th minute in Barcelona's Camp Nou. They would face off against Italy, who completely dismantled Portugal in their home game before securing a 1-0 win over the Selecao in Braga to advance.

Spanish and French players in action in Paris during the first leg of their confrontation (1-1).

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

I hope both loose, please.

 

[Wings]

The final of this edition pitted two european nations against each other once more. France and Italy had been no stranger to meeting each other in the final of the tournament, their last confrontation in 1983 in Wembley having seen France triumph 3-2. Eager to take revenge, the Squadra Azzura dominated the first half, and Del Piero quickly found the back of the net thanks to a caviar from Di Biaggio. The Italian striker was close to making it two right before half-time, but his shot was saved by Lama. The french didn't manage to do much thanks to the Italian tight defense, and this would show in the second half as well. However, one small defending error would allow Zidane to sneak past two Italian players and equalize, sending both teams to overtime.
Both looked on equal footing, but in the end, one offensive by Italy would prove fatal to France. Roberto Baggio managed to sneak his way down the field and cross a perfect ball for Del Piero to knock in the net, scoring the golden goal Italy needed to take home their third Nations League title. If Italy's 1980s generation won a World Cup, their 1990s comrades would cement their name in Italian football as the squad who brought home three silver stars.

Spoiler

Zidane equalizes against Italy after 75 minutes of play

Alessandro Del Piero makes a solid impression as he wins yet another duel with a French defender

Italian joy after the final whistle is blown

 

[Wings]

Winners: Italy - 3rd title
Top Scorer: Alan Shearer (ENG) - 5 goals

1997-98 Participants:
Europe: Spain (41), Denmark (14), Germany (43), Russia (4), Netherlands (25), England (41), Italy (42), France (26), Romania (13), Norway (5), Czech Republic (2), Slovakia (1), Bulgaria (6)
South America: Brazil (43), Colombia (6), Argentina (41), Bolivia (1), Chile (5)
North America: Mexico (19)
Africa: Morocco (1), Zambia (2), Tunisia (2), South Africa (2)
Asia: Japan (1)

Final Location: Stade de France, Paris
Groups & Seeding
Group A: Germany, Romania, Japan, Tunisia
Group B: Spain, Colombia, Morocco, Bulgaria
Group C: Brazil, Italy, Czech Republic, South Africa
Group D: Netherlands, England, Norway, Slovakia
Group E: Denmark, France, Bolivia, Chile
Group F: Russia, Mexico, Argentina, Zambia

 

[Wings]

Romania v Ireland 2-0 / 1-1
Turkey v Morocco 0-1 / 0-2
Tunisia v Bolivia 2-0 / 1-2
Greece v Gabon 1-1 / 3-3
Ecuador v Slovakia 1-1 / 0-3
Japan v Austria 1-1 / 0-1
Norway v Honduras 0-0 / 1-0
Croatia v Jamaica 2-0 / 0-1
Argentina v Algeria 1-0 / 2-2
Ghana v Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 / 2-1
Switzerland v South Korea 1-0 / 1-1
Ivory Coast v Saudi Arabia 2-2 / 0-2
United States v Belgium 0-3 / 0-2
Chile v Paraguay 1-1 / 2-1 aet
Bulgaria v Cameroon 3-2 / 1-1
Egypt v Scotland 2-0 / 0-2 aet 2-4 pen

Romania v Morocco 3-3 / 0-2
Tunisia v Greece 2-2 / 0-1
Slovakia v Austria 1-0 / 1-0
Norway v Croatia 0-3 / 0-3
Argentina v Ghana 3-1 / 1-1
Switzerland v Saudi Arabia 2-0 / 1-2
Belgium v Chile 3-2 / 1-1
Bulgaria v Scotland 2-2 / 0-0

Morocco v Greece 1-0 / 2-4
Slovakia v Croatia 1-1 / 1-2
Argentina v Switzerland 1-0 / 2-0
Belgium v Scotland 2-3 / 2-3

Greece v Croatia 0-0 / 0-1
Argentina v Scotland 4-1 / 3-0

Croatia - Argentina 2-1 / 1-1
Winners: Croatia - 1st title

1996-97 Participants:
Europe: Sweden (12), Scotland (19), Portugal (17), Croatia (2), Belgium (25), FR Yugoslavia (6), Lithuania (2), Israel (22), Austria (20), Greece (26), Turkey (14), Poland (13), Ukraine (1), Ireland (18)
South America: Paraguay (24), Ecuador (8), Peru (18), Uruguay (16)
North America: United States (9), Jamaica (2), Canada (8), Honduras (12), Costa Rica (6)
Africa: Egypt (27), Ivory Coast (16), Ghana (19), Cameroon (21), Algeria (19)
Asia: South Korea (24), Saudi Arabia (9), Kuwait (10)
Oceania: Australia (20)

Final Location: Stade du 4 Aout, Ouagadougou
Bracket Order
Yugoslavia v Uruguay
Scotland v Canada
Paraguay v Lithuania
South Korea v Poland
Portugal v Algeria
Belgium v Kuwait
Australia v Greece
United States v Honduras
Saudi Arabia v Cameroon
Ecuador v Ukraine
Jamaica v Ghana
Croatia v Israel
Ivory Coast v Austria
Sweden v Turkey
Peru v Ireland
Egypt v Costa Rica

 

[Wings]

Group A started off with a massive surprise. Although Germany were expected to cruise to the top of the group, they were denied, losing away to both Romania and Japan. A draw against Romania furthermore meant that the Mannschaft couldn't even advance as part of the second-best teams in the group hase. The first seed didn't even go to Romania, who failed to beat Tunisia twice, and instead went to Japan, who put up a monster performance, winning four games, including three at home, conceding no goals, and only losing once, to Germany in Dortmund.

Group B was equally tight. Although Spain didn't drop a single game, they also failed to win several times away despite clearly being in control. For the Rioja, salvation would come from their 5-0 win over Morocco, allowing them to advance over Bulgaria, who reciprocated Spain's results. Colombia wouldn't be able to make it either, being stuck with 5 draws and losing 5-4 in Spain. Morocco didn't get obliterated like Tunisia, but they still ended last place in the group.

Unlike last year, this time Africa didn't manage to do well. South Africa was absolutely outclassed in their games, and ended the group last place. However, they would take an all important point off of Brazil, who lost twice to Italy, and despite the Squadra Azzura's missteps, wouldn't be able to defeat the Bafana Bafana in Cape Town, allowing Italy to squeeze through towards the Quarter-Finals, while the Selecao, despite an advantegeous goal-average, would stay stuck in the Group Stages due to two other teams scoring more points than them.

Japan's Nakata in action against Germany

Spanish and Bulgarian players in action in Sofia (3-3).

 

[Wings]

Group D saw Slovakia's first participation in the Nations League. The ex-Czechoslovakian nation didn't do very well, being obliterated by every team safe for the Netherlands at home. Ironically, along with the draw a Highbury, it would be the Oranje's only misstep, the Dutch going on to win every game at home, along with a victory in Norway to secure first place in the group. The Three Lions had to battle it out against Norway to get their own spot, but thanks to a 2-1 victory at St.James' Park, they achieved their goal and qualified as the second-best second place team in the Group Stages.

The first best second-placed team wouldn't be one people would have thought had a chance of making it to the Quarter-Finals. Yet Chile made quite the impression, going toe to toe with France, beating them in Santiago do Chile and upsetting Denmark in Odense a week later. With these six points, Chile took advantage of France drawing Denmark and the overall poor performance of the Danes to make it to the Quarer-Finals, while France took first on goal-average, owing to their solid defense despite an inefficient attack.

The last spot in Quarters would go to Argentina, who would be the second South American squad to make it. The Albiceleste easily crushed their group, drawing twice and winning the rest of their games. Mexico wouldn't be able to stay on the same level as the rest of the second-placed teams and were eliminated with a meagre 9 points. Like the rest of the African squads, Zambia didn't shine and ended last place in the group, despite putting up a better fight than the rest.

England's Michael Owen celebrates his equalizer against the Netherlands at Highbury (2-2).

Chile's Salas and Zamorano celebrate scoring their first and only goal against France, securing them three points and a spot in the Quarter-Finals.

Quarter-Finals:
England v Italy
Argentina v Spain
Chile v Netherlands
France v Japan

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Italy
Argentina
Netherlands
Japan