Silver Road and Golden Stripes, Yet Another Football TL
- Thread starter Wings
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Semi-Finals 2012-13
Spain were completely ruthless against Turkey. The Turks never saw the light of day during both their Semi-Finals, and La Rioja continued unopposed to the final, where they would meet underdogs Bosnia. After successfully drawing the Dutch at home, the Bosnians could thank Dzeko and Ibisevic, who scored the two goals needed to advance during their home leg, enabling the Bosnians to make it to the final.
Ibisevic scores Bosnia's second goal against the Netherlands, thus securing a spot in the final.
Unknown 2 (5)
Red 1 (4)
Choc 1 (8)
Matthew 1 (7)
Rennse 1 (4)
Ibisevic scores Bosnia's second goal against the Netherlands, thus securing a spot in the final.
Unknown 2 (5)
Red 1 (4)
Choc 1 (8)
Matthew 1 (7)
Rennse 1 (4)
Final 2012-13
Without much surprise in this all-european final, it was Spain that controlled the pace of the first half, but Bosnian keeper Begovic came clutch with two big saves against Torres and Iniesta. Busquets also saw his shot go slightly over the bar, as Bosnia failed to mount any serious offensives. It was during one of these that Spahic collided with Iniesta, giving a penalty to Spain and getting a yellow. Xabi Alonso scored the resulting penalty, giving his team a 1-0 lead. Right before half-time, Spain struck again, with Xavi seeing his shot saved by Begovic once more. On the other hand, Bosnia looked lost, and didn't get a single shot on target throughout the whole game.
However, the second half was a different story. Indeed, Pjanic and Lulic perfectly combined their efforts to get the ball to Edin Dzeko, who crucified Casillas at point-blank range, equalizing for Bosnia. The Bosnians didn't celebrate for long. A few minutes later, Xavi intercepted a midfield pass, sending it straight to David Silva, who beat Begovic and sent the ball into the back of the net, regaining the advantage. Spain nearly made it three at the 73rd minute when Xabi Alonso found Fernando Torres, but the Spaniard whiffed his shot, sending it right over the bar despite being alone versus Begovic. Right before the final whistle, Torres nearly got his goal, but a save from Begovic let the score stay at 2-1, giving Spain a much deserved title.
Edin Dzeko scores Bosnia's equalizer, giving hope back to the Bosnians
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Fernando Torres and David Silva celebrate taking the lead over Bosnia 5 minutes only after Dzeko's equalizer
Spain's David Villa poses with the trophy and his club colours.
However, the second half was a different story. Indeed, Pjanic and Lulic perfectly combined their efforts to get the ball to Edin Dzeko, who crucified Casillas at point-blank range, equalizing for Bosnia. The Bosnians didn't celebrate for long. A few minutes later, Xavi intercepted a midfield pass, sending it straight to David Silva, who beat Begovic and sent the ball into the back of the net, regaining the advantage. Spain nearly made it three at the 73rd minute when Xabi Alonso found Fernando Torres, but the Spaniard whiffed his shot, sending it right over the bar despite being alone versus Begovic. Right before the final whistle, Torres nearly got his goal, but a save from Begovic let the score stay at 2-1, giving Spain a much deserved title.
Edin Dzeko scores Bosnia's equalizer, giving hope back to the Bosnians
Fernando Torres and David Silva celebrate taking the lead over Bosnia 5 minutes only after Dzeko's equalizer
Spain's David Villa poses with the trophy and his club colours.
Attachments
2012-13 Stats & 13-14 Intro
Winners: Spain - 4th title
Top Scorer: Edin Dzeko (BHZ) - 12 goals
Prediction Winner: @Chocolate Raines (10, 4, 3, 1, 2) - 2nd title
2013-14 Participants:
Europe: Spain (57), Germany (59), Netherlands (41), Italy (58), Portugal (30), Croatia (20), Belgium (20), Greece (12), Bosnia and Herzegovina (3), England (57), Switzerland (10), Russia (17), France (42), Norway (15), Czech Republic (17), Denmark (29), Montenegro (2), Ukraine (7), Sweden (40), Hungary (24)
South America: Colombia (20), Argentina (57), Brazil (59), Uruguay (38), Ecuador (4), Chile (13), Peru (3)
North America: United States (16), Mexico (35)
Africa: Ivory Coast (8), Ghana (7), Mali (1)
Final Location: Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro
Groups & Seeding
Group A: Germany, Belgium, Chile, Ukraine
Group B: Netherlands, Brazil, Ghana, Montenegro
Group C: Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Mali
Group D: Portugal, England, Peru, Norway
Group E: Argentina, Switzerland, France, Czech Republic
Group F: Spain, Russia, Ivory Coast, Sweden
Group G: Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United States, Denmark
Group H: Croatia, Greece, Ecuador, Hungary
World League 2012-13
Group A: 1. Slovenia 2. Finland 3. Honduras 4. Venezuela
Group B: 1. Sierra Leone 2. Algeria 3. Haiti 4. Estonia
Group C: 1. Montenegro 2. Nigeria 3. Gabon 4. Canada
Group D: 1. United States 2. Costa Rica 3. Belarus 4. Romania
Group E: 1. Cameroon 2. Wales 3. Scotland 4. Guinea
Group F: 1. Jamaica 2. Armenia 3. Slovakia 4. Central African Republic
Group G: 1. Uzbekistan 2. Ukraine 3. Albania 4. Egypt
Group H: 1. Poland 2. Mali 3. El Salvador 4. Cape Verde
Group I: 1. Libya 2. Morocco 3. Peru 4. Bolivia
Group J: 1. South Africa 2. Zambia 3. Belgium 4. PR China
Group K: 1. Iran 2. Tunisia 3. Austria 4. Latvia
Group L: 1. Panama 2. Senegal 3. Benin 4. Serbia
Chile v Montenegro 2-0 / 0-1
Mali v France 2-1 / 0-4
Senegal v Italy 1-1 / 0-0
Greece v Slovenia 2-2 / 1-1
Ivory Coast v United States 0-0 / 1-0
Tunisia v Mexico 2-0 / 0-1
Costa Rica v Iran 1-4 / 1-0
Wales v Uzbekistan 4-1 / 1-0
Algeria v Poland 0-3 / 0-3
Croatia v Cameroon 0-1 / 3-0
Ukraine v Jamaica 0-0 / 1-1
Finland v Panama 1-1 / 0-0
Morocco v Czech Republic 1-2 / 3-2
Nigeria v South Africa 1-1 / 1-2
Zambia v Libya 2-1 / 1-0
Armenia v Sierra Leone 1-2 / 0-2
Chile v France 1-1 / 1-2
Italy v Slovenia 1-0 / 0-1 aet 3-2 pen
Ivory Coast v Tunisia 2-1 / 1-2 aet 1-3 pen
Iran v Wales 1-2 / 0-3
Poland v Croatia 3-4 / 2-2
Ukraine v Panama 0-0 / 4-1
Morocco v South Africa 3-1 / 1-1
Zambia v Sierra Leone 2-1 / 2-2 aet
France v Italy 3-1 / 2-1
Tunisia v Wales 3-2 / 0-3
Croatia v Ukraine 1-3 / 0-2
Morocco v Zambia 2-0 / 1-0
France v Wales 1-1 / 0-2
Ukraine v Morocco 3-1 / 1-0
Wales v Ukraine 2-1
Winners: Wales - 1st title
2013-14 Participants:
Europe: Romania (24), Albania (6), Serbia (4), Ireland (27), Slovenia (11), Wales (28), Scotland (28), Bulgaria (37), Austria (30), Turkey (21), Slovakia (14), Israel (35), Finland (20), Armenia (3), Iceland (7), Poland (23), Belarus (9)
South America: Venezuela (10), Paraguay (30), Bolivia (11)
North America: Panama (5), Costa Rica (16), Honduras (24), Haiti (6), Jamaica (13), Trinidad and Tobago (12)
Africa: Algeria (25), Nigeria (24), Cape Verde (4), Burkina Faso (6), Cameroon (30), Tunisia (30), Zambia (23), Egypt (38), South Africa (11), Guinea (13), Libya (9), Morocco (34), Uganda (3), Senegal (11), Sierra Leone (2)
Asia: Japan (14), Iran (32), South Korea (36), Uzbekistan (9), Jordan (3)
Oceania: Australia (30), New Zealand (4)
Final Location: Olympic Stadium, Montreal
Groups & Seeding
Group A: Cape Verde, Slovenia, South Africa, Poland
Group B: Nigeria, Cameroon, Uzbekistan, Libya
Group C: Romania, Australia, Israel, Iceland
Group D: Costa Rica, Tunisia, Armenia, Belarus
Group E: Panama, South Korea, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago
Group F: Honduras, Scotland, Zambia, Haiti
Group G: Venezuela, Iran, Egypt, Jamaica
Group H: Japan, Burkina Faso, Bolivia, Morocco
Group I: Serbia, Wales, Guinea, Senegal
Group J: Ireland, Paraguay, Finland, Jordan
Group K: Algeria, Austria, Turkey, Uganda
Group L: Albania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Sierra Leone
Group B: 1. Sierra Leone 2. Algeria 3. Haiti 4. Estonia
Group C: 1. Montenegro 2. Nigeria 3. Gabon 4. Canada
Group D: 1. United States 2. Costa Rica 3. Belarus 4. Romania
Group E: 1. Cameroon 2. Wales 3. Scotland 4. Guinea
Group F: 1. Jamaica 2. Armenia 3. Slovakia 4. Central African Republic
Group G: 1. Uzbekistan 2. Ukraine 3. Albania 4. Egypt
Group H: 1. Poland 2. Mali 3. El Salvador 4. Cape Verde
Group I: 1. Libya 2. Morocco 3. Peru 4. Bolivia
Group J: 1. South Africa 2. Zambia 3. Belgium 4. PR China
Group K: 1. Iran 2. Tunisia 3. Austria 4. Latvia
Group L: 1. Panama 2. Senegal 3. Benin 4. Serbia
Chile v Montenegro 2-0 / 0-1
Mali v France 2-1 / 0-4
Senegal v Italy 1-1 / 0-0
Greece v Slovenia 2-2 / 1-1
Ivory Coast v United States 0-0 / 1-0
Tunisia v Mexico 2-0 / 0-1
Costa Rica v Iran 1-4 / 1-0
Wales v Uzbekistan 4-1 / 1-0
Algeria v Poland 0-3 / 0-3
Croatia v Cameroon 0-1 / 3-0
Ukraine v Jamaica 0-0 / 1-1
Finland v Panama 1-1 / 0-0
Morocco v Czech Republic 1-2 / 3-2
Nigeria v South Africa 1-1 / 1-2
Zambia v Libya 2-1 / 1-0
Armenia v Sierra Leone 1-2 / 0-2
Chile v France 1-1 / 1-2
Italy v Slovenia 1-0 / 0-1 aet 3-2 pen
Ivory Coast v Tunisia 2-1 / 1-2 aet 1-3 pen
Iran v Wales 1-2 / 0-3
Poland v Croatia 3-4 / 2-2
Ukraine v Panama 0-0 / 4-1
Morocco v South Africa 3-1 / 1-1
Zambia v Sierra Leone 2-1 / 2-2 aet
France v Italy 3-1 / 2-1
Tunisia v Wales 3-2 / 0-3
Croatia v Ukraine 1-3 / 0-2
Morocco v Zambia 2-0 / 1-0
France v Wales 1-1 / 0-2
Ukraine v Morocco 3-1 / 1-0
Wales v Ukraine 2-1
Winners: Wales - 1st title
2013-14 Participants:
Europe: Romania (24), Albania (6), Serbia (4), Ireland (27), Slovenia (11), Wales (28), Scotland (28), Bulgaria (37), Austria (30), Turkey (21), Slovakia (14), Israel (35), Finland (20), Armenia (3), Iceland (7), Poland (23), Belarus (9)
South America: Venezuela (10), Paraguay (30), Bolivia (11)
North America: Panama (5), Costa Rica (16), Honduras (24), Haiti (6), Jamaica (13), Trinidad and Tobago (12)
Africa: Algeria (25), Nigeria (24), Cape Verde (4), Burkina Faso (6), Cameroon (30), Tunisia (30), Zambia (23), Egypt (38), South Africa (11), Guinea (13), Libya (9), Morocco (34), Uganda (3), Senegal (11), Sierra Leone (2)
Asia: Japan (14), Iran (32), South Korea (36), Uzbekistan (9), Jordan (3)
Oceania: Australia (30), New Zealand (4)
Final Location: Olympic Stadium, Montreal
Groups & Seeding
Group A: Cape Verde, Slovenia, South Africa, Poland
Group B: Nigeria, Cameroon, Uzbekistan, Libya
Group C: Romania, Australia, Israel, Iceland
Group D: Costa Rica, Tunisia, Armenia, Belarus
Group E: Panama, South Korea, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago
Group F: Honduras, Scotland, Zambia, Haiti
Group G: Venezuela, Iran, Egypt, Jamaica
Group H: Japan, Burkina Faso, Bolivia, Morocco
Group I: Serbia, Wales, Guinea, Senegal
Group J: Ireland, Paraguay, Finland, Jordan
Group K: Algeria, Austria, Turkey, Uganda
Group L: Albania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Sierra Leone
Group A: Germany, Belgium, Chile, Ukraine
Group B: Netherlands, Brazil, Ghana, Montenegro
Group C: Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Mali
Group D: Portugal, England, Peru, Norway
Group E: Argentina, Switzerland, France, Czech Republic
Group F: Spain, Russia, Ivory Coast, Sweden
Group G: Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United States, Denmark
Group H: Croatia, Greece, Ecuador, Hungary
Group B: Netherlands, Brazil, Ghana, Montenegro
Group C: Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Mali
Group D: Portugal, England, Peru, Norway
Group E: Argentina, Switzerland, France, Czech Republic
Group F: Spain, Russia, Ivory Coast, Sweden
Group G: Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United States, Denmark
Group H: Croatia, Greece, Ecuador, Hungary
Group A: Germany, Belgium, Chile, Ukraine
Group B: Netherlands, Brazil, Ghana, Montenegro
Group C: Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Mali
Group D: Portugal, England, Peru, Norway
Group E: Argentina, Switzerland, France, Czech Republic
Group F: Spain, Russia, Ivory Coast, Sweden
Group G: Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United States, Denmark
Group H: Croatia, Greece, Ecuador, Hungary
Group B: Netherlands, Brazil, Ghana, Montenegro
Group C: Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Mali
Group D: Portugal, England, Peru, Norway
Group E: Argentina, Switzerland, France, Czech Republic
Group F: Spain, Russia, Ivory Coast, Sweden
Group G: Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United States, Denmark
Group H: Croatia, Greece, Ecuador, Hungary
Interlude: World Challenge 2013
The 2013 and 2014 editions head to Africa in Morocco. The host nation would start their campaign really well, defeating New Zealand after extra time, and then proceeding to beat the United States to grab a ticket for the Semi-Finals. On the other hand, the African curse would endure, with Iran defeating the Ivory Coast after extra time, the Elephants defeating the U.S to grab fifth place. While Argentina easily defeated Morocco, Spain were struck by Iran, who advanced to the final with a 3-1 upset victory. Spain wouldn't even take third place, losing to Morocco on extra time. This left Argentina with a free bye towards a title, easily disposing of Iran despite a tight scoreline.
Argentine and Iranian players during the final.
Argentine and Iranian players during the final.
Groups A-D 2013-14
Germany confirmed their favourite status by completely annihilating everyone in their group, easily taking first place. Ukraine followed them, albeit at quite the distance, winning three games to secure second place. Chile and Belgium didn't win a single game, and both drew three times. Having both taken the same amount of goals, Chile snatched a World League spot by scoring one more goal than the Belgians, who dropped out of both tourneys.
No problem either for both favourites in Group B, with the Netherlands easily topping everyone. Brazil suffered a bit, but still managed to take second place handily. No chance for Montenegro once more, as they dropped last place, with Ghana making their way towards the World League.
Group C was considered the group of death with good reason. Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico struggled for two spots in the knockout, while Mali also impressed, winning against Mexico twice to knock them out of the Nations League. Without any opposition, the two South American squads advanced, while Mali took third.
Same thing in Group D, as favourites England and Portugal easily made their way to the knockout stage. England took first place handily, while Portugal had to settle for second place. Norway completed the European trifecta as they knocked Peru out of both tourneys.
Colombia and Uruguay battle for first place in Group C.
Transfer to World League:
Chile (34), vs Mali
Ghana (29), vs Paraguay
Mali (13), vs Chile
Norway (19), vs Australia
No problem either for both favourites in Group B, with the Netherlands easily topping everyone. Brazil suffered a bit, but still managed to take second place handily. No chance for Montenegro once more, as they dropped last place, with Ghana making their way towards the World League.
Group C was considered the group of death with good reason. Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico struggled for two spots in the knockout, while Mali also impressed, winning against Mexico twice to knock them out of the Nations League. Without any opposition, the two South American squads advanced, while Mali took third.
Same thing in Group D, as favourites England and Portugal easily made their way to the knockout stage. England took first place handily, while Portugal had to settle for second place. Norway completed the European trifecta as they knocked Peru out of both tourneys.
Colombia and Uruguay battle for first place in Group C.
Transfer to World League:
Chile (34), vs Mali
Ghana (29), vs Paraguay
Mali (13), vs Chile
Norway (19), vs Australia
Groups E-H 2013-14
Argentina were the first favourite to drop out of the competition. Out of their depth in Group E, they got surprised by France and the Czech Republic, who both advanced to the knockout stages. The Czechs even took first place, with France coming in second, while Switzerland were wiped once more.
Spain didn't choke, and easily took first seed in their group. Battle for second place was fierce though, as the Ivory Coast managed to snatch second right above Sweden, with Russia finishing last.
No problem for Italy either, as the Squadra Azzura took first in their group on goal average over the United States, who managed a good run. Finalists Bosnia wouldn't be so lucky though, and dropped out of both the Nations and the World League, leaving 3rd place to Denmark.
Croatia wouldn't be able to confirm their ticket to the knockout stage in Group H, as Greece finally renewed with success along with Ecuador. The south americans took first, while Greece would also move on to the knockouts, with Hungary unsurprisingly finishing last.
Greek fans during their team's game against Ecuador
Transfer to World League:
Argentina (4), vs Slovenia
Sweden (18), vs Haiti
Denmark (18), vs Bulgaria
Croatia (8), vs Zambia
Round of 16:
France v Netherlands (Marseille/Rotterdam)
United States v Spain (Los Angeles/Madrid (Vicente Calderon))
Colombia v Germany (Bogota/Leverkusen)
Ivory Coast v England (Abidjan/Manchester (Etihad))
Portugal v Ecuador (Pacos de Ferreira/Quito)
Greece v Italy (Piraeus/Milan)
Ukraine v Uruguay (Donetsk/Montevideo (Luis Franzini))
Brazil v Czech Republic (Porto Alegre/Prague)
Spain didn't choke, and easily took first seed in their group. Battle for second place was fierce though, as the Ivory Coast managed to snatch second right above Sweden, with Russia finishing last.
No problem for Italy either, as the Squadra Azzura took first in their group on goal average over the United States, who managed a good run. Finalists Bosnia wouldn't be so lucky though, and dropped out of both the Nations and the World League, leaving 3rd place to Denmark.
Croatia wouldn't be able to confirm their ticket to the knockout stage in Group H, as Greece finally renewed with success along with Ecuador. The south americans took first, while Greece would also move on to the knockouts, with Hungary unsurprisingly finishing last.
Greek fans during their team's game against Ecuador
Transfer to World League:
Argentina (4), vs Slovenia
Sweden (18), vs Haiti
Denmark (18), vs Bulgaria
Croatia (8), vs Zambia
Round of 16:
France v Netherlands (Marseille/Rotterdam)
United States v Spain (Los Angeles/Madrid (Vicente Calderon))
Colombia v Germany (Bogota/Leverkusen)
Ivory Coast v England (Abidjan/Manchester (Etihad))
Portugal v Ecuador (Pacos de Ferreira/Quito)
Greece v Italy (Piraeus/Milan)
Ukraine v Uruguay (Donetsk/Montevideo (Luis Franzini))
Brazil v Czech Republic (Porto Alegre/Prague)