Biggest Ever All-Time Draft - R2 - GSTQ vs Skizzo

With players at their career peak, who would win?

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Physiocrat

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GSTQ

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Skizzo

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GSTQ Tactics

Setup Notes -

1. Recreation of the Brazilian magic square with worthy replacements in Rivellino and Zito
2. A front 2 that can roam all across the front line, designed specifically for this setup and especially Zico.
3. A defensively sound backline with fullbacks that are apt for this formation.

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Skizzo Tactics

Gianluigi Buffon takes his place in goal behind a center back pairing of Thiago Silva and Guido Buchwald. A solid complementary pairing who can provide an outlet from the back, a great reading of the game, and tenacious hounding in defense.

The full backs get shaken up a bit here with Denis Irwin taking up the right back spot in a behind Stanley Matthews, and Roberto Carlos will offer a supportive presence to George Best.

Duncan Edwards will play a more holding and supportive role, while Graeme Souness will look to push on in a more defensive box-to-box role.

Roberto Baggio and Paolo Rossi round out the attack with Baggio dovetailing nicely in the space provided by the movement ahead of him.
 
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Interesting game. GSTQ looks lovely but Skizzo looks tasty on the counter although Paolo Rossi stands out like a sore thumb as the lone striker. How physical was he? I don't remember.
 
My main concern with Skizzo's attack is it lacks a balancing figure. Looks way too galactico-esque the 3 behind Rossi which almost always is worse than the sum of parts.

Replace any one of Best/Baggio/Matthews with a player capable of playing second fiddle and you lay the ground work for the positional goat or two to shine with a team built around them.

A Zagallo or Beckham or Littbarski would have made it a lot more capable of being better than the sum of parts which I dont think it is now.

Cant think of a real world historically great team with a 4-2-3-1 with everyone of the 3 behind the striker being a talisman in his own right.
 
GodShaveTheQueen said:
My main concern with Skizzo's attack is it lacks a balancing figure. Looks way too galactico-esque the 3 behind Rossi which almost always is worse than the sum of parts.

Replace any one of Best/Baggio/Matthews with a player capable of playing second fiddle and you lay the ground work for the positional goat or two to shine with a team built around them.

A Zagallo or Beckham or Littbarski would have made it a lot more capable of being better than the sum of parts which I dont think it is now.

Cant think of a real world historically great team with a 4-2-3-1 with everyone of the 3 behind the striker being a talisman in his own right.
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I wouldn't reduce every truly top tier player in this manner. Matthews was a proper outside right who's in his element here and doesn't need to get involved everywhere else. George Best played alongside another couple of talismans in Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law and did more than well. The one guy who can possibly make a case for is Baggio, but he was a very smart footballer himself and isn't having anyone else necessarily step on his toes in his #10 role. Rossi's a very good foil for all of these players with his problem being that he doesn't fit the role of a lone striker who can get others involved, though with Baggio, they don't necessarily need that kind of a striker.

Against your team, though, I feel like someone more complete than Rossi is needed to test the back line. Baggio can't afford to have all of that attention on him as there's no other midfielder who can really offer the playmaking ability that he does in the midfield. Then again, Best and Matthews will stretch the pitch very wide against those full backs and create enough spaces in the middle for Baggio.
 
mazhar13 said:
George Best played alongside another couple of talismans in Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law and did more than well.
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Likes of Di Stefano and Charlton are outliers IMO rather than the norm. Were the balancing figure while being one of the talisman. I wouldn't expect Baggio to be that guy.

I like Best and Matthews as much as the next guy, so the question of reducing them never crossed my mind. It's just that I can see it work better with a Beckham rather than a Matthews or Finney.
 
Not a fan of Riva in a Brazil 1982 based side. He's okay, but not quite the playstyle you'd want to maximize Zico.
 
oneniltothearsenal said:
Not a fan of Riva in a Brazil 1982 based side. He's okay, but not quite the playstyle you'd want to maximize Zico.
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Wouldn't Law be the guy to maximise Zico here? Law was quite selfless for a forward and would roam a good bit to bring his teammates into play.
 
Physiocrat said:
Interesting game. GSTQ looks lovely but Skizzo looks tasty on the counter although Paolo Rossi stands out like a sore thumb as the lone striker. How physical was he? I don't remember.
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In terms of an actual physical presence, he lacks the big muscular physique, however he also played in the Juve side with Platini and Boniek, allowing his hold up play to bring them into play, either holding up the ball and using his movement to open space, with Baggio would be able to exploit in much the same way.
 
@GodShaveTheQueen can you say a few words about Danny McGrain, especially when it comes to defending Best? (I'd of course expect him getting support from defense & midfield, but he'll also have to stand his ground in 1:1 duels.)
 
What are the benefits of playing with a 4-2-2-2?
The 4-2-2-2 shape can help create central overloads in dangerous positions around the opposition’s central midfielders, leading to frequent progress through the centre of the pitch.
When playing against a back four, both opposing centre-backs are occupied by the two centre-forwards. This discourages them from stepping into midfield to compete for the ball, which can help the two attacking midfielders receive in higher positions.

The presence of a double pivot enables the full-backs to attack simultaneously without the need for complex rotations or positional changes to add numbers in central midfield.

The 4-2-2-2 is a good shape from which a team can counter-press centrally, and also launch counter-attacks. This is because, without many movements or rotations, there should be significant numbers around the ball when possession is lost centrally.

The 4-2-2-2 also provides lots of defensive support and cover through central spaces, which is ideal for protecting goal in a mid-block. It also lends itself to forcing the opposition wide when they have the ball.

A lot of the advantages would be playing into our stronger central areas, and we have a strong core there of players who can read the game and space well, as well as being defensively astute. Also have the ball players there who can find a pass quickly into the wider areas where we have a huge advantage in 1v1 with an attacking trio who can all beat their man consistently.

What are the disadvantages to playing with a 4-2-2-2?

The 4-2-2-2 lacks natural width in attack, so wider counter-attacks are rare. As a result, additional movements from the central players are often required.

The centre-backs are required to cover the wide areas whenever the double pivot can’t get across once the full-backs have pushed forward. This can lead to a detached back line, especially when dealing with quick, direct counter-attacks when the full-backs have advanced.

A team in a 4-2-2-2 can be vulnerable to accurate switches of play, with the wide areas left open much of the time.

The 4-2-2-2 is best suited to counter-attacking and threatening on transition, and is less effective during sustained periods of possession. In this scenario, players can block one another off due to being on the same vertical passing line, especially in central areas.

The wide areas are going to be exploited often. The opposition full backs can’t be relied upon to offer a consistent amount of support to the attack with Best/Matthews stretching play. Pulling any of the central players wide out of the middle of defense causes concerns with Baggio/Rossi looking to exploit that, both of which were clinical at their best.
 
Skizzo said:
The wide areas are going to be exploited often. The opposition full backs can’t be relied upon to offer a consistent amount of support to the attack with Best/Matthews stretching play. Pulling any of the central players wide out of the middle of defense causes concerns with Baggio/Rossi looking to exploit that, both of which were clinical at their best.
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The ball first has to be won in central midfield and then can be played out wide.

Also important is possession retention and rotation. Wide players can't do it all by themselves, midfield will be expected to do its bit w.r.t playmaking and building attacks.

Considering all of my players including Rivellino, Riva and Law are accustomed to working tirelessly defensively, I'd say it would be especially tough for you to hold on to the ball.

Coming to the wide areas and fullbacks defending, my choices in Demyanenko and Mcgrain are actually really balanced. Two way players, but not as gung ho as you can be for a slightly narrow formation. And more importantly, both defensively sound.

I dont expect Zito to get moved out wide anyways, he will be a stable defensive figure in midfield always mindful of Baggio's presence. I would trust Demyanenko one on one vs Mathews and rely on the strong physical partnership of Campbell/Mcgrath to dish out any balls towards Rossi. Not to mention Rivellino on that side is a good foil to help out on that wing when Irwin tries to double up

Falcao will help Mcgrain outwide from time to time against the Best/Carlos flank, but that still leaves us with a 3 man midfield and a 3 man brick wall of Zito/Mcgrath/Campbell to take care of Baggio and Rossi centrally.

A team where 10 out of 11 players are working defensively as well is a huge plus.
 
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Synco said:
@GodShaveTheQueen can you say a few words about Danny McGrain, especially when it comes to defending Best? (I'd of course expect him getting support from defense & midfield, but he'll also have to stand his ground in 1:1 duels.)
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You can check my last post to get a brief idea about the plan to defend outwide.

Wish I had a more detailed breakdown of Mcgrain's play but havent researched anything as such recently. I can post the content from the all time right backs list that @harms compiled, if it helps.

harms said:
14. Danny McGrain. 123 points

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Danny McGrain was a boyhood Rangers fan, but he had come to fall in love with Celtic over the years and was as steeped in the history of the green as any man on the terracing. He had amassed incredible 681 performances for the club — only 4 players had more (funnily enough, places from 4 to 2 have exactly 682, 683 and 684 appearances respectively, with Billy McNeil being way ahead of the rest with 822), and won 9 Scottish League Titles and 6 Scottish Cups. His main position was as right-back but he was able to easily flit between the right-back and the left-back positions, or centre-half if and when needed. He may have been an affable gentleman off the pitch, but on the pitch he was an unforgiving tackler. Built out of granite, he never shirked a tackle and every opposing player knew his presence on the pitch. Another great facet of his game was his pace. A speedy player, it was like as if a rhino was charging up the field with the ball for crossing and passing. Any weaknesses? He was too tough for any of that, but admittedly he has said himself that he wasn't an attacking penalty box player and goal scoring wasn't his forte, feeling a bit out of place away from the defence.

Notable bits of trivia:
1) In the early 1980's the whole Scotland team on the pitch were playing for English Clubs, with one exception: Danny McGrain,
2) Danny McGrain played five times for Scotland in World Cup final games and never lost one.
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One last point before I head out for work.

Zico was terrific working with the right side of the pitch.

Him and Law working together on that side with Mcgrain also in the mix will leave Roberto Carlos in all kinds of mess, which I don't think he is capable of handling. Can see a lot of our successful plays originating from there in the final third.
 
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oneniltothearsenal said:
Not a fan of Riva in a Brazil 1982 based side. He's okay, but not quite the playstyle you'd want to maximize Zico.
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I'd say it's an almost laughable insight. Riva is almost ideal in my books for a 4-2-2-2.

His capability w.r.t drifting out wide pulling away defenders, leaving space centrally for Zico to run into plays fully into the magic square template and gets the best out of Zico.

Also had excellent dribbling ability, was more than capable of being creative on the ball and of course his goal scoring needs no introduction.

I would say, he has all the traits that Eder brought to the Brazil 1982 system.

Adding his defensive nous to that, there is literally only 1 player in the unblocked pool in the draft that I would even think of replacing him with.
 
GodShaveTheQueen said:
My main concern with Skizzo's attack is it lacks a balancing figure. Looks way too galactico-esque the 3 behind Rossi which almost always is worse than the sum of parts.

Replace any one of Best/Baggio/Matthews with a player capable of playing second fiddle and you lay the ground work for the positional goat or two to shine with a team built around them.

A Zagallo or Beckham or Littbarski would have made it a lot more capable of being better than the sum of parts which I dont think it is now.

Cant think of a real world historically great team with a 4-2-3-1 with everyone of the 3 behind the striker being a talisman in his own right.
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Brazil 70?
 
Gio said:
Brazil 70?
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Rivellino was the balancing figure, wasnt he?

Made it a strong 3 man midfield letting the team change shape as needed.

Gave Pele the base to do his thing and irrespective of how great Rivellino himself was in the tournament, was playing second fiddle to Pele out of his best position, letting the team well balanced and letting the star player run things.

No question that Dzajic is a better left winger than Rivellino, but you put him in that Brazil team and I dont think it does as well as it did with Rivellino. Dont think Gerson or Clodoaldo also have as great tournaments as they did if it wasnt for the right balance with Rivellino.
 
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Has anyone considered using chatgpt to copilot or any other AI bots for writeups? Gave it a 2 line instruction and this is what it threw out
 
The partnership between Zico and Socrates in the Brazilian national team during the early 1980s is often considered one of the most magical and effective in football history. Their chemistry on the field was almost telepathic, combining Zico’s incredible vision and playmaking ability with Socrates’ elegance, intelligence, and clinical finishing. This duo was instrumental in Brazil’s fluid and attacking style of play, making it seem almost impossible to replicate or surpass their partnership.

Zico and Socrates:
  • Zico: Known as the “White Pelé,” Zico was a phenomenal playmaker with an uncanny ability to score from free-kicks and create opportunities out of nothing. His technical skills, vision, and creativity made him a nightmare for defenders.
  • Socrates: A towering figure with a unique playing style, Socrates was not just a physical presence but also a cerebral player. His ability to read the game, combined with his precise passing and goal-scoring prowess, made him an indispensable part of the team.
Their partnership was a perfect blend of flair, intelligence, and technical brilliance, making it seem almost impossible to match or better.

Roberto Rivellino: Roberto Rivellino, another Brazilian legend, was an exceptional player in his own right. Known for his powerful left foot, dribbling skills, and ability to score from long range, Rivellino was a versatile midfielder who could play in various positions. His creativity and technical ability made him a key player for Brazil in the 1970s.
  • Versatility: Rivellino’s ability to play both as an attacking midfielder and a winger made him a valuable asset. His dribbling and passing skills allowed him to create chances and dictate the pace of the game.
  • Set-Piece Specialist: Rivellino was renowned for his free-kick taking ability, often scoring spectacular goals from set-pieces.
  • Influence: His influence on the game was so profound that even Diego Maradona, one of the greatest players of all time, called him his idol.
In the context of the “Magic Square” formation, which relied on fluidity and interchangeability among the midfielders, Rivellino would be an apt replacement for Socrates. His technical skills, vision, and ability to score from distance would complement the other players in the formation, maintaining the attacking prowess and creativity that defined Brazil’s style of play.

It’s no wonder that Rivellino is remembered as one of the greatest players of his generation, and his legacy continues to inspire footballers around the world.

 
Roberto Baggio and Paul McGrath faced each other in a few notable matches, particularly during international competitions. Here are the key encounters and their individual performances:

1994 FIFA World Cup​

Match: Republic of Ireland vs. Italy
Date: June 18, 1994
Result: Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Italy

Roberto Baggio’s Performance:
  • Struggles: Baggio found it difficult to break through the Irish defense, largely due to McGrath’s exceptional performance.
  • Attempts: He had a few attempts on goal but was unable to convert them into scores.
Paul McGrath’s Performance:
  • Heroic Display: McGrath delivered one of the best performances of his career, effectively neutralizing Baggio and other Italian attackers.
  • Defensive Masterclass: His reading of the game, interceptions, and tackles were crucial in securing Ireland’s victory

1990 FIFA World Cup​

Match: Italy vs. Republic of Ireland
Date: June 30, 1990
Result: Italy 1 - 0 Republic of Ireland

Roberto Baggio’s Performance:
  • Playmaking: Baggio was instrumental in Italy’s attack, creating several chances and showcasing his dribbling skills.
  • Influence: Although he didn’t score, his presence and creativity were crucial in breaking down the Irish defense.
Paul McGrath’s Performance:
  • Defensive Effort: McGrath was solid in defense, making crucial tackles and interceptions to keep the scoreline close.
  • Leadership: His leadership at the back was evident, organizing the defense and trying to contain Italy’s attacking threats.

​

 
Zico and Graeme Souness faced each other notably during the 1981 Intercontinental Cup, where Flamengo played against Liverpool. Here are the details of their encounters and performances:

1981 Intercontinental Cup​

Match: Flamengo vs. Liverpool
Date: December 13, 1981
Result: Flamengo 3 - 0 Liverpool

Zico’s Performance:
  • Assists: Zico was instrumental in Flamengo’s victory, providing two assists.
  • Playmaking: He dominated the midfield, showcasing his vision and technical skills, which left the Liverpool defense struggling to contain him.
Graeme Souness’ Performance:
  • Midfield Battle: Souness, known for his tenacity and leadership, found it challenging to control the game against Flamengo’s fluid and attacking style.
  • Effort: Despite his efforts, Liverpool couldn’t match Flamengo’s pace and creativity, and Souness was unable to make a significant impact2.
This match is often highlighted as a classic example of Zico’s brilliance and Flamengo’s dominance during that period. Souness himself has acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Zico, describing him as one of the toughest opponents he faced.
 
George Best and Danny McGrain, two legendary footballers, faced each other in several matches, particularly during the 1970s when Best was playing for Manchester United and McGrain was with Celtic. Here are some notable encounters and their individual performances:

1974 British Home Championship​

Match: Northern Ireland vs. Scotland
Date: May 11, 1974
Result: Northern Ireland 0 - 1 Scotland

George Best’s Performance:
  • Creativity: Best was the main creative force for Northern Ireland, constantly looking to break down the Scottish defense with his dribbling and passing.
  • Efforts: Despite his efforts, he couldn’t find the back of the net or create a decisive chance.
Danny McGrain’s Performance:
  • Defensive Masterclass: McGrain was exceptional in defense, effectively neutralizing Best’s threat throughout the match.
  • Contribution: His performance was crucial in securing a clean sheet for Scotland.

1970 European Cup​

Match: Manchester United vs. Celtic
Date: October 21, 1970
Result: Manchester United 3 - 2 Celtic

George Best’s Performance:
  • Impact: Best was instrumental in Manchester United’s attack, using his dribbling skills and pace to trouble the Celtic defense.
  • Contribution: He played a key role in creating scoring opportunities and was involved in the build-up to one of the goals.
Danny McGrain’s Performance:
  • Defensive Effort: McGrain, although young, showed his potential with solid defensive work, trying to contain Best’s influence on the game.
  • Learning Experience: This match was an important learning experience for McGrain, who was still developing his skills at the time.
These matches highlight the intense battles between Best’s attacking brilliance and McGrain’s defensive prowess.
 
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Paolo Roberto Falcao and Roberto Baggio faced each other during their club careers in Serie A. Here are some notable encounters and their individual performances:

Serie A Matches​

1985-1986 Season​

Match: Roma vs. Fiorentina
Date: November 10, 1985
Result: Roma 1 - 0 Fiorentina

Paolo Roberto Falcao’s Performance:
  • Midfield Control: Falcao was instrumental in controlling the midfield, showcasing his passing and vision.
  • Contribution: His leadership and playmaking were key in Roma’s narrow victory.
Roberto Baggio’s Performance:
  • Emerging Talent: Baggio, still early in his career, showed glimpses of his potential with some creative plays and dribbling.
  • Impact: Despite his efforts, he couldn’t break through Roma’s defense

1985-1986 Season​

Match: Fiorentina vs. Roma
Date: March 16, 1986
Result: Fiorentina 1 - 1 Roma

Paolo Roberto Falcao’s Performance:
  • Consistent Play: Falcao continued to be a key figure in Roma’s midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively.
  • Assist: He provided an assist for Roma’s goal, demonstrating his vision and passing accuracy.
Roberto Baggio’s Performance:
  • Promising Display: Baggio was more involved in this match, creating several chances and showcasing his dribbling skills.
  • Goal: He scored Fiorentina’s only goal, highlighting his growing influence on the team.
These matches highlight the early encounters between Falcao, a seasoned and influential midfielder, and Baggio, an emerging talent who would go on to become one of Italy’s greatest players
 
Guido Buchwald and Zico faced each other during their club careers, particularly in the UEFA Cup. Here are the notable encounters and their individual performances:

1983-1984 UEFA Cup​

First Leg​

Match: VfB Stuttgart vs. Udinese
Date: September 14, 1983
Result: VfB Stuttgart 2 - 1 Udinese

Zico’s Performance:
  • Goal: Zico scored Udinese’s only goal, demonstrating his exceptional free-kick ability.
  • Playmaking: He was a constant threat, creating several chances for his teammates.
Guido Buchwald’s Performance:
  • Defensive Effort: Buchwald was solid in defense, making crucial tackles and interceptions to limit Zico’s impact.
  • Contribution: His defensive work helped Stuttgart secure a narrow victory.

Second Leg​

Match: Udinese vs. VfB Stuttgart
Date: September 28, 1983
Result: Udinese 0 - 0 VfB Stuttgart

Zico’s Performance:
  • Creativity: Zico was heavily involved in Udinese’s attacking play, but couldn’t break through Stuttgart’s defense.
  • Attempts: He had several shots on goal but was unable to score.
Guido Buchwald’s Performance:
  • Defensive Masterclass: Buchwald delivered an excellent defensive performance, effectively neutralizing Zico’s threat.
  • Leadership: His leadership at the back was crucial in securing a clean sheet for Stuttgart.
These matches highlight the intense battles between Zico’s attacking brilliance and Buchwald’s defensive prowess
 
Sol Campbell and Roberto Baggio faced each other in a few notable matches, particularly during international competitions and club matches in Europe. Here are the key encounters and their individual performances:

1998 FIFA World Cup​

Round of 16​

Match: Italy vs. England
Date: June 26, 1998
Result: Italy 2 - 1 England

Roberto Baggio’s Performance:
  • Goal: Baggio scored a crucial goal for Italy, demonstrating his clinical finishing.
  • Influence: He was a constant threat to the English defense, creating several chances and showcasing his dribbling skills.
Sol Campbell’s Performance:
  • Defensive Effort: Campbell was solid in defense, making crucial tackles and interceptions.
  • Contribution: Despite his efforts, he couldn’t prevent Italy from scoring twice.

UEFA Champions League​

2001-2002 Season​

Match: Arsenal vs. Brescia
Date: October 17, 2001
Result: Arsenal 3 - 0 Brescia

Roberto Baggio’s Performance:
  • Struggles: Baggio found it difficult to break through Arsenal’s defense, largely due to Campbell’s solid performance.
  • Attempts: He had a few attempts on goal but was unable to score.
Sol Campbell’s Performance:
  • Defensive Masterclass: Campbell delivered an excellent defensive performance, effectively neutralizing Baggio’s threat.
  • Leadership: His leadership at the back was crucial in securing a clean sheet for Arsenal.
These matches highlight the intense battles between Baggio’s attacking brilliance and Campbell’s defensive prowess
 

Hypothetical Match 1​

First Half:​

  • Kick-off: Team 1 starts strong, with Zico and Rivellino controlling the midfield, creating early chances for Luigi Riva and Denis Law.
  • 10th Minute: Team 2’s defense, led by Buffon and Roberto Carlos, holds firm. Buffon makes a spectacular save from a Denis Law header.
  • 20th Minute: George Best and Stanley Matthews start to exploit the wings for Team 2, putting pressure on Team 1’s defense.
  • 30th Minute: Zico threads a perfect through ball to Riva, who scores past Buffon. Team 1 leads 1-0.
  • 45th Minute: Just before halftime, Roberto Baggio dribbles past two defenders and equalizes for Team 2. Score: 1-1.

Second Half:​

  • 50th Minute: Team 1’s midfield continues to dominate, with Falcao and Zito breaking up Team 2’s attacks.
  • 60th Minute: A quick counter-attack by Team 2 sees George Best scoring a brilliant solo goal. Team 2 leads 2-1.
  • 70th Minute: Team 1 responds with a powerful long-range shot from Rivellino, which Buffon can’t stop. Score: 2-2.
  • 80th Minute: Sol Campbell and Paul McGrath keep Team 2’s attackers at bay, while Zico orchestrates another attack.
  • 85th Minute: Denis Law scores the winning goal for Team 1 after a clever pass from Zico. Team 1 leads 3-2.
  • 90th Minute: Despite a late surge from Team 2, Vladimir Beara makes crucial saves to secure the win for Team 1.

Final Score: GSTQ 3-2 Skizzo​

Key Players:​

  • Team 1: Zico (playmaking), Rivellino (goal and assists), Denis Law (winning goal)
  • Team 2: Buffon (key saves), George Best (goal), Roberto Baggio (goal)
Team 1’s strong midfield and cohesive play give them the edge in this hypothetical match. Their ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities proves decisive.
 

Hypothetical Match 2​

First Half:​

  • Kick-off: Team 2 starts aggressively, with George Best and Stanley Matthews making early runs down the flanks.
  • 15th Minute: Roberto Baggio delivers a perfect cross to Paolo Rossi, who heads it in. Team 2 leads 1-0.
  • 25th Minute: Team 1 responds with a series of attacks. Zico’s free-kick is saved brilliantly by Buffon.
  • 35th Minute: Zito intercepts a pass and sets up Rivellino, who scores with a powerful shot. Score: 1-1.
  • 45th Minute: Just before halftime, Roberto Carlos makes a surging run and crosses to George Best, who scores. Team 2 leads 2-1.

Second Half:​

  • 55th Minute: Team 1’s midfield, led by Falcao, starts to dominate possession. Zico finds Denis Law, who equalizes. Score: 2-2.
  • 65th Minute: Team 2’s defense holds strong, with Thiago Silva and Guido Buchwald making crucial tackles.
  • 75th Minute: A quick counter-attack by Team 2 sees Stanley Matthews dribble past defenders and score. Team 2 leads 3-2.
  • 85th Minute: Team 1 pushes for an equalizer. Luigi Riva’s shot is saved by Buffon, but Denis Law scores on the rebound. Score: 3-3.
  • 90th Minute: In the dying moments, Roberto Baggio scores a stunning free-kick to win the match for Team 2. Team 2 leads 4-3.

Final Score: GSTQ 3-4 Skizzo​

Key Players:​

  • Team 1: Zico (playmaking), Rivellino (goal), Denis Law (two goals)
  • Team 2: Buffon (key saves), George Best (goal), Roberto Baggio (two goals, including the winning free-kick)
This time, Team 2’s resilience and attacking prowess give them the edge in a thrilling match. Their ability to capitalize on key moments proves decisive.
 

Team 1 - GSTQ​

Strengths:​

  • Midfield Dominance: With Zico, Falcao, and Rivellino, Team 1 has a creative and technically gifted midfield capable of controlling the game and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
  • Solid Defense: Paul McGrath and Sol Campbell provide a strong and reliable central defense, while Danny McGrain and Anatoly Demyanenko add stability on the flanks.
  • Attacking Prowess: Denis Law and Luigi Riva are prolific goal-scorers, supported by the playmaking abilities of Zico and Rivellino.

Weaknesses:​

  • Pace in Defense: The defenders, while strong and experienced, might struggle against the pace of players like George Best and Stanley Matthews.
  • Dependence on Midfield: The team heavily relies on its midfield to control the game. If the midfield is neutralized, the team’s effectiveness could be significantly reduced.

Team 2 - SKIZZO​

Strengths:​

  • Strong Defense: Gianluigi Buffon in goal, along with Roberto Carlos, Thiago Silva, and Guido Buchwald, forms a formidable defensive line that is tough to break down.
  • Versatile Attack: George Best, Stanley Matthews, and Paolo Rossi offer a mix of pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability, making the attack unpredictable and dangerous.
  • Balanced Midfield: Duncan Edwards and Graeme Souness provide strength and stability, while Roberto Baggio adds creativity and flair.

Weaknesses:​

  • Midfield Depth: While the midfield is strong, it might lack the depth and creativity compared to Team 1’s midfield trio.
  • Defensive Cohesion: With attacking full-backs like Roberto Carlos, there might be occasional gaps in defense that Team 1 could exploit.

Summary​

  • Team 1 excels in midfield creativity and attacking prowess but might struggle with defensive pace.
  • Team 2 has a strong defense and versatile attack but might lack the same level of midfield creativity and depth.
Both teams have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making for an exciting and closely contested match.
 
mazhar13 said:
Wouldn't Law be the guy to maximise Zico here? Law was quite selfless for a forward and would roam a good bit to bring his teammates into play.
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Yeah, Law is a great pick for this tactic but Riva still isn't really. Despite its common name "magic square" Santana really had the players playing much more like a fluid 4231 than how some people depict the 4222. Eder was good (and IMO a more technical player than Riva) but I wouldn't consider Eder and Serginho the absolute best player profiles possible for a Tele Santana inspired tactic based around Zico. Riva is okay there but there are a number of better fits available for sure.
 
oneniltothearsenal said:
Yeah, Law is a great pick for this tactic but Riva still isn't really. Despite its common name "magic square" Santana really had the players playing much more like a fluid 4231 than how some people depict the 4222. Eder was good (and IMO a more technical player than Riva) but I wouldn't consider Eder and Serginho the absolute best player profiles possible for a Tele Santana inspired tactic based around Zico. Riva is okay there but there are a number of better fits available for sure.
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Yeah, that's true. Éder was more of a left winger for that '82 side, and whilst Riva can play as a left-sided forward, I'm not sure if he is capable of being a left winger like Éder was. If Law is going to play more centrally (based on his natural playing style), then Riva has to be the player to spend more time out wide. How much time, however, depends on who the left back is.

With that said, the reason Éder had to provide much of that width was because Júnior was playing as more of a half back spending time in the midfield than an overlapping full back. With Demyanenko pushing up, I don't see Riva needing to play much like a winger. As a 100% recreation, the setup isn't the best, but I'll leave that for GSTQ to tell us.
 
mazhar13 said:
Yeah, that's true. Éder was more of a left winger for that '82 side, and whilst Riva can play as a left-sided forward, I'm not sure if he is capable of being a left winger like Éder was. If Law is going to play more centrally (based on his natural playing style), then Riva has to be the player to spend more time out wide. How much time, however, depends on who the left back is.

With that said, the reason Éder had to provide much of that width was because Júnior was playing as more of a half back spending time in the midfield than an overlapping full back. With Demyanenko pushing up, I don't see Riva needing to play much like a winger. As a 100% recreation, the setup isn't the best, but I'll leave that for GSTQ to tell us.
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That's a good point about the difference in Junior and Demyanenko. If the key swap is Rivellino for Socrates and Demyanenko as the LB, I'd probably rather see a technical RW than Riva and a different RB to replicate what Santana was trying to do but with some different personnel.
 
oneniltothearsenal said:
That's a good point about the difference in Junior and Demyanenko. If the key swap is Rivellino for Socrates and Demyanenko as the LB, I'd probably rather see a technical RW than Riva and a different RB to replicate what Santana was trying to do but with some different personnel.
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Yeah, that'd offer a better overall balance to his team.
 
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