VS
......................................... TEAM ARBITRIUM ................................................................................... TEAM TUPPET .........................................
TEAM ARBITRIUM:
Formation: 41212 Diamond
Explanation. Deliberated over whether or not to guarantee I win the midfield battle, or shut up shop and do everything I can to limit that mouthwatering attack on Tuppet's side. Also wasn't sure if Tuppet would even try and fit Facchetti in as taking his best version means dropping Gerson.
Decided on the diamond with Varela at the bottom because in the history of the world cup, if it could be argued that a DM had a chance against 86 Maradona, then Varela would have as strong a case as any. With Neeskens, Tardelli and Hagi ahead of him, thats an area of the field I expect to get the better of, even if Gerson does play.
I have reverted from 1970 Pele to the 1958 version to form what would be one of the most lethal attacks imaginable in WC historical context. There are those who rate Pele's 1958 as even better than his 1970 version and now I'm undoubtedly able to get the best from Hagi who had one of the best pure no.10 WC performances in recent memory.
Reasons why I will win: Like the previous game, this is close and it will come down to voter interpretation of who's attack can be more devastating. I would require all my defenders to be on top of their game to deal with the other attacking threats, but I think it makes sense to see Varela being able to have decent success against Maradona. I think this game could end up being won in the middle of the park and I have more industry there and ability at both ends of the field.
Thoughts on opposition: Will have to make proper observations once I see the team but based on his reinforcements, if he starts Facchetti then Gerson, Lato or Eusebio will have to miss out so i'm thinking it might have been more a case of stopping others from getting him. If 1970 Facchetti plays then His midfield will get absolutely steamrolled by my side. It will be interested to see how Zico fairs, as Maradona takes the number 10 role and then it's a case of Zico moving to the left where he would be a little less comfortable, and like the last game, his shape could play into Maicon's hands when i'm attacking.
I'm also of the opinion that in a world cup sense, playing 86 Maradona (for me easily the best WC performance ever) actually has the potential to limit the effects of the other star players, who were all used to being the main man for their sides. The flip side of that is that they click, and its devastating.
Player Profiles;
Luis Conejo- Goalkeeper
World Cup All Star 1990
Performed so well at the 1990 World Cup that he simply had to be included in the team of the tournament. His performances secured Costa Rica second place in a tough group containing Brazil, Scotland and Sweded and he placed himself into Costa Rican Footballing Folklore, an unsurpassed hero until Joel Campbell’s 2014 exploits.
Maicon- Right back
World Cup All Star 2010
Such was his performance in this World Cup (and the lead up to it) he relegated Dani Alves to the bench, forcing him to make his impact as a right sided midfielder. His goal against North Korea epitomized what he was about, and he demonstrated his attacking and defensive versatility all tournament.
Thiago Silva- Centre Back
World Cup All Star 2014
Was absolutely sensational for Brazil throughout the world cup and its highly likely that with him in the side, Germany don't beat Brazil 7-1 In the Semi Final. Capable on the ball, and fast enough to keep up with any attacker, he has the strength and ability in the air to deal with any long back, and will form a formiddable partnership with Passarella.
Daniel Passarella- Centre Back- Captain
World Cup all star 1978
World Cup Winner
Sensational in 1978, as he led Argentina to their first World cup. One of the most iconic South American players in history, he captains the side and has a little bit more freedom to be himself due to the presence of Varela next to my other two cm's, but his job is a defensive first one, given the quality of the opposition.
Bixente Lizarazu- Left Back
World Cup Winner
The Jiu-Jitsu warrior is as solid a left back as you can get in a world cup context, managed to stave off the threat of Garrincha last game so he's well prepared if Lato plays out right again. Hugely Capable at both ends of the field.
Obdulio Varela
World Cup All Star 1950
World cup winner
Regarded as one of the greatest captains in the history of the sport, it was Varela's influence in the 1950 final against host nation Brazil that saw them overcome unbelievable odds and lift the trophy. He was nothing short of sensational this World cup, and if any defensive minded midfielder in the history of the game can limit Maradona's impact on this game, it's Varela
Johan Neeskens- Box to Box Central Midfield
World Cup All Star 1974
Silver boot winner with 5 goals Neeskens was like Cruyff's General this tournament. With the insurance of Varela next to him, Neeskens will be able to play his perfect game
Marco Tardelli- Box to Box Central Midfield
World Cup All Star 1982
World Cup Winner
Whilst he was excellent in this World Cup, he's been picked because of the passion he brings. His celebration in the 1982 final epitomizes everything about the exhilaration and joy of football. He celebrated the way any fan would if they scored a goal in a World Cup Final and for me, it's top 3 most iconic moments in the history of the sport, not just this tournament.
Gheorghe Hagi- Attacking Midfielder
World Cup All Star 1994
3 Goals, and the catalyst for Romania's surprise run to the quarter finals, Hagi is the perfect number 10. Capable of shooting from anywhere (see his goal v Colombia) Hagi was almost impossible to shove off the ball and didn't mind getting stuck in. He will occupy the defensive midfielders of Tuppet so much that Kocsis and Pele in front of him will have a lot of joy.
Pele- Second Striker
World Cup All Star and 2nd best Player of the Tournament 1958
World Cup Winner
This is the tournament where Pele announced himself to the world. He was nigh on unstoppable, and scored his 6 goals across 3 games. Whilst he still had the ability to drop and pick up the ball, this version of Pele was just devastating up top and he will be part of one of the most deadly duos imaginable in WC history.
Sandor Kocsis- Centre Forward
World cup all star 1954
with 11 goals in one tournament, he holds the second highest tally for a single tournament. In 54 he formed an amazing partnership with Puskas, and here he gets to do it with probably the greatest teenager ever to play the game. Devastating on the ground and in the air, he will get on the end of Hagi's creativity and the forward runs/crosses of my full backs.
TEAM TUPPET
Tactics: 3-4-1-2
Defensive line: Deep
Fast tempo football with quick & direct counter attacking.
When you get lucky to get the greatest performer in the world cup history in this draft, it only makes sense to create the tactic around him. Fortunately my team was already playing the counter attacking setup that suits Maradona to a tee and I have tried to make additions with that in mind.
Our tactic would be basically utilizing Maradona 1986 to his fullest by giving him complete freedom to run the game. His amazing passes now go to two golden boot winners in Eusebio 66 & Lato 78 who are both fast attackers with great finishing and flourished in similar counter attacking setup. To get more mobility and defensive solidity we have replaced Gerson to Ocwirk who made WC 54 all star team. The partnership of Ocwirk & Mauro Silva should provide a solid screen to my defense.
In Facchetti we have acquired probably the greatest attacking left back in history and yet another player who was a master of counter attacking play. With Gerets on the other side they would provide solid attacking & defensive width for my team. The defense is led by Scirea one of the all time greatest defenders supported by two brilliant world cup performers in Ruggeri & Schnellinger.
Why would we win -
1. Maradona 1986 - The GOAT, given full tactical freedom with a great defensive base and two outstanding finisher in front of him. I know he faces a tough midfield but that was usually not enough to stop him.
2. Tactical setup - We haver a clear tactical direction and almost all of our players suit it perfectly. Most of them have played all their career and in the respective world cups. Looking at arbitrium's picks it looks like he might play a diamond and I am not sure it would suit Pele and especially Kocsis, both of whom liked to play with out and out wingers.
3. Rock solid defense - Outstanding defense considering the world cup stakes. We are facing Pele but even he would find it tough to break down my back 5 shielded by two defensive midfielders.
4. Passing & creativity - In Maradona, Ocwirk, Eusebio & Scirea we have so many fantastic passer & creative players that it would be nearly impossible to stop my attack from getting great opportunities to score. Long balls from Scirea & Ocwirk would come really handy for quick counter attacks.
5. Goals - 2 world cup golden boot winners up front in Lato & Eusebio. Both extremely fast & direct players and with service behind them I don't see how they won't score here.
Player profiles & world cup specifics -
Starting from back Chilavert as the best GK of 1998 world cup was a formidable presence who managed three clean sheets in normal time out of four games (and conceded the one goal in a 3-1 win in the other). An accomplished sweeper-keeper, his distribution was excellent and a powerful attacking outlet.
Scirea would take on his usual sweeper role that he played for both club & country. He would be the defender most concerned with Pele as well as releasing the ball from deep.
Schnillenger & Oscar Ruggeri would be the two robust center back partnership in front of Scirea. Two of the most accomplished defenders of all time, both had very good world cups in 1962 & 1990 respectively. Schnillenger made it to the all star team while Ruggeri was leader of a mean defense that got all the way to the final.
Facchetti is my left back. He is well known for being one of the all time greatest wing back and had great performance in 1970 world cup captaining his side to the final and only getting beaten by arguably the greatest world cup team of all time. On the right side is Eric Gerets from 1982 world cup. Belgium team in that world cup came from the high of reaching finals in 1980 Euro finals, and played brilliantly in the group stages. That included a famous victory over Argentina that helped them finish at the top of the group that consisted Argentina & Hungary. Tragedy struck however when Pfaff & Gerets collided and could not start in the match against Poland & the lost their captain & best defender as well as a rampaging Boniek crashed Belgium out of the tournament. Gerets was brilliant whenever he played providing attacking thrust with defensive solidity.
Ocwirk 1954 was the best player of Austrian team that finished at 3rd place in world cup 1954. A really complete player who has played in both defense and midfield, he was a fantastic passer (nicknamed clockwork for his accuracy) as well as a good defender. He'll be playing as a deep lying playmaker. Mauro Silva 1994 would be partnering him in a defensive midfielder role. He was absolutely rock solid in 94 world cup and was crucial in their world cup win. He would be mostly tasked with winning the ball and breaking up the play.
Lato is arguably the best right winger in the draft along with Garrincha. His feat of scoring 7 goals with an underdog Polish team is fantastic. He is golden boot winner in 1974 world cup and is given full license to play in his preferred style of cutting in from right side.
Its not often that there is a clearly best player in the draft pool. Maradona 1986 however is widely recognized as the best performance in world cup history.
Eusebio 1966 is considered one of the greatest performance by any forward in the world cup. He would spear head my attack using his pace & physicality to run behind the defense and get on the end of balls from Maradona & Ocwirk. He is another golden boot winner in my team and his & lato's presence up front means that we should not be short of the goals.
Scirea would take on his usual sweeper role that he played for both club & country. He would be the defender most concerned with Pele as well as releasing the ball from deep.
Schnillenger & Oscar Ruggeri would be the two robust center back partnership in front of Scirea. Two of the most accomplished defenders of all time, both had very good world cups in 1962 & 1990 respectively. Schnillenger made it to the all star team while Ruggeri was leader of a mean defense that got all the way to the final.
Facchetti is my left back. He is well known for being one of the all time greatest wing back and had great performance in 1970 world cup captaining his side to the final and only getting beaten by arguably the greatest world cup team of all time. On the right side is Eric Gerets from 1982 world cup. Belgium team in that world cup came from the high of reaching finals in 1980 Euro finals, and played brilliantly in the group stages. That included a famous victory over Argentina that helped them finish at the top of the group that consisted Argentina & Hungary. Tragedy struck however when Pfaff & Gerets collided and could not start in the match against Poland & the lost their captain & best defender as well as a rampaging Boniek crashed Belgium out of the tournament. Gerets was brilliant whenever he played providing attacking thrust with defensive solidity.
Ocwirk 1954 was the best player of Austrian team that finished at 3rd place in world cup 1954. A really complete player who has played in both defense and midfield, he was a fantastic passer (nicknamed clockwork for his accuracy) as well as a good defender. He'll be playing as a deep lying playmaker. Mauro Silva 1994 would be partnering him in a defensive midfielder role. He was absolutely rock solid in 94 world cup and was crucial in their world cup win. He would be mostly tasked with winning the ball and breaking up the play.
Lato is arguably the best right winger in the draft along with Garrincha. His feat of scoring 7 goals with an underdog Polish team is fantastic. He is golden boot winner in 1974 world cup and is given full license to play in his preferred style of cutting in from right side.
Its not often that there is a clearly best player in the draft pool. Maradona 1986 however is widely recognized as the best performance in world cup history.
Eusebio 1966 is considered one of the greatest performance by any forward in the world cup. He would spear head my attack using his pace & physicality to run behind the defense and get on the end of balls from Maradona & Ocwirk. He is another golden boot winner in my team and his & lato's presence up front means that we should not be short of the goals.
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