Maximum of 1 player from a single world cup on the pitch
Tactics
Key player is obviously Maradona, who almost single-handedly (no pun intended) won the World Cup by himself for Argentina in 1986, contributing 5 goals and 5 assists in that tournament. He is given free attacking role here, either supporting Piola and Ghiggia upfront, or tormenting the opposition's defense with his breathtaking speed, ball control and dribbling skill
Piola, an effective goal-scoring machine, whom also had incredible physical attributes and aerial threat to bully any defender who tried to stop him. He scored 5 goals in WC 1938, making him joint second highest top scorer in the tournament. He will relish the space and goal-scoring chance created by Maradona in behind
Running the right flank is Ghiggia, an excellent dribbler and playmaker, the way he runs at defenders will unsettle the opposition's back line. Scored 4 goals in 1950 WC, and assisted Schiaffino in the "Maracanazo". Ghiggia's skills will be greatly complimented by Alves' pace and work rate at right side of midfield. A wing-back by nature, Alves will play his box-to-box trait efficiently in a 3-man midfield setup, similar to his role in WC 2010
Davids will be running the left-side of midfield, contributing to both attacking and defending with his physical attributes, dynamic and combative style of play. He is given more freedom to venture forward with the presence of Popescu as holding midfielder, a role he played in WC 1994. Apart from his defensive skill, he will make himself available for passing when starting attacking move from deep. He is also given important task to limit influence of Bobby Charlton from the opposition
The back five consists of Howard, an excellent shot-stopper who made a record number of saves in WC 2014. In front of him are Bergomi, captain of 1990's Italy team; and Campbell. Both are world-class defenders that tick all the boxes of required defensive traits. Andrade, winning the Bronze Ball as the third best player of 1930 WC in which Uruguay lifted the trophy, plays as balanced right-back here. At the other end, Sorin, captain for Argentina's 2006 squad, is the attacking left back and given more prominent role to roam forward during attacking phase
It’s simple, Maradona aside I believe that I have better players. 3 of them won World Cup’s Golden Ball (compared to green_smiley’s 1), and even leaving those 3 aside I have Müller, Pirlo, Figueroa, Zito and Amoros who can all be argued to be the best in their respective positions. Kahn vs Howard is also a game-changing difference, even though Howard had a very good World Cup.
More importantly, I have proven match-winners all over the pitch. Müller, Kempes and Zito scored the Golden goals of 1974, 1978 and 1962 World Cups respectively, Charlton scored 2 past Eusebio’s Portugal to mark a historic semi-final performance, Pirlo was voted MotM in the semi-final and final of 2006 World Cup, Figueroa keeping no other than Müller quite… I can go on, really.
When the Guardian compiled the list of the best big game goalscorers of all-time, 3 of my players were in top-20 (Müller, unsurprisingly, usurping the first place, Kempes 9th and Charlton 19th). No player of green_smiley’s was in top-50.
Tactics:
I opted for a midfield 4 here for a few reasons
overcrowding of central space to limit Maradona’s influence
to boost my possession (the more I have the ball, the less time Maradona has it)
frankly, I don’t need 2 players on each flank — Alves and Sorin are relatively underwhelming threats, considering their World Cup form, and both Blanco and Amoros (especially, since he shined in the same role in France’s Carré magique team) are well-suited to man the wing alone
Zito would be the most defensive player of all four, doing exactly what he did for 2 back to back World Cup winning sides — providing the balance to the side and a strong foundation for more attacking-minding midfielders (his partnership with Pirlo would be reminiscent of his partnership with Didi). Veron would provide a great all-round threat, combining passing, dribbling, long distance shooting with decent defensive game; while Charlton is one of the most industrious attacking midfielders ever (probably alongside Gullit if we’re talking about all-time greats) — and he’ll be drifting freely to his preferred left side, again — shooting, dribbling, passes, crosses, he was incredibly all-rounded.
My front two will also work together seemlessly — Müller as the focal point (the greatest in the draft and probably of all-time if we’re talking about international football) and Kempes in a free role, both won Golden boots. Müller’s stats from 1970 are simply out of this world (especially considering that there were considerably less goals scored in the 70’s than in the 50’s) — 10 goals and 3 assists in 7 games, including 2 goals in a semi-final against Italy better known as the «Game of the Century»; Kempes scored 6, including 2 brilliant goals in the final.
At the back I have Elías Figueroa, one of the all-time great center backs (easily top-5) right at his peak — not only he was included in the Team of the Tournament, he was also voted the best defender of that World Cup ahead of the likes of Beckenbauer, Krol and Breitner (and also South American Footballer of the Year — in 1974, 1975 and 1976, not that the latter two are relevant in this draft). Partnering him I have Riccardo Ferri, who was a key component of the greatest defence in World Cup’s history (1990 Italy) — he complimented Baresi brilliantly and he should find an equally easy partner in Don Elias. And behind them is the greatest keeper in the draft, the mighty Oliver Kahn — the only goalkeeper to win World Cup’s Golden Ball, who dragged a distinctly average German side to the finals. Manuel Amoros and Branco both had outstanding tournaments where they were key players for their team; Amoros’ experience of playing in the same system is invaluable to me, and Branco is also in his element.
Relevant videos:
Don Elías dominating the penalty area against Gerd Müller of all players
Mario Kempes in the 1978 final
Sir Bobby Charlton vs Eusebio's Portugal, 1966 semi-final
Gerd Müller — World Cup classic player
Juan Sebastian Veron vs Netherlands (and Davids personally) in the 1998 QF
Player Profiles
CF: Gerd Müller
The best goalscorer in the draft (and probably in all of football’s history). Golden boot winner in 1970, 3rd highest World Cup goalscorer ever with 14 goals in 13 games — and, unlike Ronaldo and Klose, he did it in only 2 World Cups. His winning goal in the World Cup final against Holland in 1974 (2:1) summed up his unique talent: after a first touch that was one part mis-control, one part clever dummy, e dragged the ball through the legs of he defender to become hen the most prolific striker in the history of the competition.
10 goals and 3 assists in 6 games 1970 (2 goals in a historic semi-final against Italy)
Ballon D’Or 1970
FIFA World Cup 1970 — 3rd place
FIFA World Cup 1974
FIFA World Cup Golden Boot 1970
FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball 1970
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1970
Scored the Golden goal of 1974 World Cup
3rd most prolific goalscorer in World Cups history
LF: Mario Kempes
With his long, streaky black hair and explosive style, Mario Kempes captured the imagination and refused to give in back when he led Argentina to glory at the 1978 World Cup with some thrilling performances. Strong, skilful, fast and blessed with a fearsome shot, he impressed during Argentina’s run to the final, where he seized the moment by scoring twice as Holland were beaten 3:1 after extra-time.
What else needs to be said?
Ballon D’Or 1978 (reevaluation by France Football in 2016 that included non-European players)
Onze D’Or 1978
South American Footballer of the Year 1978
Olimpia de Plata 1978
FIFA World Cup 1978
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 1978
FIFA World Cup Golden Boot 1978
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1978
Scored the Golden goal of 1978 World Cup
AM: Sir Bobby Charlton
In 1966 Bobby Charlton secured his legacy as the best player England had ever produced, leading his national side to the World Cup win on his home soil. He gained the upper hand over his direct competitors for the MVP award in the semi-final and final, outshining both Eusebio in the peak of his powers (9 goals in 6 games) and the young German prodigy Franz Beckenbauer.
Ballon D’Or 1966
FIFA World Cup 1966
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 1966
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1966, 1970
FIFA World Cup All-Time Team 1994
CM: Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo remains Italy’s imperious midfield maestro. As comfortable playing just in front of the defence as he is carrying out more advanced duties, he is completely two-footed, endowed with fantastic vision, and capable of making incredibly accurate passes. He is also a remarkable free-kick taker. Trilli Campanellino (Italian for ‘Tinkerbell’), as he was nicknamed by his team-mates, enjoyed his greatest triumph at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he was voted Man of the Match in the duels with Ghana, Germany and France in the Final.
FIFA World Cup 2006
FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball 2006
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 2006
FIFA World Cup Top Assist Provider 2006
Man of the Match: 2006 semi-final, 2006 final
Ballon D’Or — 9th in 2006
FIFPro World XI 2006
CM: Zito
Zito was a colossal influence; a commanding if somewhat unsung presence in midfield as Brazil emerged as the ultimate force in international football, winning the World Cup for the first time in 1958 and retaining it in 1962. While headlines were dominated by the prodigious talents of team-mates such as Pele and Garrincha, and understandably so, the neat, pragmatic, impeccably organised wing-half was invariably instrumental in creating the platform from which the stars dazzled.
Zito was a strong, intelligent character who won tackles and made simple passes, entering the limelight only occasionally. The most decisive such occasion was when he started and finished the move which put the Selecao in front after conceding an early lead to Czechoslovakia in the 1962 final in Santiago, Chile, nodding home an Amarildo cross on the way to a 3-1 triumph.
FIFA World Cup 1958, 1962
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1962
World Soccer World XI 1962
Scored the Golden goal of 1962 World Cup
CM: Juan Sebastián Verón
One of the best midfielders of 1998 World Cup tournament (in my biased opinion only Davids was better), Verón already established himself as one of elite playmakers of his era.
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team1998 - reserve
CB: Elías Figueroa
He liked to tell people: “The area is my domain, and I decide who enters it.” At that juncture in Elias Figueroa's career, few would have disagreed with the assertion. His anticipation and reading of the game was already beyond reproach, while his leadership skills, ability in the air and composure on the ball were recognised the world over. To give one example, at Germany 1974, he was hailed as the competition’s best defender and named alongside Franz Beckenbauer at centre-back in the tournament's Best XI. In the 70’s he was voted South American Footballer of the Year a year after Pele and proceeded to win this award 3 times in a row. His performance against West Germany (and personally against Gerd Müller) remains one of the best individual defensive performances in World Cup’s history.
South American Footballer of the Year 1974
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1974
Best defender of the tournament 1974
CB: Riccardo Ferri
A mainstay in the best defence of World Cup’s history — Maldini, Ferri, Baresi and Bergomi kept 5 clean sheets in 5 first games of 1990 World Cup before conceding 1 in the semi-final against Argentina. Their overall record is sublime as well — in 26 games that this unit played together they conceded mere 11 goals, kept 16 clean sheets and had of record of 8 consecutive games without conceding a goal. Next to Figueroa he’ll be right at home here.
FIFA World Cup 1990 — 3rd place
RB: Manuel Amoros
One of the best right backs in the history of a tournament, his France finished 4th and 3rd in 1982 and 1986. In his first World Cup he impressed the public, for which he received FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award — and for his heroics in 1986 he was picked in the World Cup’s All Star XI, FIFA XI and named French Player of the Year.
FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award 1982
FIFA World Cup All-Star XI 1986
FIFA XI 1986
French Player of the Year 1986
Ballon D’Or — 4th in 1986
LB: Branco
Roberto Carlos before Roberto Carlos — a brilliant attacking left back that broke into Brazil’s line up during 1994 World Cup’s playoffs and scored the crucial winner to eliminate the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. It wasn’t the only goal he scored — his son Stefano was conceived during the tournament. He remained a starter all the way until the final, in which he successfully took one of the penalties in the shootout.
FIFA World Cup 1994
GK: Oliver Kahn
During 2002 World Cup, in which Kahn was Germany’s first choice goalkeeper, Kahn conceded just three goals, keeping five clean sheets and becoming the only goalkeeper to be named the tournament’s best player, although a rare rick in the final gifted a goal to winners Brazil.
FIFA World Cup 2002 — 2nd place
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 2002
FIFA World Cup Yashin Award 2002
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 2002
FIFA World Player of the Year — Silver Award in 2002
Ballon D’Or — 3rd in 2002
IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper 2002
Best European Goalkeeper 2002
Bruno Conti
When Zico, reflecting on Brazil’s 3-2 defeat to Italy in the second group phase, commented that “we were playing against 10 Italians and one of ours”, there was no doubt who he was singling out: Bruno Conti.
He was just as important to Italy’s sudden explosion in the second-round group as Paolo Rossi, and exemplified the attacking ideal of coach Bearzot. Italian tradition dictated that the right-sided midfielder had to track back to play as an auxiliary right-back, but Conti was more like an orthodox winger. He was instrumental in the epic against Brazil, cutting infield and drawing defenders before transferring play to Cabrini to cross for Rossi’s opener, and then providing Italy, when under pressure, with a reliable outlet. In the semi-final against Poland, Conti beat two men and crossed from Rossi’s second. Then he had key parts to play in Italy’s second and third goals in the final, when he sagely adapted to a more central role after the early loss of Francesco Graziani to injury. Rossi may have fired the gun, but it was Conti giving him the bullets.
Alves was a strange pick given Maicon as available, alves came on as a sub at right mid the first few games and really had an underwhelming impact overall.
Invert one of the formations and put them on each other and you end up with Maradona and Pirlo exactly on each other. I know it’s just pictures but that bit of Zonal graphic does look good for Smiley.
Either ways not a fan of using Pirlo in such a game against Maradona. I agree overcrowding the midfield is a great way to stop Maradona but having Pirlo in it nullifies the impact. Especially when the other team sports lots of midfielders too. Having Davids is a huge bonus there.
Teams wise, I would have voted for harms right away but I think smiley got his tactics and formation better here even with that unbalanced attack. Would like to hear a bit about Andrade at RB as well.
Instrumental for Argentina; I've made a compilation of his game against Netherlands (1 assist, 2 key passes that ended up as shots that hit the bar and another pass that put Lopez, I think, one on one but referees whistled offside). He was great against England too (and another assist to Zanetti). And all that as a central midfielder with enough defensive responsibilities and a pure #10 in front of him.
Invert one of the formations and put them on each other and you end up with Maradona and Pirlo exactly on each other. I know it’s just pictures but that bit of Zonal graphic does look good for Smiley.
Either ways not a fan of using Pirlo in such a game against Maradona. I agree overcrowding the midfield is a great way to stop Maradona but having Pirlo in it nullifies the impact. Especially when the other team sports lots of midfielders too. Having Davids is a huge bonus there.
Teams wise, I would have voted for harms right away but I think smiley got his tactics and formation better here even with that unbalanced attack. Would like to hear a bit about Andrade at RB as well.
Zito is playing against Maradona. Pirlo's presence grants me much more control, which takes the ball of Maradona, that's all. Defensive players choose who they mark, not the other way
Too much? He won 2 World Cups paired with attacking midfielder in a midfield two. He's arguably the most successful DM in World Cup's history - and here he has more help than he did in back to back WC winning campaigns
Pirlo had Seedorf and Gattuso doing the heavy lifting for him. Zito/Pirlo is a dynamic pair, but in that formation, Veron becomes a luxury player. You don't really need another playmaker between Pirlo and Charlton (who will drop deep anyway given his playing style).
Zito is playing against Maradona. Pirlo's presence grants me much more control, which takes the ball of Maradona, that's all. Defensive players choose who they mark, not the other way
It’s never a 1 vs 1 battle with Diego, mate. Zito marking him doesnt make the rest invisible. He will constantly run into Pirlo considering they are literally operating around the same areas. Having Figueroa behind helps but this is a game Pirlo would have been better off not starting.
Instrumental for Argentina; I've made a compilation of his game against Netherlands (1 assist, 2 key passes that ended up as shots that hit the bar and another pass that put Lopez, I think, one on one but referees whistled offside). He was great against England too (and another assist to Zanetti). And all that as a central midfielder with enough defensive responsibilities and a pure #10 in front of him.
Even if I give you the benefit of the doubt on quality, Veron still doesn't have the skill set I think you need in your tactic against this opponent.
You already have Pirlo and Charlton. I feel you need different qualities in your RCM than Veron offers.
I should add this isn't decisive. I haven't voted yet and I am leaning towards voting for you anyway. Its just a different LCM would have sealed the vote already
Veron had a great tournament. Remember him and Argentina in control pretty much from the first minute of the opening game till Denis pulled that one out of the sky.
By the standards of that tournament I wouldn't call it great.
There are a few unpicked players I would rate as having better tournaments than Veron in 98
Too much? He won 2 World Cups paired with attacking midfielder in a midfield two. He's arguably the most successful DM in World Cup's history - and here he has more help than he did in back to back WC winning campaigns
There is a difference between a 424 and what you are playing. Besides Didi was pretty much an all action midfielder. It wasn't as if Zito took on someone like Kopa on his own in 58 WC. In any case Zito is not the problem here at all. I seriously don't get the point of Veron and Pirlo in the same midfield here.
I’m still unsure why GS didn’t go Scirea and then Krol as 2nd and 3rd picks rather than go up the way. Nothing wrong with Bergomi and Popescu, but those two in a Diego 3-5-2 would have been dynamite.
I’m still unsure why GS didn’t go Scirea and then Krol as 2nd and 3rd picks rather than go up the way. Nothing wrong with Bergomi and Popescu, but those two in a Diego 3-5-2 would have been dynamite.
Pirlo had Seedorf and Gattuso doing the heavy lifting for him. Zito/Pirlo is a dynamic pair, but in that formation, Veron becomes a luxury player. You don't really need another playmaker between Pirlo and Charlton (who will drop deep anyway given his playing style).
Ideally - yes. Although I don't know why you've mentioned Seedorf as his Milan's set up isn't relevant here. In 2006 he played only with Gattuso (wingers helped, mind, but...)
But for this game, especially facing Alves of all people - Veron is alright. He has it in him to be useful and nor just a surplus playmaker
Even if I give you the benefit of the doubt on quality, Veron still doesn't have the skill set I think you need in your tactic against this opponent.
You already have Pirlo and Charlton. I feel you need different qualities in your RCM than Veron offers.
I should add this isn't decisive. I haven't voted yet and I am leaning towards voting for you anyway. Its just a different LCM would have sealed the vote already
That I can understand. I wasn't planning on picking Pirlo or even playing him, but Maradona made me reevaluate (originally it was 4231 with Veron and Conti).
That I can understand. I wasn't planning on picking Pirlo or even playing him, but Maradona made me reevaluate (originally it was 4231 with Veron and Conti).
I just realized that this game was scheduled for Tuesday but I to confused and started it today. Hope I have not fecked over @green_smiley who has not been online
I just realized that this game was scheduled for Tuesday but I to confused and started it today. Hope I have not fecked over @green_smiley who has not been online
It was Maradona and the fact that I would've faced a flank of just Sorin, who isn't even that good against 1 player, to sacrifice 2 players on that wing would've been such a waste.
I thought about putting him in Veron's place and it would've worked in real life, I'm sure, but I wasn't so sure about the voters
By the standards of that tournament I wouldn't call it great.
There are a few unpicked players I would rate as having better tournaments than Veron in 98
Each to their own. But World Soccer had him in their Team of the Tournament alongside Davids, Zidane and Rivaldo in midfield (which I'd broadly agree with). L'Equipe had him as the 5th highest rated player of the tournament and, given their home bias, more tellingly the 2nd highest rated non-French player on show. Him and Ortega bossed the group stages, thought he was the best midfielder on the park against England, and was excellent in a head-to-head ding dong with Davids in the quarters.
Each to their own. But World Soccer had him in their Team of the Tournament alongside Davids, Zidane and Rivaldo in midfield (which I'd broadly agree with). L'Equipe had him as the 5th highest rated player of the tournament and, given their home bias, more tellingly the 2nd highest rated non-French player on show. Him and Ortega bossed the group stages, thought he was the best midfielder on the park against England, and was excellent in a head-to-head ding dong with Davids in the quarters.
Just goes to show how those awards need to be taken with a grain of salt and how subjective they are. He wasn't in the "Mastercard Team of the Tournament" and the game you mention, Bergkamp was the best and most decisive player on the pitch that match.
Also those "ratings" should also be taken with a grain of salt. Sergi Ramos was the highest "rated" player in the 2010 World Cup for instance yet you only called him "tidy and solid" while others still said he was "unconvincing".
Just goes to show how those awards need to be taken with a grain of salt and how subjective they are. He wasn't in the "Mastercard Team of the Tournament" and the game you mention, Bergkamp was the best and most decisive player on the pitch that match.
Also those "ratings" should also be taken with a grain of salt. Sergi Ramos was the highest "rated" player in the 2010 World Cup for instance yet you only called him "tidy and solid" while others still said he was "unconvincing".
Yeah fair points, but a couple of different and fairly credible sources help to back things up. That quarter final was a great game - has there been a better World Cup match since - with a smattering of world class players on the top of their game (both strike forces and midfields in particular).
As for Ramos, I think that’s more to do with him being Ramos that people thought he was unconvincing, as opposed to much on the park evidence. Especially when Spain kept endless clean sheets and rarely lost the ball. Tidy and solid is pretty fair IMO.
Sergi Ramos was the highest "rated" player in the 2010 World Cup for instance yet you only called him "tidy and solid" while others still said he was "unconvincing"
It was me, probably? But it was about Marcelo first and foremost, should've worded it better. I don't think that Ramos is final-worthy, but he is good enough to feature in this draft, no doubts about that
This whole match is a clusterfeck. Looks to me like 8 central midfielders are battling it out in an area of 5qm
GS has a solid team, Ghiggia will roast Branco for sure and there is still Diego in god mode. Although, Zito plus that central defence of Ferri and Figueroa is a really good case to keep tabs on him. The problem is, I really really hate Alves in that midfield role. He lacks the physicality and the intelligence (positioning etc.) to play as a central midfielder and his offensive output is totally not needed because Andrade is very comfortable on the ball himself and there is fricking Ghiggia on that side as well.
I wanted to like harms' team, but then Veron pops up in midfield and that foursome is horribly unbalanced as well. Charlton deserves to play as a AM and be the focal point of the team or play as 2nd striker behind a combative CF to make use of his goalscoring ability, but here he is neither. Müller and Kempes are clearly the main sources for goals in this team and they are fine I guess with deliveries from Amoros, Branco and the fullbacks.
I don't understand the playing style enough because I believe you need to dominate possession with that team. The shape doesn't work for me because you have only 3 players in offensive zones most of the time, unless the fullbacks are complete gung-ho like Marcelo. A dominant 433 with Charlton in midfield next to a physical specimen like Vieira and a playmaker on the right wing like Silva would have been the better fit for those set of players, for the strikers especially. You want presence in high areas of the pitch and neither Kempes nor Muller are giving you this. If you bring the ball to them with ball circulation and overwhelming dominance in midfield, then those deadly scorers will bang the net for sure.
I won't vote for now because neither presentation convinced me. I am hoping for a tactical substitution after 30 minutes to freshen things up. Preferably on both sides
I’m still unsure why GS didn’t go Scirea and then Krol as 2nd and 3rd picks rather than go up the way. Nothing wrong with Bergomi and Popescu, but those two in a Diego 3-5-2 would have been dynamite.
