The Bafana Buffoon & Hopes of WC Glory - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

thedeeb · 25-07-08, 04:11 PM

If you've been lucky enough

to have read my current game (The Great Chase), you will know that I have just accepted the position of South Africa manager a month before the 2010 World Cup

Yeah I couldn't quite believe that they got rid of their previous one, but I've taken up the challenge. I'm only intending to manage through this tournament and then I'll be off to another club (hopefully).

I intend to write a story about the World Cup. It's my first attempt at this, and I can see the standard of writing is already quite high, so I'll do me best.

I thought this may be slightly different as most of the content on here is club-related.

Any tips or requests would be welcome

**Jonners71** · 25-07-08, 10:38 PM

Great idea to tell the story of a tournament - really looking forward to this and yeah, will be good to see a story about international football

soulzNUFC · 25-07-08, 10:45 PM

Yeah I can't wait to see this mate!
I am not sure of tips but I try to make my writing colourful and in paragraphs as it grabs people attention more.
Good luck anyways!

**Hartynips** · 26-07-08, 03:03 PM

Lol but not too bright or mix of colours, or in a crazy font that brings on headaches!

Looking forward to reading an international story mate should be good!

losblancos · 26-07-08, 03:45 PM

Nice idea mate. South Africa are my favourite African team as well so this should be great!

thedeeb · 27-07-08, 09:30 PM

So the build up has begun to the biggest competition Africa has ever seen. South Africa has had the Rugby World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, and even had a Status Quo concert, but nothing can prepare them for the circus that is the Football World Cup. THE World Cup!

Barely a month to go and the rookie South Africa manager has named his team.

PIENNAAR IS CALLED UP AS HOME-BASED PLAYERS ARE IGNORED

South Africa's World Cup squad has been announced, and the big news is the return of Steven Pienaar. Pienaar, who plays his football in Germany with Koln, has a chance to add to his 27 caps after he was recalled to the squad having been frozen out by the previous management. All the players chosen ply their trade abroad.

The average value of the squad is just £1.35m, which is paltry compared to the stars of England, Spain and Italy, but several veterans of previous World Cup campaigns still exist, as thw squad has 9 players who played in the Bafana's last appearance in Japan/South Korea 2002.

Speaking to the press, rookie manager Dermot Brannigan explained the reasons behind his decisions.

"This is a very exciting time for the whole country and I have mainly gone for experience, although there are 3 players who have yet to win full honours. Pienaar's a quality player with vital experience at Everton and Cologne, so his knowledge of our German opponents will prove invaluable. As for why he hasn't been in the squad recently, you'll need to ask the previous manager for that. The vital components of a competitive squad are there such as the Mokoenas, McCarthy, Nomvethe, Issa and Fortune. Most of these players play against top-class opposition for their clubs, so they're well aware of what they're up against. The players are also well aware of how important this tournament will be for the country and they are desperate to do them proud"

When asked about the pressure on the hosts, Brannigan was keen to point out that he felt no pressure, and the fact that hosts generally do well in World Cups gives them more hope of success.

Questions remain, though, about the fact that the first competitive game Brannigan will have watched Bafana Bafana will be their opening fixture on June 12th in Bloemfontein against Peru.

An excited crowd gathered outside the teams training ground to greet the players and wish them well.

This country is beginning to get World Cup fever and the expectations of a tournament to remember, are high.

Look out for our special build-up World Cup editions where we look at the teams, groups and fixtures to look out for.

losblancos · 27-07-08, 09:53 PM

Nice read mate. Can understand why you are going for the experience. Looking forward to the build-up.

soulzNUFC · 27-07-08, 10:03 PM

Can't wait for this:Look out for our special build-up World Cup editions where we look at the teams, groups and fixtures to look out for.

**Jonners71** · 27-07-08, 10:31 PM

Love this idea mate (wish I'd thought of it first! lol)

Really looking forward to reading this

thedeeb · 27-07-08, 10:59 PM

The excitement for this tournament has been building up ever since the draw was made back in December.

Notable absentees from this jamboree are Czech Republic (Quarter-Finalists in the Euros two years ago), Greece (European Champions in 2004), Russia and Ukraine from Europe, and Senegal (winners of the African Cup of Nations earlier this year) from Africa.

32 teams embark on the exciting journey towards world domination, beginning on Friday 11th June, when defending champions, Italy, take on Uruguay at the Rand Stadium, Johannesburg. These two are joined in Group A by Norway and Morocco, who meet later that day at the FNB Stadium across town. The winners of that Group meet the runners-up in the hosts group (likely to be USA or Peru), and then have France, Holland and/or England as potential opponents in later rounds.

This is the line-up for Group A

Italy are favourites to win the group, although they have a history of starting slowly. Uruguay, 3rd in the South American qualifying, make just their 3rd appearance in the finals stage since 1990, and Norway and Morocco are here having missed the last two tournaments. It's difficult to choose the other qualifier from this group but whoever is successful is likely to meet Germany in the 2nd round.

Group B looks like this

Germany are obviously overwhelming favourites for this group, but as with Group A, their partners through to the 2nd round are less obvious. USA are the highest ranked of the other 3, but Peru, who finished 4th in qualifying, are an unknown quantity, having not been seen in a major competiton since the 1982 days of Ramon Quiroga (El Loco). South Africa will fancy their chances. They haven't made things easy for themselves in sacking their manager with barely a month before the kick-off, but they can rely on the history being kind to host nations, even unfancied ones.

Group C

As in 2002, France come into the tournament as European Champions after their victory over England in 2008, and should make it through although they have also had some wobbles in the early stages of recent competition such as in 2002. One of the co-hosts then, Japan, are back again, but will probably find the competition too tough. That leaves Nigeria and Romania to fight it out for the right to probably Argentina in the next round.

After being one of the dominant African teams between 1994 and 2002, they failed to qualify last time round, but now their back. They should find the short journey to their liking. Africans are hopeful of at least a semi-final place for one of their 6 entrants, as Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana all had 100% records in qualifying, and Morocco were also unbeaten. Ivory Coast were most interesting as they saw off the African Cup of Nations winners, Senegal.

Pele famously once said that an African nation would win the world cup before the end of the 20th century, but they will feel that, in only the 2nd tournament of the 21st century this will represent their best chance.

Group D

Argentina and Sweden should go through from here without too much trouble. Sweden beat Czech Republic to qualification, but are expected to take the runners-up spot. That will put them into the Holland, England, Italy, France side of the draw. Argentina may prefer that spot themselves, as they would be on course to meet Brazil, albeit not until the semis. South Korea and Costa Rica look to be making up the numbers.

Group E

This group presents are real opportunity for any of the 4 to qualify. The form book would have Portugal as favourites but certainly Denmark and Ghana could give them a run for their money. Chile, having qualified through a play-off, would seem to be the least likely to advance but it's by no means certain that the European sides will dominate.

Group F

Spain are one of the favourites for the whole thing as it is about time they performed in a major tournament, and winning this group would see them meet the runners-up of Group E. Turkey or Cameroon should battle it out for 2nd place, with Iran providing the cannon-fodder.

Group G

The match between Holland and Ivory Coast should be one of the highlights of the first phase. The locals have great hopes this year for their teams and Poland could find themselves on the first flight home if they don't watch themselves. Saudi Arabia have appeared in every tournament since 1990, but that should be the limit of their expectations.

Group H

Group H is by far the toughest in this years competition, with 3 of the top 16 teams present. Brazil, England and Mexico should provide some excellent matches, as memories of Moore, Pele and Charlton will come flooding back, not to mention Owen, Ronaldinho and Seaman. When hosts are chosen who aren't usually top seeds, it provides an interesting twist as one of the more fancied teams ends up in the 2nd group of seeds. This time it was England. We have to wait until 25th June at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria for England's match-up with Brazil. Before that on the 16th England meet Australia that will provide another interesting battle.

The Grounds
10 grounds are to be used for this year's tournament, with Johannesburg having 4, two in Pretoria and Cape Town, and one in Durban and Bloemfontein. The organisers seem to have gone out of their way to be impartial, as no team plays in the same stadium twice in the first round.

The stadiums are

First National Bank, Johannesburg
Rand Stadium, Johannesburg
Johannesburg Stadium, Johannesburg
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
Newlands, Cape Town
Odi Stadium, Pretoria
Loftus Stadium, Pretoria
ABSA Stadium, Durban
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

So we're all set for the opening matches on Friday 11th June

Italy v Uruguay at 3pm
and Norway v Morocco at 7pm

**Angel-SVK** · 27-07-08, 11:29 PM

Looks great mate. Looking forward to your games. Good luck !

**liveru** · 27-07-08, 11:43 PM

Some interesting ideas incorporated into this story and I've gotta say, I've quite enjoyed reading up to this point.

Keep up the good work.

**Jonners71** · 27-07-08, 11:48 PM

good update mate, I'll have 10 quid on Argentina to lift the trophy

**Hartynips** · 28-07-08, 07:37 PM

It is a great update there mate very interesting.

Im going for England cos on FM08 theyre one of the better international sides.

thedeeb · 29-07-08, 12:09 AM

This is what they're all fighting for, and today saw the first African World Cup tournament get under way. Here are todays headlines

Opening Matches Go To Form As Defending Champions Start With Impressive Win

So the waiting was finally over. 34,974 packed into the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg for the opening ceremony and match of the 2010 World Cup. Italy, defending their title, started in sparkling form, a trait rarely seen so early in tournaments. The last time they opened the tournament as defending champions, was a boring 1-1 draw with Bulgaria at the Azteca in 1986. This time round things were different.

The teams lined up and barely 40 seconds passed when Simone Massiroli (Reggina) opened the scoring.

Massiroli's strike, his first for his country in only his 2nd appearance, from the edge of the area is the 7th fastest goal in World Cup history. But despite creating chances, Italy failed to nail their opponents, and Diego Forlan squared things up on the half hour. Approaching half-time and Forlan's Atletico Madrid team-mate, Adriano Cassano restored Italy's lead on 43 minutes. This was a goal hotly disputed by the South Americans but the referee was having none of it.

8 minutes into the second half and AC Milan forward, Gilardino, put the Italians beyond reach. Cassano's shot was saved but Gilardino was first with the rebound.

ITALY 3-1 URUGUAY

So the champions start with a win an now move onto the Johannesburg Stadium on Wednesday to meet Norway.

Despite the strange decision of the organisers to have the opening match at the smaller Rand Stadium, Norway and Morocco enjoyed the size of the national FNB Stadium. Playing in front of 69,997 people didn't phase the Norweigians as they were 2-0 up inside 10 mins. First Napoli's Tettey opened the scoring after 5 mins, then John Arne Riise scored a trade-mark free kick to double the lead. Tettey emphasised his talent by scoring again on 26 mins to put the game beyond the Moroccans.

3-0 up at half-time and the game was over. All that was left was an injury to Carew that brought about his withdrawal on 69 mins. Time will tell whether he is available for next Wednesday.

NORWAY 3-0 MOROCCO

The next games in this Group are

Wednesday 16th June Norway v Italy, 3pm Johannesburg Stadium
Thursday 17th June Morocco v Uruguay, 7pm Odi Stadium, Pretoria

Attention now moves to the hosts who are in action tomorrow in Bloemfontein against Peru. We caught up with the South African manager to get a feel for the morale of the team

"Yeah, it's good at the moment, the players are all relaxed but very focussed on what needs to be done. Their fiercely aware of the expectations, but we really feel that we will be playing with 12 men tomorrow, the crowd is going to be huge."

"Have you settled on your starting line-up yet?"

"Oh yes, the players know who's in and who's on the bench, but we won't be announcing that 'til tomorrow. We feel that not meeting Germany until the final match, gives us a great opportunity for a good start. We're looking for cool heads and big hearts tomorrow, and my boys are ready."

So the schedule for tomorrow is this

3pm, Group B USA v Germany, Johannesburg Stadium
5pm, Group C France v Nigeria, Newlands, Cape Town
7pm, Group B South Africa v Peru, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Join us then

**Angel-SVK** · 29-07-08, 09:09 AM

Great update, can`t wait to see your game :)

losblancos · 29-07-08, 09:12 AM

All the best for the Peru game. You need to be safe before the Germany game.

**WozzaWolves** · 29-07-08, 09:59 AM

Amazing idea mate. I'm loving this so far!

thedeeb · 30-07-08, 02:34 PM

Saturday 12th June 2010

Welcome to day 2 of this World Cup in South Africa, and there is tremendours excitement around the country as the Bafana Bafana are up on stage for their first performance. But before that we have the result of the first match of the day.

USA V GERMANY

Johannesburg Stadium, Johannesburg

A surprising result there, as USA come from 0-2 down to grab a point against 'ze Germans'. That makes it very interesting for South Africa who are up next. If they can beat Peru then they're top of the group. The same must be said for Peru as well, though, if they win. Remember, the runners-up in this group are likely to play Italy in the next round.

And so to Bloemfontein and the Free State Stadium. A packed stadium with nearly 40,000 chanting Africans desperate to see their boys do well.

Let's have a look at the two teams....

Brannigan has gone for an attacking line-up, believing that the best way for the team to ensure the crowd is behind them is to attack. McCarthy just needs 1 more goal to become the all-time leading scorer for his country. Pienaar has been brought back and will play in the hole, behind McCarthy and Lebohang Mokoena.

Peru have a very exciting forward line of Farfan and Pizarro, with Ramirez just behind them.

35 mins Pizarro is SENT OFF!! Bad challenge there, and really he can have no complaints - straight red!

39 mins GOAL!!!!!! Vilakazi through to Pienaar good run towards the penalty area and fires one from outside the box. South Africa make their man advantage count almost immediately

HALF-TIME: SOUTH AFRICA 1 PERU 0
Great first half for the hosts, with Steven Pienaar justifying his manager's decision to bring him back, and in fact they could've been two up as Mokoena went close in injury time. Peru have problems. They're 1 down, down to 10 men and their captain, Ciulizza, picked up a yellow card just before the break. It's all going well for the hosts, can they keep it going?

59 mins GOAL!!!!!! Peru back level, good run by Ramirez, took on and beat Fortune, and then as he got into the area, shot across the keeper and into the net. 1-1

77 mins GOAL!!!!!! South Africa back in front. Fortune played it forward towards Nomvethe and it just seemed hit him and go in. Peru not happy but it's a goal. 2-1

80 mins GOAL!!!!!! Benny McCarthy, edge of the area, curled it round the keeper, and Bloemfontein is going wild. 3-1

90 mins GOAL!!!!!! Can you believe this? I don't think the home crowd can, but it's 4! McCarthy again, from the edge of the area, I think they thought he was going to pass, but he lashed it in. 4-1.

....and there's the final whistle. This will go down as one of the most memorable results in South African football. Brannigan's first game as manager of the team and what a result. Two from Benny McCarthy as he becomes Bafana's all-time top goalscorer. The dream lives on, and South Africa are looking at a victory on Thursday against the Americans and they're through!

Well, well, who'd a thought it, eh? Barely a month ago, and the South African FA come up with the widely critisized idea of changing the manager. They then choose a guy who's just been sacked by Dortmund. First game into the World Cup and here's the table

These teams are next in action on Thursday and a win for the hosts over the US would see them qualify.

The other game today was in Group C, as France took on Nigeria in the Newlands Stadium, Cape Town and here's the result