[Albion] NSC Albion Fantasy World Cup- Group B

[stewart12]

Following on from Group A, here is our second of the 4 Round 1 Groups.


Americas A- Managed by Gus Poyet

The pre-tournament favourites are absolutely frothing at the mouth with talent but it is always possible that manager Gus Poyet could storm out of a match at any moment. Nonetheless there is talent throughout this well balanced squad that contains a genuine World Cup winner alongside a player who was sold for over £100m. Their goalkeeper is possibly the weak link and could cost them later in the tournament.

(4-3-3)
GK: David Gonzalez

RB: Gonzalo Jara Reyes
CB: Igor
CB: Bernardo
LB: Pervis Estupinan

CM: Alexis Mac Allister
CM: Moises Caicedo
CM: Steven Alzate

FW: Julio Enciso
FW: Leonardo Ulloa
FW: Joao Pedro

Subs: Facundo Buononotte, Jeremy Sarmiento

Scotland- Managed by Mark McGhee

This is a well disciplined, hark working and physical side managed by the no nonsense Mark McGhee who is obviously very familiar with Withdean Stadium. A lack of creativity could cost them but they'll be hard to beat without a doubt.

GK: Graeme Smith

RB: Adam Virgo
CB: Gordon Greer
CB: Doug Rougvie
LB: Jimmy McNulty

CM Liam Bridcutt
CM Billy Gilmour

FW: Craig Mackail-Smith
FW: Gordon Smith
FW: Kit Napier
FW: Alex Dawson

Subs: Craig Conway, David Cameron, Paul McDonald, Derek Allen, Chris Iwelumo, Paul Dickov, Stephen Dobbie,


Asia & Oceania- Managed by Beram Kayal (player-manager)

Political tensions could threaten to derail this sides tournament but don't be fooled, there is talent in this side even though it's a bit unbalanced. If they can set their beliefs aside they could do well. Mahmoud Dahoud was a late inclusion into the squad after Coach Kayal discovered that he was born in Syria.

(0-5-3-2)
GK: Maty Ryan

CM: Aaron Mooy
CM: Mahmoud Dahoud
CM: Beram Kayal
CM: Nick Ward
CM: Yasir Kasim

RW: Alireza Jahanbaksh
AM: Gai Assulin
LW: Kaoru Mitoma

FW: Tomer Hemed
FW: Chris Wood

Subs: Ali Al-Habsi, Dave Clarkson, Paul Reid

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

While Americas B are just happy to have qualified Americas A will be looking to bring the trophy home. That is an exceptionally strong team.

I like the description of Asia & Oceania as unbalanced. They don't have a single defender! Paul Reid will be disappointed to have not even made the bench.

 

[stewart12]

While Americas B are just happy to have qualified Americas A will be looking to bring the trophy home. That is an exceptionally strong team.

I like the description of Asia & Oceania as unbalanced. They don't have a single defender! Paul Reid will be disappointed to have not even made the bench.

he has now

 

[stewart12]

Maty Ryan will definitely have his work cut out but Coach Kayal will be hoping that their hard working midfield can act as some sort of buffer. I think Scotland would perhaps struggle to score against them in a tightly contested play off for second place.

 

[Nobby Cybergoat]

America's A, forwards, Enciso and Pedro soon learn that running at McNulty and Virgo isn't the toughest of assignments and get in behind at will. Ulloa to come off the pitch having lost count of how many goals he scored in that one.

Elsewhere, Asia Oceania, to make light of their odd lack of defenders and put the sweaties to the sword. They'll meet their match against an incredible America's line up though.

Amusing goal difference columns after the group end

 

[A1X]

Beram Kayal managing an Asian team with 5 attackers and no defence is FLAIR, absolutely destined to fail miserably but what amazing fun it'll be watching them do it

 

[stewart12]

At the moment Asia are squeezing in the second round!

 

[Mellotron]

At the moment Asia are squeezing in the second round!

Classic heroic failure from the Scots.

 

[stewart12]

Classic heroic failure from the Scots.

in the result of a tie, BOTH teams will progress to a menage a trois in the next round

 

[Mellotron]

in the result of a tie, BOTH teams will progress to a menage a trois in the next round

A Scotsman invented this rule, I fancy...

 

[A1X]

Classic heroic failure from the Scots.

Never go beyond the first round, even in a fantasy tournament against a team with no defence

EDIT - They're ahead now, boo

 

[stewart12]

I think ultimately Coach McGhee is just so at home in the Withdean dugout. Must be such a massive morale boost for his tartan army

 

[stewart12]

just over a day left in this, when the quarter finals will begin

current standings

1. Americas A 36
2. Scotland 3
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3. Asia 1