A Glimpse of Glory - The CM League Thread

The World Cup Draw has been held, some teams will be regretting their placement, while some will be off celebrating their cakewalk groups.

Group A
Costa Rica
Holland
Portugal
South Korea

Holland and Portugal have to be considered the favorites of this group to advance, but it would be wrong to count out the flamboyant Costa Rican team and a hard-working South Korean team that can run most other teams into the ground.
Prediction : Holland, Portugal

Group B
Belgium
Colombia
England
USA

The USA will have a hard time advancing from their group, though led by the stunning Landon Donovan, who plies his trade at Ajax, they have a chance to pull the upset over group favorites England and Colombia. Belgium have several talented players, but most are young, and are not expected to hold up under the pressure, though they could pull a suprise result, and see themselves through to the elimination rounds.
Prediction : England, USA

Group C
Argentina
Japan
Morocco
Russia

Argentina have to be considered one of the favorites of this tournament, and their opening group shall not trouble them too greatly. Russia look to advance to the next round as well, though Japan may give them some tough games. Morocco is fodder.
Prediction : Argentina, Russia

Group D
Austria
France
Greece
Nigeria

Another favorite, France, are drawn into a relatively easy group, with only Nigeria able to run with the super-talented French Side. Austria and Greece have some tantalizing players, but most are either too old, too young, or too untested to be relied upon in this competition.
Prediction : France, Nigeria

Group E
Germany
Mexico
Norway
Uruguay

The Group of Death. Germany will send their usual strong side to the WC, and will rely on their technical brilliance to send them through. However, they will be severly tested by Norway, whom many observers are calling the sleeper side of the tourney, as they boast several players who have impressed overseas in top-notch leagues. Mexico has slipped a little in the recent years and passed the baton in CONCACAF to the US and Costa Rica, but they can still muster of moments of brilliance, and they will need to if they have any hope of advancing. Uruguay will play their typical brawl-ball style, and hope that the can steal a goal, and then stall the oppossing team's attack for the win, and three points.
Prediction: Germany, Norway

Group F
Algeria
China
Italy
Poland

Yikes. Lets just chalk up Italy and Poland to the next round. China and Algeria just don't have the talent to hang with the two European sides, and will need flawless play, and a bit of luck to see themselves in the knockout round. I wouldn't bet on it. Algeria may have a better shot, as they can rely on English Premiership defender Yacine Oucif-Said to be the rock in their defense, but it won't be enough.
Prediction : Italy, Poland

Group G
Brazil
Egypt
Peru
Yugoslavia

This is perhaps the most intriguing group, outside of giants Brazil, who are almost assured of a trip to the next stage. Egypt possess several players like Mido, Mohamad Barakat and Mohammed El-Yamani who have shown capable of starring at the highest levels of play in the EPL and it would not be out of the question for them to steal some points from a talented Yugoslavian side, and to battle a criminally underrated Peruvian group, and see themselves basking in international Glory.
Prediction : Brazil, Egypt

Group H
Angola
Kuwait
Spaine
Ukraine

Ukraine may be one of the most tantalizing squads in the competition, as they are lead by the utterly brilliant Ruslan Valeev, and that should see them through with group favorites Spain easily over international minnows Kuwait and Angola

 

Marcus Benson rules.

 

After a thrilling season, that saw myself, David Vauthrin, take a Tottenham team from the brink of relegation to a 5th place English Premier League finish and a place in the UEFA cup next season, I think its only appropriate to hand out team awards at this time.

Crowd applauds.

First, and most importantly: Team MVP.

This was a very tough call, as I think both Shaun Maloney and Bruno Letang deserve the honor. However, since the DMC plays arguably the biggest role in my system Bruno deservedly receives this award. Congrulations Bruno.

Crowd applauds.

Next: The Golden Boot

The award goes to the best finisher on my team every year, and this year I had a tough call between team leader Jon Newby and young stud AMC Shaun Maloney. However, Maloney was fabulous down the stretch and had his signature game against Derby when we needed it the most, and thus wins this honor. Congrulations Shaun, on a marvelous campaign this year.

Crowd applauds.

Finally, a award that goes to the best big game player on my team every year: The Mr. Clutch award

This year's recepient may not have the flashiest numbers or be our best player but he has the heart of a Lion. Now, without further ado, I am proud to announce that the 2009/2010 winner of the Mr. Clutch award is Left Winger Christian Fox. Christian had 2 Man of the Match honors this year, and his game against EPL power Leeds was one to remember. Honorable mention goes to Noe Diaz, Carlos Pavon, Bruno Letang and Shaun Maloney. Congrats Christian.

Crowd applauds.

That concludes this year's Tottenham Hotspur awards banquet. Remember to keep pledging your support to the team and pack White Hart Lane. You, the fans, are who we play this great game for, and we want your voice to be heard. You are the 12th man for this team, and all your support is very much appreciated.

So on behalf the entire organization of Tottenham football, I hope to be standing up here again praising the team for another outstanding season next year, and am looking forward to bringing Hotspur football into the English Premier League's elite and making Tottenham players household names all across the world.

So, thank you for coming, drive home safely, and remember if its not Hotspur football, than it's not REAL FOOTBALL.

Crowd cheers.

 

Um, isn't none of this real football?

 

What is your problem?

 

What makes you think I have a problem? Oh yeah, I forgot put a smilie on that....here:



Was that a mistake or just bad posting?

 

Neither.

 

June 8th, 2010

Before the World Cup, there are some pressing contract matters to be taken care of.

Relegated Norwich, probably sensing that the bigger Premiership teams were about to pounce on their talented strikers, made a 220k bid on newly promoted Crystal Palace striker Neil Wade. The bid was rejected out of hand. Also for Palace, Stuart Poole's contract is approaching expiry, and it does not appear he will return to the north London side.

In quiet Cheltenham Town, Julian Alsop's contract ends, though it is not expected he will leave the prestigious coaching job.

In Aston Villa and Nottingham, two different player reactions occur. The previously discontented Luke Young retracts his demand to leave, obviously confident the new management can turn things around. While at Forest young striker Matthew Black showed up late to practice, definetly after hitting a local pub or two. Despite the fact that the season was over, this kind of unpreparedness cannot be tolerated, and the young man it taken aside and warned not to do it again, and future occurences will result in fining, and perhaps his recieving his walking papers.

June 9th, 2010

The World Cup kicks off today with the two Group A matches, Holland vs Portugal and Costa Rica vs South Korea. Scouts from all over the world were in attendance to get a look at the best players in the world on the biggest stage.

In the first match a suprise contender emerges as Holland, behind its deep, and superbly talented strike force dominates the under-strength Portugese side, which in what will go down as a bizarre move, left superstar winger Ricardo Quaresma off the roster entirely. The Dutch team peppered the Portugese goal with 7 shots before legend Ruud van Nistelrooy buried one of them in the net right before the half.

With the domination the Holland side had shown, it seemed the game was pretty much over, and the first 30 minutes of the second half did nothing to dispel the notion and when van Nistelrooy took a pass from sub Kamphius and slipped it past the beleaguered Portugese netminder, the nail had been buried in the coffin.

The press rightly declared van Nistelrooy the Man of the Match for his two goals, but it would be wrong to understate the control the Dutch midfield had in this match as the Portugese team spent sparse minutes attacking the bored Dutch goalie. Truly, the lack of playmakers in the midfield, like the retired Luis Figo and the inexplicably absent Quaresma had its toll on the Iberian side.

Holland 2, Portugal 0

The second match of the day saw CONCACAF side Costa Rica play upstart South Korea in La Plata, Argentina. The scoring was early and often as a particular bit of brilliance found Costa Rican Solís open 15 yards from goal, and he did not blow his chance, sending Costa Rica up 1-nil just 17 minutes in. However, the Korean side struck right back catching the Costa Rican team unawares and evened the tally at one apiece just 60 seconds later.

The two teams traded tantalizing attacks back and forth, but it wasn't until after the half that Wanchope found a little space and knuckled a ball past the outstretched Korean keeper to give the Central American side a 2-1 lead.

However, the Koreans superior match fitness began to take its toll, and they slowly began to assert control and their equalizer in the 79th minute was almost anti-climactic. Though the Koreans managed a few more shots on goal, none were terribly good chances, and the game ended a draw.

Costa Rica 2, South Korea 2

 

June 9th, 2010

Later in the day, Wimbeldon's little used Mark Nicholls and scout Moncur left as their contracts expired. Neither loss is a great blow to Wimbeldon's promtion chances.

Norwegian fullback Geir Anders Kirkholm, currently training for his opening match, made official his move from Nottingham Forest back to Watford. Kirkholm is a talented, if tempermental central defender.

June 10th, 2010

Following his team's demolition of Portugal, talented midfielder Arno Kantelberg was connected with a 14.75M move from Glasgow Celtic to Chelsea. His manager had no comment on the report.

In Mansfield, former prospect Philip Bardsley who never quite panned out left for smaller side Crowdon and guaranteed playing time.

The World Cup continues today with the two Group B games, Colombia vs USA, and England vs Belgium.

The first match pitted Western Hemisphere duo USA and Colombia. The game was marked by mediocre play, as both sides played it close to the vest, minimizing attacks, and concentrating efforts on stymying the attack of the opposition. In the 45th minute, the US broke free on a counterattack and midfielder Ricketts placed his head on the ball to give the US a 1-nil lead, and with their effective defense, a suprise victory over the side favorites.

USA 1, Colombia 0

The second match of the day saw England play Belgium. Neither side could put together an effective attack and the goalies ruled the day with a nil-nil draw. One side note is that Lincoln City winger Eric Dreesen, all of 21 years of age, came on at 55 minutes and gave his national team 35 minutes of very good play.

Belgium 0, England 0

 

Fade - I want to commend you on something. While you may have not had the time to commit fully to the new sim leagues, you have always respected and understanded the appeal of them. And helped against outsiders trying to put down the sims. Cheers to you.

 

BTW- Heath

8M for Tulian Melo
Min Rel for Stefan Winter
Min Rel for Anthony Batelli

That is all.

 

With the valiant 5th place finish fresh on everyone's mind, let's take a look at the Tottenham team you will get to see battle it out for top dog in the premiership next year, along with available players for transfer.

First off the Goalies.

1. Phil Edwards-Acquired in a 2 million purchase from Mansfield Town midway through last season, he immediately became our starter and performed brilliantly between the pipes for us. And to think he's only the ripe young age of 22. Unquestionably, the number one keeper for the team.

2. Martin Van Hooijdonk-A young Dutch goalie with vast potential, Martin will be the guy ready to spell Phil at any time. He has good skill as well so I have no problem using him if necessary. It would be tough to get him, but a price of 1.5 mil and above would make me listen.

3. Darren Rimmer-Darren is a young English netminder who needs a bit more developing better he sees extensive minutes for this club. He may be available for loan at some point this season, or able to be sold at a cost of 1 mil and above.

Defenders

1. Jimmy Ryan, Steve Curtis, and Andrew Nixon

a) Ryan- Jimmy is a young English defender who has fabulous marking, and very good overall defensive attributes. He is not for sale.

b) Curtis-Steve is a 20 year old SW/DC with great defender attributes. Once again, don't bother, as he isn't for sale.

c) Nixon-Andrew is a 21 yr old defender with fine attributes, just like the other two listed above. As with the others above, he is not available for purchase either.

2. Stale Karlsen-Young Norwegian, who is an extremely versatile player. Likely will see a lot of time rotating in defense, center midfield and defensive midfielder for the club. Hopefully, he becomes like a young Kah for the team. Concerning selling him, since he was just bought from Cheltenham Town this summer, he isn't going to be available for awhile.

3. Martjin Kuiper- This veteran holland defender has very nice defensive attributes except for pace, and will rotate in and out of defense for me. Valued at 925k, it would take about 1.2 mil plus to land him.

4. Mick Briggs-Briggs is a young defender that I had during my tenure at Bournemouth, with excellent defensive attributes. Valued at 975k, it would be very tough to pry him away from me.

5. Eddie Howe-Veteran defender, but has lost standing in my club. I will sell him for 325k plus. He still has good attributes, check my page. Would be a good player for a d1 or below club.

Defensive Midfielders

1. Bruno Letang-20 year old French star, he is a special player. Had a big impact at our most important position last year, so don't even bother asking me if he is for sale. He isn't.

2. Pa Modou Kah- 29 year old Norwegian, very versatile, will be a big asset for us this year, at DMC, Wing, Defense, and center midfielder. For that reason, it will be very tough to get him from me. Right now, he isn't for sale. But it would take 5 mil plus to get him if I ever do put him on the block.

This year, I feel my Hotspurs are very deep and talented in the backline, and with Edwards in goal helping them out, I don't forsee too many goals being allowed by the club.

Later, I will preview the midfield and then the attack.

So don't stop reading now, as there is much more Tottenham football to come.