FM Scout: The Hunger Games

It is the biggest competition in football, there's no doubting that. A tournament which unites the world for one month, once every four years. The greatest football countries go head-to-head in the hope of winning the FIFA World Cup. Argentina would play host to the prestigious competition. Who would come out on top in 2022?

Just like in the UEFA European Championship 2020, eight of our players made it to this tournament. Unfortunately, no more made it through, as these eight select were among three different nations. We had French, Dutch and Scottish representatives. Would one of these nations lift the trophy? Here were our representatives:

France: Fabien Jasso, Max Joncour & Hugo Montgomerie
Holland: James de Bakker & Sybe Gillan-van der Putten
Scotland: Ewan Dailly, Wayne Kerr & Thomas Murray

Group F

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Our famed Scottish trio had made it to another major tournament, and their reward was a group which contained fierce rivals England. Paraguay and South Korea were the other two components in a group which Scotland would have fancied to finish in the top two.

Group G

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Our two Dutch holding midfielders were expected to play key roles for Holland, but would certainly be up against a stern test in the form of fierce rivals Germany. Japan and Uruguay made up the rest of a very very challenging group, but one which Holland were expected to qualify from.

Group H

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It was all smiles for our French trio as they were handed a relatively easy group. Colombia would be their biggest challengers for top spot, for sure, while New Zealand and Nigeria were not expected to pose too difficult a challenge.

And we have gotten this tournament underway! Relatively favourable groups for all of our eight contestants, let's see who progressed to the second round!

Group F

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Despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to fierce rivals England in their first game, Scotland bounced back to win the remaining two fixtures by a similar score line to secure progression to the second round. Victory over South Korea gave Scotland a required boost, and our very own Wayne Kerr was among the scorers in an all-important victory over Paraguay.

Group G

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Holland were on the receiving end of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Germany in their first game of the tournament, and were forced to fight hard for qualification in second place. Our very own Sybe Gillan-van der Putten scored in a 1-1 draw with Japan, before a narrow 1-0 win over Uruguay secured second place.

Group H

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France hammered New Zealand to the tune of 6-2 in their opening group game, with Hugo Montgomerie banging in a hat trick. He was on the score sheet once again in a 2-0 victory over Colombia, before a late late Kingsley Coman goal secured a win over Nigeria.

Second Round Draw

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Scotland's second place finish saw them pitted against Ghana in the second round. The big clash was to be France versus Holland, as Fabien Jasso, Max Joncour and Hugo Montgomerie were set to face James de Bakker and Sybe Gillan-van der Putten. Who would prevail? Find out soon.

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All eight of our representatives progressed to the second round of the FIFA World Cup with their respective countries. Our high-flying Scottish trio were pitted with what seemed to be, on paper, an easy fixture. However, the big clash was to be between France and Holland, as some our very best performers were up against one another. Who would prevail?

Second Round

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Ghana versus Scotland. Not the high profile game you would expect in a World Cup knockout round, but Scotland had a number of rising stars coming through! Unfortunately for Ewan Dailly, Wayne Kerr and Thomas Murray, however, Ghana put up a very impressive defensive display as the Africans marched to a surprise 1-0 victory, courtesy of a solitary early goal.


The big clash of the round was between France and Holland. Neither side was willing to give up ground in a conservative game, and it was Dutch star Memphis Depay who produced the goods, scoring the winner just after the half-hour mark. The game saw James de Bakker star in central defence, away from his usual midfield role.

Quarter Finals Draw

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The bane of Scotland were rewarded with a quarter final clash with the giant-killing Holland. Having slayed a much-fancied France side, the Dutch were certainly optimistic about their chances of winning the tournament. With James de Bakker and Sybe Gillan-van der Putten of Holland our only remaining representatives at the competition, we should all give them as much support as possible! Or should we?

FIFA World Cup 2022 Quarter Finals