FM Scout: The Hunger Games (FM18) (Page 7)

Home › Forums › FM 2018 › FM18 Manager Stories

Pages

Justice

FIFA World Cup 2022 Preview

2022 brought with it the second edition of the FIFA World Cup since the beginning of this save, and it was an exciting time for our (relatively) young stars. While almost every single one of our players were regular senior internationals, a number of teams failed to qualify for the world's most prestigious football tournament. There were, indeed, big surprises as both England & Holland failed to make the cut.

Despite the surprise absentees, a grand total of seven of our contestants would play in the 2022 edition of the World Cup, representing six different nations. For some, it was not their first major international tournament, while it was a tournament debut for others.

To Play At FIFA World Cup 2022

Croatia | Dick Trickle

Denmark | Mikkel Bie & Phillip Budtz

France | Han Cock

Germany | Hans Down

Sweden | Johan Eriksson

Ukraine | Genie

Group A

Sweden Would Face Hosts Australia In An Easy Group

Lucky for Sweden, they got the easiest group possible. Hosts Australia (with the WC being taken from Qatar), were the top seeds, due to their host status, and second seeds Sweden would have been delighted with having Senegal and Canada for opposition. Needless to say, Johan Eriksson & Sweden were expected to qualify comfortably.

Group B

Germany Would Face Argentina In An Interesting Group B

Two heavyweights and two not-so-heavyweights in this group. The superpower of Argentina would prove to be, by far, the toughest test of the group for Hans Down & Germany, but Ghana & Uzbekistan were not to be underestimated. Anybody can win in a World Cup tournament.

Group D

France Were Happy With Their Draw Having Evaded Other Big Sides

Han Cock & France would have been delighted with news of their draw, but were under no illusion of the quality of Mexico and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Nigeria completed the group, with France tipped as the favourites to win the competition.

Group F

Denmark Were Handed The Group Of Death

For Mikkel Bie & Phillip Budtz the proposition of playing both Spain and Uruguay in the group stage was a daunting one. The qualities of South Korea (with Son Heung-Min in particular) were well documented, and Denmark would do well to progress, with two of the competition's most successful nations standing in their way.

Group G

Croatia & Ukraine Would Face Off In A Group Which Contained The Seleção

Dick Trickle of Croatia and Genie of Ukraine would face off in an exciting group, which also contained the mighty Brazil and Guinea, a nation growing in football stature. It was our only contestant clash in the group stages, but what an exciting one!

*NOTE* Updates on the World Cup to begin on Monday.

the champi0n fm

6 years

Such an interesting series, sad I didn't find it earlier to become involved though.

Justice

6 years

World Cup 2022 Group A

And now, to begin updating what happened in the group stage! We begin with Group A, and Johan Eriksson of Sweden.

Group A

Sweden Strolled To A Top Place Finish

Game 1
Sweden 4-0 Senegal - 10/06/2022

Football Park (Adelaide, Australia) | Attendance: 51,515

Starting XI (4-4-2): Johnsson; Wahlqvist, Bergström, Lindelöf, Augustinsson (57'); Svanberg (60'), Tibbling, Hiljemark (60')

, Forsberg

; Guidetti

x2, Isak

Subs Used: Dagerstål (57'), Timossi Andersson (60'), Ekdal (60')

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Gomis; Sabaly, Mendy, Kané, Baraye; Dioussé (68'), Gueye; Sarr, Babacar (58'), Baldé; Niang (62')

Subs Used: Diatta (58'), N'Diaye (62'), Ndiaye (68')

Johan Eriksson wasn't involved in this game at all, but his nation were clear victors in their opening game of the World Cup. John Guidetti scored twice, with one from the penalty spot, with Emil Forsberg and Oscar Hiljemark also adding to the scoreline.

Game 2
Canada 0-4 Sweden - 16/06/2022

Docklands Stadium (Docklands, Australia) | Attendance: 56,347

Starting XI (4-4-2): Borjan; Tomori, Curcic, Stanese, Kamdem; Aird (71'), Eustáquio, Koffie, Arfield (77'); Dumevski, Larin (60')

Subs Used: Hoilett (60'), Timóteo (71'), Gagnon-Laparé (77')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Johnsson; Wahlqvist, Bergström, Lindelöf, Augustinsson (71'); Svanberg, Hiljemark (65'), Tibbling (65'), Forsberg; Guidetti

, Isak

Subs Used: Eriksson (65'), Timossi Andersson (65')

, Dagerstål (71')

This time, Johan Eriksson did play, but only for the final thirty five minutes of the game. Sweden were rampant once more, winning by four goals. Isak grabbed two of them, Guidetti scored his third of the tournament and Timossi Andersson came off the bench to score.

Game 3
Australia 1-2 Sweden - 21/06/2022

AAMI Park (Melbourne, Australia) | Attendance: 30,050

Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Ryan; Reid, Sainsbury, Burgess, Behich; Borrello (69'), Mooy (76'), Luongo (76'), Leckie; Rogic; Iredale

Subs Used: Oikonomidis (69'), Dougall (76'), Petermann (76')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Johnsson; Wahlqvist, Bergström, Lindelöf, Augustinsson; Timossi Andersson (82'), Svanberg, Dagerstål (76'), Forsberg; Guidetti (69')

x2, Isak

Subs Used: Ishak (69'), Gustafson (76'), Ekdal (82')

No game time for Johan Eriksson once again, but Sweden did enough to beat the hosts. John Guidetti took his tally for the tournament to five goals with a first half brace. Australia's John Iredale halved the deficit before half time, but the Swedes held out for a table-topping victory.

Justice

6 years • Edited

World Cup 2022 Group B

And now, it is time for.............. put your hands up for Hans Down & Germany! Let's see how they got on in Group B

Group B

Germany Qualified From Group B In Second Place

Game 1
Ghana 1-2 Germany - 11/06/2022

Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (Brisbane, Australia) | Attendance: 48,500

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Osei; Partey, Nuhu, Aidoo, Rahmann (82'); Donsah, Duncan; Mensah (76'), Dwamena, Sarfo (63'); Ayew

Subs Used: Ampomah (63'), E. Boateng (76'), Agbenyenu (82')

Starting XI (4-4-2): ter Stegen; Kimmich (58'), Hummels, Ginter, J. Boateng (76'); Volland, Down (69'), Havertz

, Brandt; Müller

, Werner

Subs Used: Tah (58'), Goretzka (69'), Henrichs (76')

It was a positive start to the tournament for Hans Down, who completed 69 (lol) minutes against Ghana. Thomas Müller was his usual amazing World Cup self (how tf can he not translate his World Cup form to club football?!?), scoring the opening goal early on, and Kai Have(at it)rtz doubled Germany's advantage. However, Ghana fought back, and Ayew (the shit one) halved the deficit, but could not find an equaliser.

Game 2
Germany 3-1 Uzbekistan - 16/06/2022

The Gabba (Brisbane, Australia) | Attendance: 42,000

Starting XI (4-4-2): ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah (73'), Ginter, Hector; Volland, Havertz (62'), Goretzka, Sané (62'); Müller

x2, Werner

Subs Used: Down (62'), Phillip (62'), Hummels (73')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Qodirov; Samandarov, Abramov (78'), Tursunov (73'), Rahimqulov; Lyubinskiy, To'raev, Ahmedov (57'), Ni; Shomurodov

, Jumaniyozov

Subs Used: Remnev (57'), Maxmudov (73'), Nizanov (78')

Hans Down was a second half substitute in this game, as Germany ran out worthy winners against the much-feared Uzbekistan. Thomas Müller's (corner yoghurts) brace set Germany on their way in the first half, Timo Werner also got in on the act before half time. Shomurodov got an unlikely goal for the underdogs, as the German team decided to go chase kangaroos in the second half, but the team affectionately known as Schland ran out victors.

Game 3
Germany 1-1 Argentina - 21/06/2022

Docklands Stadium (Docklands, Australia) | Attendance: 56,347

Starting XI (4-4-2): ter Stegen; Henrichs, Hummels, Ginter, Boateng; Sané, Down, Havertz, Brandt; Müller, Werner

Subs Used: Volland (63'), Goretzka (69'), Gündogan (75')

Starting XI (4-4-f*cking-2): Rulli; Montiel, Martínez Quarta, Nani, Tagliafico; Pavón (69'), Messi (53'), Lo Celso, De Muner; Icardi (61'); Dybala

Subs Used: De Sarrasqueta (53'), Romero (61'), Bustos (69')

Once again, Hans Down lasted 69 (*tries not to say 'LOL'*) minutes before being substituted, as Germany were held by a strong Argentina. For some reason, the ageing Messi was playing in central midfield, but he was instrumental in the build up to Paulo Dabala's opener. Timo Werner responded for Germany, however, to earn a share of the spoils in a true ding-dong battle.

Justice

6 years

World Cup 2022 Group D

On to Group D, and we take a look at how Han Cock & France got on. With Cock in their side, they were to be a very hard side to beat. Could their attack prove to be firing at will, or impotent? Let's find out!

Group D

Six Points Was Enough For France To Top Their Group

Game 1
Mexico 1-2 France - 12/06/2022

Football Park (Adelaide, Australia) | Attendance: 51,515

Starting XI (4-4-2): Á. Granados; C. Granados, Álvarez, Reyes, Layún (58'); Corona, Ramírez (75'), Pinedo

, Lozano; García, Jiménez (64')

Subs Used: Moreno (58'), Pizzaro (64'), Herrera (75')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Grellier; Sidibé

, Varane (66'), Kimpembe, Lenglet; Dembélé, Ndombele (66'), Pogba

, Griezmann; Cock, Mbappé (66')

Subs Used: Zouma (66'), Kanté (66'), Sy (66')

Han Cock played the full ninety minutes as France won their opening game, but it was a difficult one. Djibril Sidibé opened the scoring early on with a powerful header, but the game became tense after that. Pineda scored from the penalty spot to level the scores with less than ten minutes remaining but then France earned a penalty of their own with minutes to go, and Paul Pogba stepped up to slot the ball in to the top corner before dabbing excessively.

Game 2
France 6-1 Nigeria - 18/06/2022

Stadium Australia (Sydney, Australia) | Attendance: 98,000

Starting XI (4-4-2): Grellier; Sidibé, Kimpembe, Laporte, Digne; Dembélé

, Kanté, Pogba (51'), Griezmann (25'); Cock

x2, Mbappé (63')

Subs Used: Martial

(25'), Rabiot (51'), Sy

x2 (63')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Nwolokor; Ndidi (79'), Troost-Ekong, Omeruo (67'), Aina (73'); Etebo, Mikel, Afeez, Musa; Success

, Iheanacho

Subs Used: Ogungbaro (67'), Akpoguma (73'), Iorfa (79')

Han Cock completed another ninety minutes in this match, and even scored twice in France's destruction of Nigeria. Ousmane Dembélé and Anthony Martial also scored, while Benjaminho Sy (former Hunger Games contestant who was eliminated following season 4) came off the bench to score twice himself.

Game 3
Bosnia 1-0 France - 22/06/2022

Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane, Australia) | Attendance: 52,500

Starting XI (4-2-1-2-1): Begovic; Memija, Simunovic

, Bicakcic, Kolasinac; Krunic (56'), Katic; Prcic; Visca (45'), Hadzic; Kodro (45')

Subs Used: Duljevic (45'), Milosevic (45'), Cavar (56')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Grellier; Zouma, Varane, Kimpembe, Lenglet; Mbappé (64'), Rabiot, Pogba (59'), Martial; Cock, Sy (53')

Subs Used: Lemar (53'), Kanté (59'), Dembélé (64')

Han Cock played all ninety minutes once more, but his side were unsuccessful. Jozo Simunovic scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the second half to secure a win for Bosnia, but France had done enough in the previous two games to progress. Han Cock was certainly erect to the task.

Justice

6 years

World Cup 2022 Group F

On to Group F, where we see how Mikkel Bie & Phillip Budtz of Denmark got on.

Group F

Denmark Topped A Group Which Contained Spain & Uruguay

Game 1
Denmark 4-0 Uruguay - 14/06/2022

Stadium Australia (Sydney, Australia) | Attendance: 98,000

Starting XI (4-4-2): Bie; Sørensen, Christensen, Vestergaard, Knudsen; Sisto

x2 (69'), Eriksen, Delaney (85'), Budtz; Poulsen (85'), Stæhr

Subs Used: Wass (69'), Hvidt (85'), Holse

(85')

Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Muslera; Nández, Godín, Giménez, Ricca; Valverde, Vecino (63'), Torreira (72'); De La Cruz; Gómez, Cavani (40')

Subs Used: Rolan (40'), Bentancur (63'), Garat (72')

You would have thought that Uruguay would come out on top. WRONG! Sisto scored the opening goal before half time from the penalty spot, and added a second before the hour mark. Goals from Staehr and Holse rounded off a superb performance by the Danes. Both Mikkel Bie & Phillip Budtz completed ninety minutes.

Game 2
Spain 0-0 Denmark - 19/06/2022

Allianz Stadium (Sydney, Australia) | Attendance: 44,000

Starting XI (4-4-2): De Gea; Carvajal, Vallejo, Meré, Gayà; Suso, Asenso, Koke (45'), Isco (45'); Morata, Mayoral (45')

Subs Used: Busquets (45'), Grimaldo (45'), Costa (45')

Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Bie; Sørensen, Christensen, Vestergaard, Knudsen; Hvidt; Sisto (57'), Eriksen, Delaney (67'), Budtz; Poulsen (45')

Subs Used: Holse (45'), Wass (57'), Ahlmann (67')

Spain proved to be a different proposition. Mikkel Bie & Phillip Budtz played ninety minutes each as the game finished 0-0.

Game 3
South Korea 0-3 Denmark - 23/06/2022

Football Park (Sydney, Australia) | Attendance: 51,515

Starting XI (4-3-3): Dong-Jun; Gyeol-Hee, Jung-Min (68'), Osmar, Dong-Wook; Jin-Hyun, Ja-Cheol, Kangin (51'); Chang-Hoon, Hee-Chan, Hyun-Kyoo (63')

Subs Used: Dong-Won (51'), Hyung-Jun (63'), Mong-Sun (68')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Bie; Kristensen, Christensen (63'), Delaney, Knudsen; Sisto (56'), Eriksen, Hvidt, Larsen

; Poulsen

(61'), Holse

Subs Used: Wass

(56'), Stæhr (61'), Sørensen (63')

Mikkel Bie kept a third consecutive clean sheet as Denmark comfortably defeated South Korea. Goals from Jacob Bruun Larsen, Yussuf Poulsen and Daniel Wass scored the goals. Phillip Budtz didn't play at all in the game, as he was rested.

Justice

6 years

World Cup 2022 Group G

Let us see how Dick Trickle & Croatia, and Genie & Ukraine performed in the World Cup group stage!

Group G

Croatia Topped The Group While Ukraine Had To Settle For Third

Game 1
Brazil 0-2 Croatia - 14/06/2022

Allianz Stadium (Sydney, Australia) | Attendance: 44,000

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Fabinho (75'), Marquinhos, Marcos Paulo, A. Sandro; Coutinho, Casemiro; Luan (75'), Talisca, Neymar (67'); Firmino

Subs Used: Willian (67'), Danilo (75'), Jesus (75')

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Posavec; Jedvaj, Caleta-Car, Lovren, Bockaj

; Kovacic

, Misic (85'); Brekalo, Krovinovic, Mandzukic (85'); Kramaric (72')

Subs Used: Trickle (72'), Pasalic (85'), Rebic (85')

Dick Trickle only played the final eighteen minutes of the game, but his side were more than superior to Brazil. Goals from Bockaj and Kovacic sealed an incredible win for Croatia.

Ukraine 0-0 Guinea - 14/06/2022

AAMI Park (Melbourne, Australia) | Attendance: 30,050

Starting XI (4-3-3): Genie; Burda, Ordets, Pavlov, Matvienko; Shepelev (64'), Stepanenko (64'), Kovalenko; Tsygankov, Besedin, Konoplyanka (64')

Subs Used: Malyshev (64'), Buyalskyi (64'), Petryak (64')

Starting XI (4-1-3-1-1): Bouba; Conte, Sankoh, Conté, Pogba; Diawara; Condé (71'), Kamara (76'), Keïta; Sylla (56'); Bangoura

Subs Used: Diallo (56'), Cissé (71'), Touré (76')

A bore draw. Genie kept a clean sheet in goal for Ukraine. A good point to start the campaign for them.

Game 2
Croatia 1-2 Ukraine - 19/06/2022

Football Park (Sydney, Australia) | Attendance: 51,515

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Posavec; Vrsaljko, Jedvaj, Caleta-Car, Bockaj (65'); Kovacic, Pasalic; Brekalo, Krovinovic

(75'), Mandzukic (65'); Trickle

Subs Used: Kramaric (65'), Sosa (65'), Coric (75')

Starting XI (4-3-3): Genie; Krystov, Ordets (62'), Pavlov, Kostevych; Malyshev (54'), Stepanenko, Kovalenko; Tsygankov (62'), Besedin

, Konoplyanka

Subs Used: Shepelev

(54'), Buyalskyi (62'), Burda (62')

A feisty affair between two of our contestants! Ukraine took an early lead through Besedin which left the much-fancied Croatia in the hunt. Dick Trickle played the full ninety minutes, despite carrying a knock, and played a key part in Krovinovic's equaliser. However, Genie made a number of fine saves in a fantastic performance for Ukraine, and Shepelev came off the bench to score a winner.

Game 3
Brazil 1-0 Ukraine - 24/06/2022

Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia) | Attendance: 94,984

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Marcos Paulo, A. Sandro; Coutinho (54'), Fabinho; Luan, Talisca (48'), Neymar (60'); Firmino

Subs Used: Jesus (48'), Willian (54'), Caio (60')

Starting XI (4-3-3): Genie; Kryvstov, Ordets, Khacheridi, Matvienko (77'); Kovalenko (71'), Malyshev, Shepelev; Tsygankov (60'), Besedin, Konoplyanka

Subs Used: Buyalskyi (60'), Garmash (71'), Kostevych (77')

Genie performed admirably in a must-win game for Ukraine, but a Roberto Firmino goal broke their hearts and sent them crashing out of the World Cup.

Croatia 3-1 Guinea - 24/06/2022

Pirtek Stadium (Sydney, Australia) | Attendance: 30,000

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Posavec; Vrsaljko, Jedvaj, Lovren, Sosa; Pasalic (71'), Misic; Brekalo, Krovinovic (58'), Mandzukic (76')

; Trickle

Subs Used: Coric (58'), Brozovic (71'), Tudor (76')

Starting XI (4-1-3-1-1): Bouba; Sankoh, Conde, Conté (56'), Pogba (59'); Diawara; Touré, Condé (71'), Keïta; Diallo

; Bangoura

Subs Used: Cissé (56'), Kamara (59'), Sylla (71')

It was a must-win game for Croatia, and an early Dick Trickle goal gave them an invaluable lead. Diallo struck back just minutes later for Guinea, but Mandzukic's header in the second half restored Croatia's lead. Dick Trickle completed the ninety minutes, and his second goal secured progression to the next round.

Justice

6 years

World Cup Last 16 Preview

Let's see who got through to the last 16!

Last 16 Fixtures

Belgium Will Face France In The Last 16

Several of our players face big games. Hans Down of Germany would face Johan Eriksson of Sweden, while Han Cock of France would face a big tie against Belgium. For Mikkel Bie & Phillip Budtz of Denmark, Poland awaited them. Last but not least, Dick Trickle of Croatia would face Serbia.

And just a recap of who remained....

Croatia | Dick Trickle

Denmark | Mikkel Bie & Phillip Budtz

France | Han Cock

Germany | Hans Down

Sweden | Johan Eriksson

Justice

6 years

FIFA World Cup 2022 Last 16

So, group stages are done and dusted. Now, let's go look at the Last 16 results. Yes, I know I'm not typing much here, but I just want to fire out these updates as quick as possible.

Last 16 Results

Sweden Performed The Biggest Upset Of The Round, Defeating Germany

Germany 1-3 Sweden - 25/06/2022

AAMI Park (Melbourne, Australia) | Attendance: 30,050

Starting XI (4-4-2): ter Stegen; Kimmich, Hummels, Tah, Hector; Volland (56'), Down, Havertz (45'), Sané; Müller

, Werner (51')

Subs Used: Goretzka (45'), Philipp (51'), Draxler (56')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Johnsson; Wahlqvist (73'), Lindelöf, Helander (78'), Dagerstål; Timossi Andersson, Svanberg, Hiljemark (62'), Forsberg; Isak

x2, Ishak

Subs Used: Ekdal (62'), Andersson (73'), Brorsson (78')

Now, this was a shock result! Alexander Isak was the star of the show, scoring twice in the opening seventeen minutes for Sweden. Johan Eriksson was an unused sub, while Hans Down won Germany a penalty in the second half. Thomas Müller scored from the spot to halve the deficit before half time, but Mikael Ishak restored Sweden's two goal lead in the second half. Johan Eriksson & Sweden progressed, while Hans Down & Germany were eliminated.

Belgium 1-2 France - 26/06/2022

Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia) | Attendance: 94,984

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Cortuois; Meunier, Alderweireld (45'), Wouters, J. Lukaku; De Bruyne, Nainggolan; Bailey, Pereira, E. Hazard (45'); Batshuayi (48')

Subs Used: Denayer (45'), R. Lukaku (45')

, Dinsifwa (48')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Grellier; Sidibé, Diallo

, Laporte, Digne; Dembélé (23'), Ndombele (61'), Pogba, Martial; Sy, Mbappé (45')

Subs Used: Lemar (23'), Cock (45')

, Kanté (61')

Abdou Diallo scored the opening goal of the game for France early on, and Han Cock came off the bench to score early in the second half. Romelu Lukaku scored a goal ten minutes later to halve the deficit, but France held on to secure a place in the quarter finals.

Denmark 1-3 Poland - 27/06/2022

Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane, Australia) | Attendance: 52,500

Starting XI (4-4-2): Bie; Kristensen, Sørensen, Vestergaard, Durmisi; Sisto (45'), Eriksen (57'), Hvidst, Budtz; Poulsen

, Stæhr (52')

Subs Used: Larsen (45'), Holse (52'), Wass (57')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Szczesny; Gumny (67'), Glik, Dawidowicz, Jaroszynski; Wszolek, Zielinski (73'), Murawski, Kaputska; Teodorczyk, Milik (62')

Subs Used: Stepinski (62'), Bereszynski (67'), Linetty (73')

It was a disappointing game for Mikkel Bie & Phillip Budtz of Denmark, despite playing all ninety minutes. A Milik hat trick gave Poland a very comfortable lead and, despite Youssuf Poulsen's goal, Denmark were eliminated from the World Cup in a disappointing manner.

Croatia 3-0 Serbia - 28/06/2022

Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (Brisbane, Australia) | Attendance: 48,500

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Posavec; Vrsaljko, Caleta-Car, Lovren, Bockaj (61'); Kovacic

, Pasalic; Tudor, Coric (66'), Brekalo (61'); Trickle

Subs Used: Krovinovic (61'), Sosa (61'), Rebic (66')

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Rajkovic; Pantic, V. Jovanovic

, Babic, Ristic; Milinkovic-Savic (45'), Radoja (61'); Markovic (56'), Mihajlovic, Ilic; Vujadinovic

Subs Used: Grujic (45'), Vlahovic (56'), Matic (61')

Croatia ran rampant over their European rivals! An own-goal from Jovanovic gave Croatia an early lead, and stoppage time goals from Rebic and Kovacic put the icing on the cake for Dick Trickle & Co.

Quarter Final Draw

Sweden Were Rewarded For Their Victory Over Germany With A Game Against France

Johan Eriksson & Sweden's victory over Germany was excellent, but they would face another tough task in the form of Han Cock & France. Could they perform another upset?

For Dick Trickle & Croatia, a fixture against Poland awaited.

Justice

6 years

FIFA World Cup 2022 Quarter Finals

And on to the quarter finals. We had three contestants remaining, as Johan Eriksson & Sweden faced off against Han Cock & France, while Croatia & Dick Trickle were up against Poland. Let's see how they got on.

Quarter Final Results

France Eliminated A High-Flying Sweden, While Croatia Overcame Poland

Sweden 1-2 France - 01/07/2022

Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia) | Attendance: 94,984

Starting XI (4-4-2): Johnsson; Wahlqvist, Lindelöf, Helander, Augustinsson; Timossi Andersson (62'), Svanberg, Tibbling (45'), Forsberg

; Isak (57'), Ishak

Subs Used: Hiljemark (45'), Guidetti (57'), Ekdal (62')

Starting XI (4-4-2): Grellier; Zouma (62'), Varane, Kimpembe, Digne; Martial (45'), Rabiot, Pogba (62'), Lemar; Cock

, Sy

Subs Used: Kanté (45'), Sidibé (62'), Ndombele (62')

For Johan Eriksson & Sweden, it was the end of the road. Han Cock opened the scoring for France, and Benjaminho Sy further added to their lead. A second half Emil Forsberg goal was no more than consolation, as France marched on to the semi finals.

Poland 0-1 Croatia - 02/07/2022

Allianz Stadium (Sydney, Australia) | Attendance: 44,000

Starting XI (4-4-2): Szczesny; Gumny, Glik, Bielik, Jaroszynski; Wszolek, Zielinski (71'), Linetty, Juchasz (45'); Teodorczyk, Milik (56')

Subs Used: Rybus (45'), Stepinski (56'), Murawski (71')

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Tudor, Caleta-Car, Lovren, Sosa; Brozovic, Misic (77'); Brekalo (56'), Coric (72'), Rebic; Trickle

Subs Used: Kramaric (56'), Krovinovic (72'), Pasalic (77')

Dick Trickle was the hero for Croatia as he struck the only goal in a one-goal game. The Croatian striker was in terrific form, and was crowned a national treasure.

Semi Final Draw

Han Cock Would Compete Against Dick Trickle For A Place In The Final

Han Cock & France's victory over Sweden meant they would face Dick Trickle & Croatia in the semi finals of the World Cup. Both teams were in fantastic form, and a place in the final was on the line.

Justice

6 years

FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi Finals

Han Cock of France and Dick Trickle of Croatia both made it to the semi finals of the World Cup, but they would have to face off against each other for a place in the final. Who would prevail? Let's find out now.

Semi Final Results

France Progressed To The Final Following A Comfortable Victory Over Croatia

France 3-1 Croatia - 05/07/2022

AAMI Park (Melbourne, Australia) | Attendance: 30,050

Starting XI (4-4-2): Grellier; Sidibé, Diallo, Laporte, Lenglet; Kanté (62'), Ndombele (45'), Rabiot, Griezmann (45'); Sy

, Cock

Subs Used: Digne (45'), Pogba (45'), Mbappé (62')

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Posavec; Vrsaljko, Jedvaj, Bubnjic, Sosa; Kovacic, Pasalic (67'); Tudor, Krovinovic (62'), Brekalo (54'); Mandzukic

Subs Used: Trickle (54'), Coric (62'), Brozovic (67')

The first half was quite a bore, but it certainly livened up in the second. Dick Trickle came off the bench for Croatia to add some extra zest, following Benjaminho Sy's opening goal for France. Kylian Mbappé added a late second for France, only for Mario Mandzukic to halve the deficit. Han Cock, who had started the game, restored France's two goal cushion shortly after, but was forced off with injury in stoppage time, and would miss the final.

Final Draw

France Would Face Spain In The Final

Following their semi final victory over Croatia, France would face Spain in the final. It was expected to be a tough encounter, especially without the injured Han Cock, but France were still favourites.

Justice

6 years

FIFA World Cup 2022 Final

On to the final! Han Cock suffered a semi final injury, and would miss the final. Were his team mates able to bring the trophy home?

Final Result

France Lifted The World Cup After Defeating Spain In The Final

France 1-0 Spain - 10/07/2022

Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia) | Attendance: 94,984

Starting XI (4-4-2): Grellier; Zouma, Varane, Kimpembe (61'), Digne; Lemar (66'), Ndombele, Pogba (61'), Martial; Sy

, Mbappé

Subs Used: Lenglet (61'), Kanté (61'), Griezmann (66')

Starting XI (4-4-2): De Gea; Mallo, Meré, Ramos, Carvajal; Saúl (62'), Koke (56'), Roberto, Williams; Mayoral (45'), Morata

Subs Used: Costa (45'), Soler (56'), Suso (62')

Despite missing Han Cock, France got the win they craved. Varane was imperious in defence and, despite Inaki Williams' efforts, France got a late winner through Benjaminho Sy. Han Cock & France were crowned world champions!

Awards

Benjaminho Sy Was The Best Player At The FIFA World Cup 2022

Benjaminho Sy was in excellent form for his country, scoring five goals and two assists, as he fired France to the World Cup. His final-winning goal was an example of his wonders. It is a shame he was eliminated from the Hunger Games in the previous season, because he would have earned a lot of points.

Han Cock was the only one of our remaining contestants to make it in to the World Cup Dream Team, having also scored five goals.

Justice

6 years

15th July 2022

We come to the end of Season 5, and just after the end of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Many players have developed in to world class figures, with others not too far behind.

Here we take a look at the attribute profiles, season stats and transfer status of each player.