Retro Fantasy Quarterfinal 1 Team Brwned vs Team Cal?

Polaroid · 9th January 2012, 16:24

This is a Fantasy Football Team competition. Managers are required to assemble their fantasy squads by selecting players BASED ON THE LEVEL THEY WERE AT IN THEIR PRIME. The limiting conditions are that the players must be born in the 1960s (from 1 Jan 1960 to 31 Dec 1969) and not named Diego Maradona. As this is meant to simulate a real match, team formation, balance, tactics and bench strength also plays a part. Hence please carefully consider the abovesaid factors and evaluate the merits of both teams before voting for the team which in your opinion is more likely to win the match.

Stadiums assigned for each match merely add colour to the game and do not have any material impact on the competition ie there is no influence (home advantage, crowd support, familiarity etc) on the players and the match at all.

Polls will last 1 day, except for the semi-finals and final which will last 2 days. Polls are open to all Redcafe members to vote. However, managers and assistant managers must not vote in their own matches or matches that provide their immediate next round opponent. Non-compliance could result in expulsion from the competition. To enforce this, the votes in polls will be made public.

The spotlight of the world's media and the eyes of over a billion TV viewers are on the first of 4 quarterfinals tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. The atmosphere is red-hot in this famous stadium as the cacophonous roar of a capacity crowd of 85,454 greet the two teams emerging from the tunnel, rocking the giant stands to their foundations. Team Brwned vs Team Cal?, two great teams ready to engage in a titanic tussle that will add to the illustrious legacy of memorable contests witnessed in this historic stadium. This is footballing war, sweat and tears will be shed, blood maybe...but only one will survive, only one will savour the sweet reward of victory - progress to the final 4 of the Retro Football Fantasy Championship. You, the all-powerful voter, shall judge and decide

All members of the Redcafe are eligible to vote (see above for voting restriction on managers and assistant managers). Voters are encouraged to comment on both teams and share with us the reasoning behind their choice. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

Subs:
Gianluca Vialli
Mark Hughes
Mario Basler

Kopke – Without question one of the heroes of Euro 96, conceding no goals in the group stages and showing off his penalty-saving skills in the semis against England. A truly dominant keeper in his prime. German footballer of the year in ’93 and known to have been the better keeper in the Bundesliga than his compatriot Illgner, might he have been rated even higher if he got his (rightful) place in the German sides in the early 90s?

Myung-Bo – All-time record appearance holder for South Korea, played every game in all four World Cups, captained his side to 4th place and won the award for third best player at that World Cup…I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he’s considered up there with the best Asian players to play the game. Undisputed leader of that South Korea defence in ’02 which only conceded 3 goals in 6 games following their semi-final loss. A very capable and intelligent ball-player and supremely useful in organising the backline and reading the game, just an ultra-reliable player.

Desailly – A dominant force regardless of where he played on the pitch, supreme reader of the game with the physique to frighten any opposition attacker. Not only did he win consecutive finals but he did so while being one of the best players on the pitch in two completely different positions, showing off his great range of skills which was summed up in his powerful burst through the middle and delicate finish for the goal in the ’94 final. Alongside Blanc in 30-something games France never lost a game. Both were huge parts of one of the best international defences to exist in ’98.

Blind – Complimenting Le Rock much in the same way Blanc did, oozing composure and class. A very capable ball player and a very dependable leader on the pitch, the theme of leadership is clear. Won the CL final in ’95 very ably shutting out Massaro, Donadoni, Boban and co. who had the year previously taken apart Cruyff’s dream team…although they were missing Savicevic this time.

Benarrivo – Tasked with providing most of my width and penetrative running in the team, and he absolutely relishes such a role. Quick and direct, he could turn defence into attack in seconds with his ball-carrying ability. Well renowned but up against Maldini on one side and Bergomi on the other, he never really got a chance to show his true quality on the big stage often enough. When he did get his chance he didn’t let Italy down, being an ever-present in the ’94 side that got to the final.

Rijkaard – Composed on the ball and ferocious off it, this man could do it all. Intelligent passer, always comfortable on the ball, physically imposing, strong in the air, quick across the ground and a dominant ball-winner – simply one of the best midfielders to play the game. At his peak of around 88-90, he was just a step above the rest.

Jonk – Lining up alongside his compatriot, he’ll be here to just keep things ticking along with his smart passing game and tireless running. Together they provide a very solid base at the heart of midfield with both capable of opening up the game with incisive passing or closing it down with intelligent positional play. A couple of penalty kicks away from going to the World Cup final in ’98 and he was a vital, if understated, part of them getting there.

Stojkovic – A genius with the ball, master technician who could pick a player out from anywhere on the pitch with a deft flick or a drilled long ball. My creative hub and the one player who’ll be relied on to dictate the play. Scored just under a goal every two games at Red Star as he made it undisputable he was the best player in the league, but sadly never got to show off his true greatness as injury wrecked his Marseille career when he could have been playing against his old side to win the ’93 CL.

Savicevic – Yet another genius, a magician with his dribbling and boundless creativity. Played for Red Star for 4 years and was a big influence in them winning three consecutive league titles, two national cups and of course the European Cup. Following the European Cup win he was named 2nd in the Ballon D’or. Went on to win even more trophies at Milan with his crowning moment being the unforgettable chip over Zubizaretta and throughout the game he was a constant threat. Largely off the back of this game he was shortlisted for the Ballon D’or, making it into the top 10 in joint 9th alongside his team-mate Desailly.

Bergkamp - Arsenal legend, Premier League legend, technical maestro. If we see another player with his technical expertise we'll see a special player, it's that simple.

Cantona - Le Roi. United legend, Premier League legend, inspirational genius.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal?

Illgner - One of the best keepers in the 90s, World Cup 90 winner with Germany and double CL winner with Real Madrid.

Irwin - One of Sir Alex' best signings, equally great on both sides and a great freekick and penalty taker.

Costacurta - Part of the legendary Milan back 4 of the late 80s/early 90s, one of the only players to have won FIVE CLs.

Helmer - Euro 96 winner, 68 caps for Germany and multiple Bundesliga winner.

Sensini - Key player for Lazio winning the Serie A in 99/00. 59 caps for Argentina.

Branco - 72 caps for Brazil during an era where Brazil were the top team - World Cup 94 winner.

Redondo - Triple CL winner with Real Madrid, one of the best DM ever...

Moller - World Cup 90 & Euro 96 winner, as well as the CL with Dortmund.

Boban - Croatia's best ever player. CL winner and multiple Serie A with Milan.

Baggio - One step away from emulating what Maradona did in 1986. He score 5 out of the 6 goals Italy scored in the knockout stage in the 94 World Cup. Simply one of the best...

Careca - Part of the Napoli team that broke the Milan domination of Serie A, 60 caps for Brazil.

Now a bit about Brwned's side. Cantona, Bergkamp & Savicevic are all great players, but all of them are best in the number 10 role, I feel that Brwned has gone for the star name factor ahead of any balance to his side. Simply I can't see the three of them working in tandem, much more likely to get in the way of each other.

Myung-Bo & Benarrivo are solid enough players, but really aren't anywhere near the top like Irwin or Branco were.

Desailly's best position is as a DM for Milan, not as CB for France...

Overall, I feel that my midfield 3 is one of the best remaining in the game and have be able to feed Roberto Baggio and watch the divine ponytail run havoc.

Cling Bak · 9th January 2012, 16:27

Cal's team looks unfair.

Cal? · 9th January 2012, 16:30

Thanks Pol, updated to above.

Mighty Boosh · 9th January 2012, 16:30

Brwned's team for me that front four looks amazing

Savicevic was one of my favourite players to watch and alongside Bergkamp and Cantona they would play some delightful football

Polaroid · 9th January 2012, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal?

Pol, can you get rid of the "tactics" upthere? or better copy and paste this new one? Thx

Done

Brwned · 9th January 2012, 17:43

Benarrivo not as good as Branco? Madness, surely. Cal?'s team is too good to talk down, either team'll be lucky to go through.

Cal? · 9th January 2012, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

Benarrivo not as good as Branco? Madness, surely. Cal?'s team is too good to talk down, either team'll be lucky to go through.

I had to find something to write...

Honestly though, my biggest question against your side is how three great number 10s can work together?

Team Brian GB · 9th January 2012, 19:18

Who would you take from each other's teams?

Cal? · 9th January 2012, 19:21

I would take Desailly if I win this tie, but it really is too tight to call... I've been checking the voting and it's gone 1-1, 2-2, now 3-3...

Team Brian GB · 9th January 2012, 19:26

Indeed so, I think you have a fair question though regarding Brwned's centre forwards.

Brwned · 9th January 2012, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal?

I had to find something to write...

Honestly though, my biggest question against your side is how three great number 10s can work together?

Savicevic has no problem playing out wide and Bergkamp no problem playing advanced. The Brazil '70 side had two playmaking strikers (Pele-Tostao/Bergkmap-Cantona), a playmaker wide left (Rivelino-Savicevic) and a playmaker through the middle (Gerson-Stojkovic)...worked out pretty nicely for them.

Couldn't the same be said of Baggio/Boban/Moller anyway? Intelligent players often find a way to play together as long as there's a wide enough skillset between them.

Not really sure who I'd pick, adding Redondo in there would make it a magnificent midfield but I think I'd be better off going with Irwin and making it a 5-man defence.

Cal? · 9th January 2012, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

Savicevic has no problem playing out wide and Bergkamp no problem playing advanced. The Brazil '70 side had two playmaking strikers (Pele-Tostao/Bergkmap-Cantona), a playmaker wide left (Rivelino-Savicevic) and a playmaker through the middle (Gerson-Stojkovic)...worked out pretty nicely for them.

Couldn't the same be said of Baggio/Boban/Moller anyway? Intelligent players often find a way to play together as long as there's a wide enough skillset between them.

Not really sure who I'd pick, adding Redondo in there would make it a magnificent midfield but I think I'd be better off going with Irwin and making it a 5-man defence.

As I said, I have my doubts, sure they could find a way to play together, but it's very unusual to have 3 such players in the same side. When Del Piero & Baggio were both at Juve, they hardly played together.

Boban & Moller are much more attacking midfielders than Savicevic or Cantona or Bergkamp has ever been. Boban has occasionally played as a number 10, but spent most his career in midfield.

Polaroid · 9th January 2012, 20:15

I think this match does not need a running match commentary to bump it up

Brwned · 9th January 2012, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal?

As I said, I have my doubts, sure they could find a way to play together, but it's very unusual to have 3 such players in the same side. When Del Piero & Baggio were both at Juve, they hardly played together.

Boban & Moller are much more attacking midfielders than Savicevic or Cantona or Bergkamp has ever been. Boban has occasionally played as a number 10, but spent most his career in midfield.

Baggio was underused in a lot of ways, so that's hardly conclusive. Lippi's just not as adventurous as I am or Zagallo was...I do agree though, no denying the element of unbalance there. Even Brazil needed someone who just got up and down that wing and threatened in behind, my team's lacking pace and width and that makes it unbalanced. I think there's an element of that in your team, just to a lesser degree. I just think I have more quality.

Cal? · 9th January 2012, 20:26

You have a slightly better attack (based on the name of the forwards), but I think I've a better midfield, any of my midfielders are quite a bit ahead of Jonk.

Gio · 9th January 2012, 21:06

Cal's team has gone from being completely unbalanced towards a far more cohesive unit. In contrast, I think Brwned has lost a bit of balance by squeezing in a number of second strikers. Moving Savicevic out wide left was a good decision though because otherwise 4-2-2-2 has always needed dynamic attacking full-backs to provide the width. Teams that have played that or similarly narrow formations have relied on top full-backs to make it work (e.g. Brazil at various stages or France in 98). Man-for-man, very little between the sides.

Rood · 9th January 2012, 22:40

i think Brwned has a better squad but has fucked up on his team selection (i just cant imagine Eric and Berkamp as a strike partnership) so Im going for Cal, although Irwin very rarely played right back from what I remember so thats a bit of a cheat

Polaroid · 10th January 2012, 05:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rood

i think Brwned has a better squad but has fucked up on his team selection (i just cant imagine Eric and Berkamp as a strike partnership) so Im going for Cal, although Irwin very rarely played right back from what I remember so thats a bit of a cheat

Irwin was right-footed and primarily played as right-back early in his career before adopting the left-back position in his mid-twenties. He could effectively play on both sides, no doubt about that.

Cal? · 10th January 2012, 07:34

11-11 now... this is close...

kps88 · 10th January 2012, 07:37

I think Cal's team has a more balanced look to it. I also agree Brwned's front two don't compliment each other well.

antohan · 10th January 2012, 10:50

I think Cal's set of defenders has some shockers in there: Sensini? Branco?, qudos for adding some South American flavour, just think it's the wrong flavour. That said, his team is always going to score, while Brwned will look great going forward but will get smothered by the 5-man backline.

It may well go down to when Vialli gets subbed on, you have a wealth of creative talent but no natural goalscorer there.

Brwned · 10th January 2012, 11:10

When Bergkamp was in Holland he was outscoring Romario, and at the same time was top scorer in the Euro's (in fact he had a record of 22 in 37 for Holland and 92 in 120 for Ajax between 1990 and 1994, Euro's included) and Cantona was a 1 in 2 player at his peak, as was Stojkovic. No doubt none of them are natural goalscorers but they weren't really much less prolific than Vialli...or any of Cal?'s attackers. They do lack the ability to get in behind and directness that Careca or Vialli would offer though.

antohan · 10th January 2012, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

When Bergkamp was in Holland he was outscoring Romario, and at the same time was top scorer in the Euro's (in fact he had a record of 22 in 37 for Holland and 92 in 120 for Ajax between 1990 and 1994, Euro's included) and Cantona was a 1 in 2 player at his peak, as was Stojkovic. No doubt none of them are natural goalscorers but they weren't really much less prolific than Vialli...or any of Cal?'s attackers. They do lack the ability to get in behind and directness that Careca or Vialli would offer though.

Granted, Bergkamp is the closest you have to a goalscorer there, but records in the Dutch league count for toffee as do national team ones to some extent as you play San Marino and Andorra, etc.

Playing against defences of lesser quality to the one faced today: Milan 1/5, Arsenal 1/4

You've got some serious creative talent there, but not the goalscoring certainty that you get from Baggio+Careca

Crustanoid · 10th January 2012, 11:55

Does the winner of the whole thing get Maradona?

Brwned · 10th January 2012, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by antohan

Granted, Bergkamp is the closest you have to a goalscorer there, but records in the Dutch league count for toffee as do national team ones to some extent as you play San Marino and Andorra, etc.

Playing against defences of lesser quality to the one faced today: Milan 1/5, Arsenal 1/4

You've got some serious creative talent there, but not the goalscoring certainty that you get from Baggio+Careca

Ah, but this is about players in their prime, Bergkamp had 68 in 155 in his first four seasons at Arsenal so not far off 1 in 2. He only had 42 in his last 261 games for Arsenal and 4 in his last 22 games for Holland so it's easy for these things to come into it and subconsciously influence things. While number of goals in the Eredivisie shouldn't really be paid attention to, the fact he outscored Romario on more than one occasion is no doubt an impressive feat.

Not sure I agree with Baggio being the better scorer, certainly the better player though. Even Careca at his peak was very much a 1 in 2 striker at club level but his form in '86 really bumps up his reputation, the commentator in his last game of the tournament wouldn't stop waxing lyrical about him saying things like “that deadly marksman Careca, when he gets a sight of goal he just doesn’t seem to miss” and I'm sure that's the overall lasting impression.

Polaroid · 10th January 2012, 16:38

Match over, Team Brwned advances to the semi-final, congratulations!

Cal? · 10th January 2012, 17:09

lost by ONE vote...

Congrats Brwned...

Brwned · 10th January 2012, 18:06

Take pride in the fact only two other people got more votes in this round Cal! We were clearly the most interesting match. Who would people suggest?

Irwin to give me a bit of width and a bit more balance:

Möller to give a bit of attacking width:

Careca to form a more balanced strike partnership:

Or possibly just swapping Jonk for Redondo?

antohan · 10th January 2012, 21:36

Who are you playing next?

Crustanoid · 10th January 2012, 21:41

I'd definitely get Redondo if I was Brwned, and some non-reds might consider Baggio an upgrade on 'you know who'

Gio · 10th January 2012, 21:56

Aye Redondo for me as well. Baggio's the standout but there's already four players of his ilk in your team as it is.

antohan · 10th January 2012, 22:05

My gut feel was Redondo as well, an infinite improvement on Jonk. He was just unplayable at his peak.

Baggio would be a variation on a theme, it is Careca that could improve your attack.

No particularly formidable defenders that would be a better addition than Redondo but ultimately it goes down to who you are playing next and what tactics and squad strengthening that may require.

Brwned · 10th January 2012, 22:28

I went with Bergkamp and Cantona against my better judgement based on recommendations last time and it got me through, so I may well do the same here! Redondo's obviously a huge upgrade and probably leaves only Myung-Bo as a player who won't win votes, but still...it leaves me with the same problems as before. Not enough width, not enough balance.

I'm up against this man:

+ Baresi, most likely.

BaldwinLegend · 10th January 2012, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

I went with Bergkamp and Cantona against my better judgement based on recommendations last time and it got me through, so I may well do the same here! Redondo's obviously a huge upgrade and probably leaves only Myung-Bo as a player who won't win votes, but still...it leaves me with the same problems as before. Not enough width, not enough balance.

I'm up against this man:

+ Baresi, most likely.

That's some team. Weah and Matthaus at their best were phenomenal - both played on too long and tarnished their images somewhat so as this is based on the player's peak its worth remembering how good those two in particular were.

antohan · 10th January 2012, 23:06

You are in a lot of trouble then

Frankly, his defence will be formidable and no Careca will change that. "Fake width" with the wrong players won't matter one jot either. You will have to rely on the ability of those four you have upfront to carve them up.

I would scrap any notion of playing Rijkaard alone. Quite frankly, you need to match that midfield two or you are stuffed. Redondo-Rijkaard is your only hope.

TheReligion · 10th January 2012, 23:27

I am not sure on the love in for Angloma and Ronny Johnsen.

Des Walker is pretty underrated and was very good in his prime, but these two are not in the same league as Blind, Desailly and Benarrivo in my honest opinion.

Going forward Polaroid's outfit is very balanced though, but a side containing Bergkamp, Cantona, Savicevic, Stojkovic is going to cause problems against any defence. Rijkaard helping out and breaking up play also seems to be going unoticed. He was simply fantastic and essentially turns Brwned's defence into a back 5 when needed.

Man for man I don't think there is a great deal in it when you see past the names.

Brwned · 10th January 2012, 23:27

Aye, I can't see myself winning that at all. Perfection, really. Probably would've voted for Cal?'s team here if I was a neutral an' all, so the hope lives on. Is this a bit much?

Pat_Mustard · 10th January 2012, 23:42

I definitely wouldn't drop Stojkovic. Rijkaard, Redondo and Stojkovic is a superb midfield and is capable of at least being competitive with Polaroid's.

Snow · 10th January 2012, 23:53

Have to work it to your advantage that Laudrup and Hassler are kind of being played out of position.

antohan · 11th January 2012, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat_Mustard

I definitely wouldn't drop Stojkovic. Rijkaard, Redondo and Stojkovic is a superb midfield and is capable of at least being competitive with Polaroid's.

Agree, I would have Stojkovic a bit further back from where Bergkamp currently is and then it's a coin toss over who you drop for the two places besides Vialli (whom I think you need).

Based on caf age as a big factor you should probably drop Savicevic.

PS: This Myung-Bo fella is making your defence look more fragile than it actually is. Can't for the life of me tell any Korean chap from one another, bar Park.

View Poll Results: Who will win based on players in their prime, team tactics, balance & bench strength?
Team Brwned	14	51.85%
Team Cal?	13	48.15%
Voters: 27. You may not vote on this poll

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9th January 2012, 16:27	#2 (permalink)
Cling Bak Hi, I'm Barry Scott Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 6,391	Cal's team looks unfair.

9th January 2012, 16:30	#3 (permalink)
Cal? from Redcafe (matchfixing department) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: It's our perch now... Posts: 19,957	Thanks Pol, updated to above.

9th January 2012, 16:30	#4 (permalink)
Mighty Boosh Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: If he was an inch taller he’d be the best centre half in Britain. His father is 6ft 2in - I’d check the milkman Sir Alex on Gary Neville Posts: 850	Brwned's team for me that front four looks amazing Savicevic was one of my favourite players to watch and alongside Bergkamp and Cantona they would play some delightful football

9th January 2012, 17:43	#6 (permalink)
Brwned Poster of the year: 2010 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 33,938	Benarrivo not as good as Branco? Madness, surely. Cal?'s team is too good to talk down, either team'll be lucky to go through.

9th January 2012, 19:18	#8 (permalink)
Team Brian GB Baby Cameron loves X-Factor Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 16,056	Who would you take from each other's teams?

9th January 2012, 19:21	#9 (permalink)
Cal? from Redcafe (matchfixing department) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: It's our perch now... Posts: 19,957	I would take Desailly if I win this tie, but it really is too tight to call... I've been checking the voting and it's gone 1-1, 2-2, now 3-3...

9th January 2012, 19:26	#10 (permalink)
Team Brian GB Baby Cameron loves X-Factor Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 16,056	Indeed so, I think you have a fair question though regarding Brwned's centre forwards.

9th January 2012, 20:15	#13 (permalink)
Polaroid Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,273	I think this match does not need a running match commentary to bump it up

9th January 2012, 20:26	#15 (permalink)
Cal? from Redcafe (matchfixing department) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: It's our perch now... Posts: 19,957	You have a slightly better attack (based on the name of the forwards), but I think I've a better midfield, any of my midfielders are quite a bit ahead of Jonk.

9th January 2012, 21:06	#16 (permalink)
Gio Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bonnie Scotland Posts: 4,682	Cal's team has gone from being completely unbalanced towards a far more cohesive unit. In contrast, I think Brwned has lost a bit of balance by squeezing in a number of second strikers. Moving Savicevic out wide left was a good decision though because otherwise 4-2-2-2 has always needed dynamic attacking full-backs to provide the width. Teams that have played that or similarly narrow formations have relied on top full-backs to make it work (e.g. Brazil at various stages or France in 98). Man-for-man, very little between the sides.

9th January 2012, 22:40	#17 (permalink)
Rood nostradamus like gloater Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Republik Of Mancunia Posts: 13,005	i think Brwned has a better squad but has fucked up on his team selection (i just cant imagine Eric and Berkamp as a strike partnership) so Im going for Cal, although Irwin very rarely played right back from what I remember so thats a bit of a cheat

10th January 2012, 07:34	#19 (permalink)
Cal? from Redcafe (matchfixing department) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: It's our perch now... Posts: 19,957	11-11 now... this is close...

10th January 2012, 07:37	#20 (permalink)
kps88 First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Coventry (SM) Posts: 8,715	I think Cal's team has a more balanced look to it. I also agree Brwned's front two don't compliment each other well.

10th January 2012, 10:50	#21 (permalink)
antohan First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Montevideo Posts: 5,919	I think Cal's set of defenders has some shockers in there: Sensini? Branco?, qudos for adding some South American flavour, just think it's the wrong flavour. That said, his team is always going to score, while Brwned will look great going forward but will get smothered by the 5-man backline. It may well go down to when Vialli gets subbed on, you have a wealth of creative talent but no natural goalscorer there.

10th January 2012, 11:10	#22 (permalink)
Brwned Poster of the year: 2010 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 33,938	When Bergkamp was in Holland he was outscoring Romario, and at the same time was top scorer in the Euro's (in fact he had a record of 22 in 37 for Holland and 92 in 120 for Ajax between 1990 and 1994, Euro's included) and Cantona was a 1 in 2 player at his peak, as was Stojkovic. No doubt none of them are natural goalscorers but they weren't really much less prolific than Vialli...or any of Cal?'s attackers. They do lack the ability to get in behind and directness that Careca or Vialli would offer though.

10th January 2012, 11:55	#24 (permalink)
Crustanoid First Team Regular Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 13,594	Does the winner of the whole thing get Maradona?

10th January 2012, 16:38	#26 (permalink)
Polaroid Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,273	Match over, Team Brwned advances to the semi-final, congratulations!

10th January 2012, 17:09	#27 (permalink)
Cal? from Redcafe (matchfixing department) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: It's our perch now... Posts: 19,957	lost by ONE vote... Congrats Brwned...

10th January 2012, 18:06	#28 (permalink)
Brwned Poster of the year: 2010 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 33,938	Take pride in the fact only two other people got more votes in this round Cal! We were clearly the most interesting match. Who would people suggest? Irwin to give me a bit of width and a bit more balance: Möller to give a bit of attacking width: Careca to form a more balanced strike partnership: Or possibly just swapping Jonk for Redondo?

10th January 2012, 21:36	#29 (permalink)
antohan First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Montevideo Posts: 5,919	Who are you playing next?

10th January 2012, 21:41	#30 (permalink)
Crustanoid First Team Regular Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 13,594	I'd definitely get Redondo if I was Brwned, and some non-reds might consider Baggio an upgrade on 'you know who'

10th January 2012, 21:56	#31 (permalink)
Gio Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bonnie Scotland Posts: 4,682	Aye Redondo for me as well. Baggio's the standout but there's already four players of his ilk in your team as it is.

10th January 2012, 22:05	#32 (permalink)
antohan First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Montevideo Posts: 5,919	My gut feel was Redondo as well, an infinite improvement on Jonk. He was just unplayable at his peak. Baggio would be a variation on a theme, it is Careca that could improve your attack. No particularly formidable defenders that would be a better addition than Redondo but ultimately it goes down to who you are playing next and what tactics and squad strengthening that may require.

10th January 2012, 22:28	#33 (permalink)
Brwned Poster of the year: 2010 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 33,938	I went with Bergkamp and Cantona against my better judgement based on recommendations last time and it got me through, so I may well do the same here! Redondo's obviously a huge upgrade and probably leaves only Myung-Bo as a player who won't win votes, but still...it leaves me with the same problems as before. Not enough width, not enough balance. I'm up against this man: + Baresi, most likely.

10th January 2012, 23:06	#35 (permalink)
antohan First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Montevideo Posts: 5,919	You are in a lot of trouble then Frankly, his defence will be formidable and no Careca will change that. "Fake width" with the wrong players won't matter one jot either. You will have to rely on the ability of those four you have upfront to carve them up. I would scrap any notion of playing Rijkaard alone. Quite frankly, you need to match that midfield two or you are stuffed. Redondo-Rijkaard is your only hope.

10th January 2012, 23:27	#36 (permalink)
TheReligion First Team Sub Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 9,461	I am not sure on the love in for Angloma and Ronny Johnsen. Des Walker is pretty underrated and was very good in his prime, but these two are not in the same league as Blind, Desailly and Benarrivo in my honest opinion. Going forward Polaroid's outfit is very balanced though, but a side containing Bergkamp, Cantona, Savicevic, Stojkovic is going to cause problems against any defence. Rijkaard helping out and breaking up play also seems to be going unoticed. He was simply fantastic and essentially turns Brwned's defence into a back 5 when needed. Man for man I don't think there is a great deal in it when you see past the names.

10th January 2012, 23:27	#37 (permalink)
Brwned Poster of the year: 2010 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 33,938	Aye, I can't see myself winning that at all. Perfection, really. Probably would've voted for Cal?'s team here if I was a neutral an' all, so the hope lives on. Is this a bit much?

10th January 2012, 23:42	#38 (permalink)
Pat_Mustard Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: I figure I'm gonna have to do 6,000 years before I get accepted into heaven and 6,000 years is nothin' in eternity terms. I can do that standing on my head. It's like a couple of days here. Posts: 4,057	I definitely wouldn't drop Stojkovic. Rijkaard, Redondo and Stojkovic is a superb midfield and is capable of at least being competitive with Polaroid's.

10th January 2012, 23:53	#39 (permalink)
Snow First Team Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: I like turtles Posts: 12,319	Have to work it to your advantage that Laudrup and Hassler are kind of being played out of position.