Retro Fantasy Semi-Final 1 Team Brwned vs Team Polaroid

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Subs:
Mauro Silva
Raí
Ronny Johnsen
Amedeo Carboni

My back four has the perfect complementary blend of footballing intelligence, defensive savviness, athleticism and technique - Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Des Walker and Jocelyn Angloma. The imperious powerhouse duo of Matthäus and Effenberg function as the heartbeat and engine of the team, doing the complete range of tasks typical of box-to-box midfielders, taking turns between them to hold or bomb forward as a midfield runner arriving late in the box. Michael Laudrup and Thomas Haessler are the creative brains of the team with the freedom to roam and work their magic between the lines, essentially given floating roles where their superlative skills, sublime dribbling and visionary passing will supply the devastating front duo of George Weah and Davor Šuker to cut defenses into ribbons. Weah certainly will not have problems fulfilling a multi-faceted role - leading the line, working the channels, coming deep or going wide, fluid to the situations that unfold in the game. Alongside Weah, Suker can play the fox in the box role.

When my team has the ball, Laudrup and Haessler will be floating freely between the lines to string up play and orchestrate the attacking transition into the final third. Maldini and Angloma are the overlapping fullbacks that offer support and additional width. Without the ball, Laudrup and Haessler would be squeezing the space that Redondo likes to operate in. With 4 vs 3 in midfield I have the numerical advantage to double up and win the ball, disrupting the opposition's rhythm in attempting to build from the back and at the same time be in a dangerous area to counter-attack.

Player profiles

Santiago Cañizares
One of the top 3 goalkeepers in the world during the turn of the millenium, Cañizares represented Spain and his clubs, in particular Valencia, with great distinction, leading to acclaim from Peter Schmeichel that he was possibly the best goalkeeper in the world (BBC Sport Academy | Football | Features | Schmeichel's top Euro keepers). A 4-time winner of the Ricardo Zamora trophy for having the best goals-conceded-to-games ratio in Spain, Cañizares has also won La Liga 4 times, the Champions league once (out of 3 finals), the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Supercup, the Copa Del Rey twice and the Spanish Supercup twice. He was also an Olympic champion with Spain in 1992.

Jocelyn Angloma
Quick, strong and defensively astute with first-rate anticipation, Angloma was one of the best right backs in the world throughout the 1990s and was chosen by European sports journalists in their Team of the Year 3 times - no mean feat considering that he was up against the likes of Cafu, Thuram and Javier Zanetti. His early career took off with Marseille with whom he won the Champions League, beating AC Milan in the 1993 final. On the international stage, he had an outstanding tournament at the European Championship in 1992, where he was chosen in the Team of the Tournament, before retiring prematurely in 1996. He ended his club career with Valencia, playing 5 seasons for them and reaching 2 consecutive Champions League finals.

Paolo Maldini
Il Capitano (the Captain), a leader of leaders and Italian Maestro who has perfected the art of defending. Possibly the most complete defender in the history of the game - technically, physically, mentally, he is the definitive finest thoroughbred there ever was, excelling in every footballing aspect from his immaculate technique to his supreme athleticism and telepathic reading of the game. A legend in the truest sense of the word, his glorious exploits with AC Milan (5 Champions League, 7 Serie A titles, 2 Intercontinental Cups) has rightfully earned him an exalted pedestal in the pantheon of footballing greats.

Franco Baresi
The greatest defender of his generation and one of the finest of all time, Franco Baresi was the defensive rock and leader of the AC Milan side which ruled world football two decades ago. His footballing intelligence was a marvel to behold - a prescient reading of the game, unmatched speed of thought and flawless decision-making, meaning that his game went beyond impeccable defensive nous as he was also a master at initiating attacks from the back. His authority in leadership and capability in organisational skills were a force-multiplier, making the defense greater than the sum of its individual parts. One of his finest performances came in the 1994 World Cup final where he shut down the Brazilian attack to the point of asphyxiation. Romário who had the quietest game of his career on the world's biggest stage called it "The most ruthless monitoring of my entire career". Chosen as Player of the Century separately by the Italian Football Federation and AC Milan (who retired his number 6 jersey in his honour), there will not be many like him in the next hundred years.

Des Walker
Circa 1990, Walker was one of the top 3 centrebacks in the world, marrying immaculate tackling prowess to searing pace and a salmon-like leap. Walker played a starring role as defensive lynchpin in England's run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Italia 90, where his consummate man-marking skills snugly kept the world's premier strikers such as Van Basten and Klinsmann quiet in his pocket.

Lothar Matthäus
One of the greatest players the game has ever seen, Matthäus was a complete Tour De Force not unlike the almighty forces of Nature that can both create and destroy, a one-man Panzer army who unfailingly steamrolled all obstacles and launched pulverising attacks that ruthlessly crushed opponents into submission. This description may come as a surprise to football fans who only caught the tail-end of his career but in his prime, Matthäus was the definitive all-round midfielder who excelled at both ends of the pitch, hitting double digits in goals scored for 8 consecutive seasons, including 23 in the 90-91 season. Long-time rival Maradona described him as the best rival he ever had, a fitting testimony to a fearsome winner who captained West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup, scoring 4 goals in the process. Ballon D' Or winner (European Footballer of the Year) in 1990 and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991, at his peak, Matthäus was quite simply the unstoppable Tour De Force.

Stefan Effenberg
A bona fide midfield general who commanded the pitch with Kaiser-esque authority, Effenberg's all-round ability and leadership made him the best box-to-box midfielder of his generation alongside Roy Keane. Bone-crunching tackles, pinpoint long passes, powerful driving runs and thunderbolt goals were regular features of his game. Effenberg has won numerous honours in the game but his crowning glory came in 2001 when he captained Bayern Munich to the Champions League and Intercontinental Cup titles, winning UEFA Club Footballer of the Year along the way.

Thomas Haessler
One of the best free-kick takers and greatest German midfielders of all time, Haessler was an effervescent and irrepressible pocket dynamo whose dazzling dribbles, sparkling creativity and spectacular goals bewitched countless opponents. Haessler enjoyed illustrious success with the German national side, lifting the World Cup and European Championship in 1990 and 1996. He was also the best player of the tournament at the European Championship in 1992, leading Germany to the final with a series of outstanding displays and fabulous goals. That year, he was placed third in the FIFA World Player of Year award. By the time he retired, he was only the 5th German ever to collect over a century of caps for his country.

Michael Laudrup
The ultimate footballing artist of supreme genius, fantasy and inspiration
What fellow professionals said of Michael Laudrup
Roberto Galia: "I have played against Maradona, Platini and Baggio. But the player I saw do the most indescribable things was Michael Laudrup."
Ronald Koeman: "Michael was possibly the most skilful and elegant player I ever played with. Few could dribble like he could. He could sense when a game was ready to be seized and transformed by a moment of individual brilliance."
Raúl González: "The best I have ever played with."
Luis Figo:"I think maybe Laudrup was the best player I ever played against."
Romário: "The best player I have ever played with and the 5th best in the history of the game"
Andres Iniesta:"Who is the best player in history? Laudrup."
Jorge Valdano:"He has eyes everywhere"
Jose Mourinho:"He was phenomenal in Barcelona. He was a fantastic player whom I would love to have on my team today."
Johan Cruyff: "When Michael plays like a dream, a magic illusion, determined to show his new team his extreme abilities, no one in the world comes anywhere near his level."
Franz Beckenbauer: "Pelé was the best in the 60s, Cruyff in the 70s, Maradona in the 80s and Laudrup in the 90s."

Davor Šuker
Flair, finesse, finishing - Šuker was absolutely top-draw and one of the premier strikers in world football during the 90s. From 92-98 his record stood at 38 goals from 44 internationals for Croatia and 114 goals from 211 appearances for Sevilla and Real Madrid. At the European Championship in 1996, he was picked in UEFA's Team of the Tournament. He moved to Real Madrid that summer and subsequently won La Liga, the Spanish Supercup, the Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup with them. He was also the Golden Boot winner at World Cup 98 in France with 6 goals, firing Croatia to 3rd place - their highest ever placing. That year, Suker was placed 2nd in the European Footballer of the Year Award and 3rd in the FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

George Weah
An athletic phenomenon and footballing Rolls Royce with a frightening blend of speed, power, control and skill, Weah was voted African Footballer of the Year, European Footballer of the Year and World Footballer of the Year in 1995. The following year, he was placed second to the Brazilian Ronaldo. Weah started his career in Europe under Arsene Wenger at Monaco before excelling at Paris St-Germain, starring in their run to the Champions League semi-final. He then moved to AC Milan and played an instrumental role in their Serie A triumphs. To this date, Weah's stupendous goal against Verona, where he started his run from inside his own box to score at the opponent's end, remains one of the best, if not the best goal scored in Serie A history.

Substitutes
Mauro Silva
One of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation, Mauro Silva was a Spanish Champion, a South American Champion and a World Champion, being the midfield kingpin of the Deportivo side that won La Liga (and finished runners-up in 4 other seasons) as well as an important member of the Seleção Brasileira, starting every match of Brazil's triumphant World Cup campaign in 94. While general first impressions of him are that of a tough tackler with a bottomless reservoir of stamina, observers of his game also appreciate his smooth footballing technique and flawless distribution. His best assets though are his almost telepathic reading of the game and impeccable positional sense, snuffing out smouldering danger before they have a chance to ignite. Undoubtedly a formidable rock that you could depend on in the midst of a thunderous storm.

Raí
Raí was an exceptionally gifted midfielder who was multi-faceted in his attacking talents and had a prolific goalscoring record at both club and international level. He starred for Sao Paulo, winning 2 Libertadores Cups and 1 Intercontinental Cup, before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and leading them to domestic and European success. He also won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.

Ronny Johnsen
One of the most under-rated players in United's glorious treble success of 1999, Ronny Johnsen was a composed and pacey centreback who was equally comfortable playing in centre midfield with his sound reading of the game, fine positional sense and steady distribution. I particularly enjoyed his performances against the Brazilian Ronaldo in France 1998 and Zidane in Turin 1999.

Amedeo Carboni
A nippy left-back with four lungs, Carboni was an intelligent defender savvy in the Italian art of defending and prolific in overlapping to support the attack. In a storied career spanning 22 years, Carboni captained Roma and represented Italy at the European Championship in 1996 before moving to Valencia, winning multiple trophies including the Cup Winners Cup, UEFA Cup, and La Liga twice.

Originally Posted by Brwned

Here:


Subs:
Bergkamp
Hughes
Jonk
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.

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. 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. Alongside Blanc in 30-something games France never lost a game. A huge part 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.

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. Almost ever-present for the '94 finalists.

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.

Redondo - 3 Champions Leagues and 2 La Ligas in 5 years and a key component of one of the best teams around, bettering his midfield partner's 3 CL's in 6 years. The perfect foil for Rijkaard with his class complementing Rijkaard's graft, both blessed with magnificent intelligence but Redondo's ball manipulation was just a level above and so he'll be initiating most of the team's attacks.

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.

Savicevic – 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.

Cantona - Le Roi. United legend, Premier League legend, inspirational genius. Without that ban he could very well have guided the United side to 5 league titles in a row, an unforgettable player.

Vialli - Lightning acceleration mixed with predatory movement made him tremendously hard to pin down and made him the most expensive player in the world in '92, following his key participation in Sampdoria's most successful spell in history, during which he hit over 20 goals in 3 of his last 4 seasons there.

Subs

Bergkamp - Arsenal legend, Premier League legend, technical maestro. 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.

Hughes – A big game player and a nightmare for any defender, Sparky needs no description on a United forum. Undisputed legend and one of the heroes of the side in the 80s and early 90s. Can add a bit of pure brute force to the team and gives it a terrific target-man.

Jonk – Always there to just keep things ticking along with his smart passing game and tireless running. 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.

Basler – Always helps to have a set-piece expert in your side and he unquestionably was one. Not blessed with the greatest physical gifts but a wonderful technician who could strike the ball beautifully.In his time at Bremen he scored 36 goals in 92 Bundesliga appearances and won top scorer in ’95 which is a tremendous record for a wide player, and a welcome source of goals on the bench.

Originally Posted by Brwned

Dropping Cantona's a huge gamble but there you go, it's done. Bergkamp was better.

Originally Posted by Cling Bak

I totally disagree.

Originally Posted by antohan

Bergkamp was more versatile, which is what he needs in this game.

Originally Posted by Brwned

You're trying to sabotage me Cling Bak, I see how it is!

Originally Posted by Cling Bak

In what way? Cantona could play as a link up striker, a finisher or play in midfield.

Originally Posted by Cling Bak

Certainly Cantona had the more pace and his 'character' doesn't come into it, it's not a factor.

Originally Posted by Gio

Polaroid's got a better selection of top names, but Brwned's midfield trio would probably win the battle in the centre of the park.

Originally Posted by Cling Bak

I totally disagree.

Originally Posted by antohan

That's the difficult one here. It is clear Polaroid wouldn't improve much from the spoils while Brwned would have a hard time choosing. That would point towards one team being better, the defence is no doubt at a different level.

But, Team Brwned would have more possession and players who know what to do with it.

That's where I think it would go down to a mistake/who scores first and how the manager reacts to a setback.

Originally Posted by Gio

Polaroid's got a better selection of top names, but Brwned's midfield trio would probably win the battle in the centre of the park.

Originally Posted by Snow

I know what he means. Hassler and Laudrup don't count as much as they are both roamers and out of their natural position and therefor would do less help in defence.

Originally Posted by Snow

Disagree. Baresi was such and obvious option. Had it been the same for Brwned he'd had picked him as well.

Originally Posted by Snow

They don't contribute less. You've got the most votes haven't you.

There's a massive difference between having one player in that position and having two playing like that. I for one did not remember Laudrup in that position for Denmark. He was bang in the middle controlling the game from there.

It's kind of a 90's Brazilian national team formation you have. But they had R. Carlos and Cafu to make up for lack of width in midfield. But because of your manpower that hasn't mattered as of yet.

Originally Posted by Polaroid

A trio of Redondo-Rijkaard-Stojkovic would probably win the midfield battle against the quartet of Matthäus-Effenberg-Haessler-Michael Laudrup?
Gio really wants me out

Originally Posted by Polaroid

A trio of Redondo-Rijkaard-Stojkovic would probably win the midfield battle against the quartet of Matthäus-Effenberg-Haessler-Michael Laudrup?
Gio really wants me out

Originally Posted by antohan

You must be joking, it was a big part of him getting all the accolades you mention.

Much like Roy Keane, take away the character and you take away his edge, what makes him "different".

Originally Posted by antohan

Laudrup and Haessler count as much as Savicevic and Bergkamp in that sense.

The point is that trio would work very well and is a good platform for the front three. You have a bunch of REALLY good players thrown in there but it is not immediately obvious how they would work as a team.

Originally Posted by Brwned

I don't really see any problem with Polaroid's attacking midfielders, they're both clearly capable of utilising their ball-carrying ability on the outside but will predominantly float about in the middle allowing Maldini and Angloma to provide that width and attacking thrust which again they're both clearly capable of. The only possible issue I see with the midfield is that either way this would force Matthaus and/or Effenberg to sit back in a way that would be more suited to someone like Rijkaard if the fullbacks are pushing forward and the players in front are providing little protection. Could be worthwhile swapping Haessler for Rijkaard to allow the two other midfielders that bit more freedom to do what they do best, and Laudrup would be at home as the '1' in the 4312.

Originally Posted by Polaroid

You read my mind about Rijkaard - he is the one i have in mind, the one i would probably recruit if I do go through, a big IF

Originally Posted by Zen

Im changing my vote, Polaroid is putting far too much pressure on his team and thus they are starting to buckle under it and making mistakes, as Cantona comes on and spices things up with an instant goal...

12-6 now, the comebacks on, how is Polaroid gonna respond

Originally Posted by Team Brian GB

I'd take Desailly.

Originally Posted by Polaroid

So if they do not contribute less, why would a trio of Redondo-Rijkaard-Stojkovic win the midfield battle against Matthäus-Effenberg-Haessler-Michael Laudrup? That was Gio's point and you said you know what he meant.

I have two in those roles unlike Bwned who has only one because he has chosen to play Savicevic on the right, plausibly to help Myung Bo out against Maldini.

Honest question - when did you start watching Laudrup? because he was at his best operating in an attacking midfield role rather than right in the middle, where his penetrative dribbling wrecked havoc and his visionary passes often supplied the final ball.

Originally Posted by kps88

Not sure what sort of formation either team is going for. Is Savicevic playing on the right with no one on the left?