TEAM JOGA BONITO
TEAM SKIZZO/PAT_MUSTARD
40s Draft R1 : Joga Bonito 8-8 Skizzo/Pat_Mustard | Joga wins on penalties!
- Thread starter Moby
- Start date
TEAM JOGA BONITO
TEAM SKIZZO/PAT_MUSTARD
Team Joga Bonito
Be sure to check these profiles out
In depth Günter Netzer profile with video
Detailed Denis Law write-up
Overview: The team will line up in a 4-3-3 which is mainly predicated on qualities such as fluidity, interchangeability and incisiveness. It'a side that's is built around the majestic yet incendiary Netzer who will thrive in this free-flowing side, and Law who'd in tandem with Netzer, look to both generate and capitalise on the ensuing terror. As Weisweiler once wisely said "Our great advantage over all other sides is that our players are constantly moving. When Netzer is on the ball, he can choose from four or five players to pass to" and that is what this team will look to recreate.
DEFENSE
Thrice Bundesliga Goalkeeper of the Year, Schalke's legend, Norbert Nigbur stands guard between the sticks. He was a phenomenal shot stopper, allegedly saving 23 of the 71 penalties that he faced and he also held the record for the consecutive clean sheets for over 10 years in the Bundesliga.
Klaus-Dieter Sieloff was an excellent libero, who had a nice range of passing and often foraged forward powerfully when in possession. He was widely regarded as being amongst the best defenders in the Bundesliga during the early 70s, alongside Beckenbauer, Vogts & Fichtel, and is credited for being critical to the transformation of Gladbach - from an extremely porous side to a league winning side that boasted the best defensive record in the Bundesliga. The Greatest Ever Ranger, John Greig provides both steel and class in equal measure. The Scotsman was the bedrock around which the Scottish and Rangers defense were built around and he was an expansive footballer who was capable of playing as a FB and as a CM when needed.
Leeds legend Paul Reaney was a top notch full back who was very well capable of keeping George Best quiet. Speedy Reaney was also a great attacking outlet capable of going on productive overlapping runs forward. Jupp Kapellmann was a versatile player who could play as a winger, midfielder or as a full back. Whilst this one time Bundesliga transfer record signing was an extremely attacking presence, he could also hold his own against attackers and was at times asked to man mark the oppositions star players - Graboswki for eg.
MIDFIELD
Herbert 'Hacki' Wimmer is mainly known for being Netzer's water-carrier and an excellent defensive presence but he was much more than just that. He was a complete midfielder who had great pace, intelligent movement (absolutely critical to the system) whilst being an excellent passer and a great dribbler - his nickname Hacki arose from his dribbling ability. In fact he took over the mantle of being the creative influence when Netzer left for Real and led Gladbach to 3 Bundesliga titles, an European Cup final and an UEFA Cup. Günter Netzer is the orchestrator of the side, whom the team is built around. With the movement, pace and technique on offer here, Netzer would thrive being the hub of this team and will look to create chances for the forwards with his sensuous passing, whilst rampaging forward whenever he spots an opening.
The effervescent and ubiquitous Alan Ball was a real livewire on the ball, capable of leaving one Schnellinger on his arse repeatedly, whilst being a real terrier off it and could cover every single blade of the grass. It was Ball who stepped up to the plate when Charlton was having an off day against ze Germans in the 1966 WC final, winning the MOTM and put in a virtuoso midfield performance. Ball would primarily function as the direct bridge between midfield and attack here.
OFFENSE
Robert Gadocha was an immense creative force whose pin-point crossing could create havoc in even the most organised defenses. With Netzer providing a steady stream of quality passes, Gadocha will have plenty of opportunities to exhibit his flawless crossing. In fact, of the 16 goals that Poland scored in the 1974 WC finals, 5 were directly assisted by Gadocha (the most assists in the tournament with Cruyff coming second with 3 assists) and two more were from crosses by Gadocha, which were headed down by Szarmach to Lato. It's no wonder that these two forwards ended up with the Golden Boot & Silver Boot with Gadocha in the team.
The ravenous and spirited Denis Law was a total footballing craftsman who loved getting in the thick of things and of course, putting them in the net by the dozens. He'd have all the freedom in the final third and would gobble up the quality wing-play from Gadocha, whilst constantly interlinking with the inside forward Byshovets. The "Russian George Best" Anatoliy Byshovets was a cracking player who thrived playing for Maslov's free flowing and revolutionary Kiev side, thrice finishing as their top scorer, and in the late 60s Soviet vintage. He left an indelible mark on the 1970 WC where he went on an one-man campaign, scoring 4 goals (and assisting another) out of the 6 goals that USSR scored, as he dragged the Soviet Union to the quarter finals almost single-handedly, where they just succumbed to an Uruguayan side due to a 117th minute goal in extra time
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Specific Tactics/Instructions
Defense
When in possession Sieloff would look to go forward in a supporting manner, providing an additional option on the ball for Netzer and occasionally surge forward. Both Reaney and Greig would play defensive games here with Greig's astute distribution from the back particularly an useful tool in assisting both Sieloff and Netzer. Kapellmann would also look to play an attacking game here, ably supporting Gadocha whilst keeping an eye on Rexach.
Midfield
Wimmer would primarily be the defensive presence off the ball in midfield and besides keeping track of Flohe's forays forward, he will also keep a keen eye on Cruyff whenever he drop deeper. On the ball he would look to offer the lateral movement which he did so brilliantly for Germany 1972 & Gladbach, and occasionally carry the ball forward when an opening presents itself. When in possession, Ball would look to tailor his movements as per Byshovets's motion. Ball was capable of moving out to the right flank to stretch play and provide quality service, or make a central run into the box to great effect (scoring 67 goals in 156 league games during 1965-69). Ball was more than a capable of putting a shift in off the ball and would look to actively contribute to the defensive side of the game. Netzer would quite simply be dictating and dispatching as he sees fit whilst manufacturing and galvanising the resultant chaos.
Offense
Gadocha would be the fixed point in the offense, looking to stretch play, provide a great out-ball for Netzer and also deliver quality service for Law-Byshovets. Law is not playing as a traditional centre forward and functioning as a mere focal point up top, but rather as a roaming and mobile goalscoring forward. Be it probing across the entire forward line, attacking Netzer's & Gadocha's gloriously flighted balls, linking up with Byshovets or dropping deeper to receive Netzer's sublime in between the line passing, Law would flourish playing in such a fluid set-up and in such a dynamic role. Inside forward Byshovets would once again look to link up with Law and keep an eye out for Ball's surges forward or forays outwards. His goalscoring nous, in combination with his sheer pace and dribbling skills would stand him in good stead, in what proves to be an extremely fluid front trio.
Other Points
Ultimately it's a battle of two exciting sides with open, attacking philosophies and there really isn't much in it. It could honestly go either way and there really isn't much I could criticise about Skizzo/Pat's team - it is a well-constructed side so kudos to them.
Good luck Skizzo & Pat.
Defense
When in possession Sieloff would look to go forward in a supporting manner, providing an additional option on the ball for Netzer and occasionally surge forward. Both Reaney and Greig would play defensive games here with Greig's astute distribution from the back particularly an useful tool in assisting both Sieloff and Netzer. Kapellmann would also look to play an attacking game here, ably supporting Gadocha whilst keeping an eye on Rexach.
Midfield
Wimmer would primarily be the defensive presence off the ball in midfield and besides keeping track of Flohe's forays forward, he will also keep a keen eye on Cruyff whenever he drop deeper. On the ball he would look to offer the lateral movement which he did so brilliantly for Germany 1972 & Gladbach, and occasionally carry the ball forward when an opening presents itself. When in possession, Ball would look to tailor his movements as per Byshovets's motion. Ball was capable of moving out to the right flank to stretch play and provide quality service, or make a central run into the box to great effect (scoring 67 goals in 156 league games during 1965-69). Ball was more than a capable of putting a shift in off the ball and would look to actively contribute to the defensive side of the game. Netzer would quite simply be dictating and dispatching as he sees fit whilst manufacturing and galvanising the resultant chaos.
Offense
Gadocha would be the fixed point in the offense, looking to stretch play, provide a great out-ball for Netzer and also deliver quality service for Law-Byshovets. Law is not playing as a traditional centre forward and functioning as a mere focal point up top, but rather as a roaming and mobile goalscoring forward. Be it probing across the entire forward line, attacking Netzer's & Gadocha's gloriously flighted balls, linking up with Byshovets or dropping deeper to receive Netzer's sublime in between the line passing, Law would flourish playing in such a fluid set-up and in such a dynamic role. Inside forward Byshovets would once again look to link up with Law and keep an eye out for Ball's surges forward or forays outwards. His goalscoring nous, in combination with his sheer pace and dribbling skills would stand him in good stead, in what proves to be an extremely fluid front trio.
Other Points
1) Every single outfield player is proficient with the ball.
Even the more tactically reserved players such as Greig, Wimmer and Reaney could play great attacking football and were exceptionally good footballers. This naturally aids the team immensely as it can easily enforce the direct and attacking play with every single player being comfortable on the ball, in addition to being good passers and possessing good movement.
This assertion might sound like an exaggeration but Greig was a centre-back who was capable of playing as a buccaneering wing-back (just ask poor Italy in 1965) and his 120 goals in 755 appearances for Rangers are testament to his quality on the ball. Likewise, as I've touched above in the write-up, Wimmer was renowned for his all-round play and Speedy Reaney for his marauding runs down the right flank.
2) Plenty of vertical movement and lateral movement in equal measure
"The greater the flux of momentum, the greater the zenith of Netzer". von Karajan is flanked by two energiser bunnies, a marauding left wing-back, a driving libero, a dynamic right sided forward and finally, the sparkling centre-forward. That's more than enough movement for Netzer to revel in. Essentially, only the likes of Gadocha, Greig and Reaney are the relatively more static presences in the team, although they were pretty excellent all-rounders themselves, so as to hold structural integrity a wee bit.
Even the more tactically reserved players such as Greig, Wimmer and Reaney could play great attacking football and were exceptionally good footballers. This naturally aids the team immensely as it can easily enforce the direct and attacking play with every single player being comfortable on the ball, in addition to being good passers and possessing good movement.
This assertion might sound like an exaggeration but Greig was a centre-back who was capable of playing as a buccaneering wing-back (just ask poor Italy in 1965) and his 120 goals in 755 appearances for Rangers are testament to his quality on the ball. Likewise, as I've touched above in the write-up, Wimmer was renowned for his all-round play and Speedy Reaney for his marauding runs down the right flank.
2) Plenty of vertical movement and lateral movement in equal measure
"The greater the flux of momentum, the greater the zenith of Netzer". von Karajan is flanked by two energiser bunnies, a marauding left wing-back, a driving libero, a dynamic right sided forward and finally, the sparkling centre-forward. That's more than enough movement for Netzer to revel in. Essentially, only the likes of Gadocha, Greig and Reaney are the relatively more static presences in the team, although they were pretty excellent all-rounders themselves, so as to hold structural integrity a wee bit.
Ultimately it's a battle of two exciting sides with open, attacking philosophies and there really isn't much in it. It could honestly go either way and there really isn't much I could criticise about Skizzo/Pat's team - it is a well-constructed side so kudos to them.
Good luck Skizzo & Pat.
Team Skizzo/Pat_Mustard
Formation: 4-3-3
A total football homage based around the legendary Johan Cruyff. It’s not the finished article yet, but we’ve established the principle elements required to pull off this style of play:
1) A set of defenders with the speed, tactical intelligence and technical quality to maintain a high defensive line. Morten Olsen produced the best football of an illustrious career in his early thirties after converting to the libero role, and the athletic ball winner Morini provides the ideal foil, having enjoyed an immensely successful spell for Juventus alongside one of the great attacking liberos in Gaetano Scirea.
2) Defenders who can contribute to the attack: We field a pair of quick, buccaneering full backs in Jardine and Gemmell. Gemmell was a right-footed left back, rugged defensively and adventurous going forward with a vicious long-range shot, who scored in two European Cup finals for Celtic. Jardine is one of Scotland’s best ever right backs, very quick and energetic, and a good dribbler too. Olsen in full flow was a sight to behold, allying excellent passing with an amazing ability to surge forward from defence. Here he is at the ripe old age of 36 winning a penalty against West Germany in the 1986 World Cup:
3) Outstanding passers in midfield: In Murdoch, Acimovic and Flohe, we’ve assembled a midfield trio with a superb passing game. ‘The driving heart of the Lisbon Lions’, Murdoch is an old favourite of ours and one of the great leaders and box to box players in British footballing history. A powerful ball winner and metronomic passer, he’ll lead the midfield. We’ll stop just short of Balu’s suggestion regarding Flohe in the main thread:
But we will note that he was an exceptionally inventive, nimble creator, who established himself as probably West Germany’s most creative player in the mid to late ‘70s after the decline of Overath and Netzer. The least well-known of our midfielders, Acimovic was astute off the ball and an outstanding passer on it. We’ll go into much more detail about our midfielders during the match, but here’s a taster of Acimovic’s ability as he stars in a 6-1 evisceration of Bayern Munich:
Note the assists at 1:22, 3:22 and 3:58 (the last after pressing high up the pitch to win back possession), and the goal at 2:40.
4) An attack designed to get the best out of Johan Cruyff: Cruyff is given complete freedom to orchestrate our attacking game from his nominal position at centre forward. We field arguably the best proven partnership in the draft, reuniting Cruyff with the superb left-sided attacker Piet Keizer. On the right side of our attack is Cruyff disciple Carles Rexach, a technically excellent goalscoring winger who forged a great understanding with Cruyff. Here he is scoring a hat trick against Feyenoord in the European Cup, with Cruyff assisting all three goals:
Joga has drafted excellently as usual, and in Law and Netzer he’s put together a formidable central attacking pairing. That said, we feel we have the match’s best player in Cruyff, and the best partnership in Cruyff and Keizer. Tactically, playing a high line defence is even riskier in draft matches than in real life, but the upsides in pulling it off are considerable. Firstly, we’re staying true to our theme. Secondly, we’re confident that our defenders have the recovery pace to keep up with Joga’s attackers. Finally, and most importantly, we’re confident that the high line, combined with the outstanding passing ability throughout our team, will allow us to exercise a decisive level of control over the match. Combined with the match-winning brilliance of our attackers, this should win the game for us.
Cheers Aldo, and good luck Joga!
You too mate.
Got nothing much to add right now and have addressed it all in the OP, will wait for comments/feed back from voters.
It is. His record in the Bundesliga is 16 of 57 penalties saved. He had some memorable penalty killing performances in shoot-outs though.
Apologies on that, took that from pes forums which obviously was a mistake in hindsight.
Just did some digging and he saved 23 and let in 48.
http://rwww.transfermarkt.com/norbert-nigbur/elfmeterstatistik/spieler/95053
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transfermarkt has it 21 out of 61 though.
http://rwww.transfermarkt.com/norbe...er/95053/plus/?saison_id=ges&wettbewerb_id=L1
Just did some digging and he saved 23 and let in 48.
http://rwww.transfermarkt.com/norbert-nigbur/elfmeterstatistik/spieler/95053
Could you edit that into the OP @Aldo . Cheers.
http://rwww.transfermarkt.com/norbert-nigbur/elfmeterstatistik/spieler/95053
Could you edit that into the OP @Aldo . Cheers.
Interesting. transfermarkt could be correct, they've done a lot of research with these things. Either way, he had a great record, but not as great as you wrote initially
. That would have been insane.AyeInteresting. transfermarkt could be correct, they've done a lot of research with these things. Either way, he had a great record, but not as great as you wrote initially
He looks to be a busy, technically excellent all-rounder who can pass the ball well off either foot. The video in the OP gives a nice indication of his passing ability, and here's a nifty piece of dribbling to evade Bonhof and someone else against Germany in WC 74:
Off the ball, he's not a monster tackler or an athletic phenom, but he works hard, tracks back well and has excellent alertness and anticipation and a consequent knack for interceptions, including high up the pitch which is important to our style of play. Here he is capitalising on sloppy work from Overath in that same match:
and against Beckenbauer's Bayern in that 6-1 drubbing in the Bundesliga. He lays on the assist here:
Another tough game, looking forward to the discussions
Done.
Was it Acimovic who got called up to the national team in 1968 in the middle of the tournament? Or was it the other guy? I can't remember and don't remember what to google.
Just quickly double checked, and I could only find Acimovic appearing against Italy, and not in any previous matches. Would lead me to believe he was a later inclusion, but not 110% certain
There was a video with Yugoslavian players, Dzajic, Acimovic and a few others talking about that Euro, I think I got it from there. Din't remember what they said or how to find the video but Acimovic (or some other player) was pretty important in their tournament iirc, while arriving late.
Any feedback, comments on the teams?
Meanwhile here is more info about Sieloff, which I posted in the main thread, with some additional gifs of his powerful forays forward to better illustrate his playing style.
Klaus-Dieter Sieloff
The old cliche, attack wins games but defense wins championships, couldn't hold truer for the glorious Gladbach side of the late 60s and 70s. With Netzer at the helm, there was absolutely no shortage of goals and free-flowing football, however, the Foals were a notoriously 'leaky' side, without the fortitude and defensive solidity requisite to mount a successful title challenge.
For instance they scored 70 goals in the 1966/67 season (highest alongside Dortmund), 77 goals in 67/68 (highest) and 61 goals in 68/69 (highest alongside Bayern) yet finished 8th, 3rd and 3rd respectively in the league, due to the sheer volume of goals that they tended to concede - 49 goals in 66/67, 45 goals in 67/68 and 46 goals in 68/69. Meanwhile, the championship winning sides conceded 27, 37 and 31 goals respectively, during the very same period.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach manager Weisweiler must have been tearing his hair out in pursuit of a viable solution, and a championship for that matter, for this Netzer-led Gladbach side had all the fire power and quality needed to conquer the bloody Bundesliga. And he eventually found the perfect remedy for their defensive maladies. Step up - Klaus-Dieter Sieloff.
With a rock-solid centre-back finally reinforcing the backline, Gladbach's evolution into a title-winning team was now complete. From a porous side which was leaking goals left, right and centre, Gladbach now sported the most miserly defense in the Bundesliga, conceding the least goals in the Bundesliga for the next two title-winning campaigns. A Sieloff marshalled Gladbach defense, conceded a paltry 29 goals in the 69/70 campaign and 35 in the 70/71 campaign on its way to consecutive Bundesligas - in the process, becoming the first ever German side to successfully defend the Bundesliga.
Sieloff received rave reviews for his pivotal role in the transformation of the porous Gladbach defense into a concrete fortress. He was now rated amongst the elite tier of defenders present in the Bundesliga - kicker rated him as the 3rd best defender in 69/70 (behind Beckenbauer and Vogts), 4th in 70/71 (behind Beckenbauer, Vogts and Fichtel) and 3rd in 70/71 (behind Beckenbauer and Fichtel). This in addition to being rated as the best player in Bundesliga by kicker in 1964/65 during his stint at Stuttgart.
Although he didn't get the ample opportunity to exhibit his sizeable talents on the international stage - due to being in direct competition with the likes of Schulz, Schnellinger and Beckenbauer - his iron-willed displays in the Bundesliga and his foremost role in the Foals title charges, means Sieloff's legacy couldn't be more secure.
Sieloff was a tremendous libero capable of barnstorming runs forward in a supporting manner to Netzer and his runs were pivotal to contributing to the overall fluidity and movement of the Gladbach side. He had a ferocious shot on him and was a decent passer overall but his ability to intercept passes and burst forward translated to a dangerous counter-attacking threat or quick transitions forward. An ex boxer himself, Sieloff, had great synergy with Netzer and in addition to being rock solid defensively, his talents on the ball were well in line with Gladbach's expansive game play.
Meanwhile here is more info about Sieloff, which I posted in the main thread, with some additional gifs of his powerful forays forward to better illustrate his playing style.
Klaus-Dieter Sieloff
The old cliche, attack wins games but defense wins championships, couldn't hold truer for the glorious Gladbach side of the late 60s and 70s. With Netzer at the helm, there was absolutely no shortage of goals and free-flowing football, however, the Foals were a notoriously 'leaky' side, without the fortitude and defensive solidity requisite to mount a successful title challenge.
For instance they scored 70 goals in the 1966/67 season (highest alongside Dortmund), 77 goals in 67/68 (highest) and 61 goals in 68/69 (highest alongside Bayern) yet finished 8th, 3rd and 3rd respectively in the league, due to the sheer volume of goals that they tended to concede - 49 goals in 66/67, 45 goals in 67/68 and 46 goals in 68/69. Meanwhile, the championship winning sides conceded 27, 37 and 31 goals respectively, during the very same period.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach manager Weisweiler must have been tearing his hair out in pursuit of a viable solution, and a championship for that matter, for this Netzer-led Gladbach side had all the fire power and quality needed to conquer the bloody Bundesliga. And he eventually found the perfect remedy for their defensive maladies. Step up - Klaus-Dieter Sieloff.
With a rock-solid centre-back finally reinforcing the backline, Gladbach's evolution into a title-winning team was now complete. From a porous side which was leaking goals left, right and centre, Gladbach now sported the most miserly defense in the Bundesliga, conceding the least goals in the Bundesliga for the next two title-winning campaigns. A Sieloff marshalled Gladbach defense, conceded a paltry 29 goals in the 69/70 campaign and 35 in the 70/71 campaign on its way to consecutive Bundesligas - in the process, becoming the first ever German side to successfully defend the Bundesliga.
Sieloff received rave reviews for his pivotal role in the transformation of the porous Gladbach defense into a concrete fortress. He was now rated amongst the elite tier of defenders present in the Bundesliga - kicker rated him as the 3rd best defender in 69/70 (behind Beckenbauer and Vogts), 4th in 70/71 (behind Beckenbauer, Vogts and Fichtel) and 3rd in 70/71 (behind Beckenbauer and Fichtel). This in addition to being rated as the best player in Bundesliga by kicker in 1964/65 during his stint at Stuttgart.
Although he didn't get the ample opportunity to exhibit his sizeable talents on the international stage - due to being in direct competition with the likes of Schulz, Schnellinger and Beckenbauer - his iron-willed displays in the Bundesliga and his foremost role in the Foals title charges, means Sieloff's legacy couldn't be more secure.
Sieloff was a tremendous libero capable of barnstorming runs forward in a supporting manner to Netzer and his runs were pivotal to contributing to the overall fluidity and movement of the Gladbach side. He had a ferocious shot on him and was a decent passer overall but his ability to intercept passes and burst forward translated to a dangerous counter-attacking threat or quick transitions forward. An ex boxer himself, Sieloff, had great synergy with Netzer and in addition to being rock solid defensively, his talents on the ball were well in line with Gladbach's expansive game play.
Belgian Football Writer Rene Marien for kicker said:
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Not sure if Flohe is the best fit for Cruyff here.
Why's that?
We feel he'll fill in there nicely. We wanted a presence who could also work through those channels and provide some class while cruyff roams as he does best. If he finds himself out wide left, where he loved to be, we still have Flohe around centrally to offer his playmaking abilities to pick out the front three. If Cruyff drops deeper into midfield to create and link up, Flohe is a decent goal threat to occupy some space ahead. Obviously not turning in to a Drogba type bully in the box, but we feel he's talented enough to work alongside the fluid attack ahead.
Granted in the first round, no team is ideal, but we don't see him there as a liability or mismatch. Plus we have fantastic proven partnerships ahead of him that will benefit from his added playmaking abilities.
I don't know, I just feel that 4-3-3 with the false 9 isn't a good fit for a №10, which, by my understanding, Flohe is (maybe he isn't? I don't know much about him).
We'll get some more info up on him in a bit, but I wouldn't classify him as a no. 10...at least not in the vein of someone who would play in the hole behind a striker. More like someone who would be an attacking central midfielder, linking play and driving forward from a bit deeper.
Guess I'll try to get a bit of discussion going on.
As far as the teams, similar set up with a talented roaming cf, a sweeper from the back, and a hard working midfield with a talented playmaker at the tip. Could make it a hard decision, so here's a few points to recap and discuss, that could make the difference.
Firstly, Cruyff is the best player on the field, and that's no slight on Law and Netzer who are both fantastic players, but I think even @Joga Bonito would agree. We have him in his best position, and with players he has proven partnerships and understanding with. Keizer and Cruyff are part of one of the best attacking trios in history (a point my opponent would agree, and has mentioned himself before) and Rexach and Cruyff linked up incredibly well at Barcelona (see the clip from the OP). That level of understanding of players who worked together and had high levels of success can make a difference in a tight game like this.
Secondly, Jardine and Gemmell. Two full backs who could storm up and down the flanks to support the attack, cover on defense, and cut inside and chip in with a few goals. They would be a key part of our attacking system, helping to overload when applicable.
Lastly, let's not forget Morten Olsen. Mentioned in the OP already, but good enough to mention again. His quality on the ball at the back would be crucial to our team maintaining possession and moving the ball around. Capable of moving forward with the ball himself (see clip in OP) and driving into the oppositions half. With the movement ahead of him with our midfield and front three, having him as an option to carry the ball forward gives is another option to overload the defense at times.
I've tried to highlight areas where I feel we Hold an advantage that could tip the game in our favour. With the threat of Cruyff already enough to trouble most defenses, having added threats from actual teammates from the same successful system, top class fullbacks, and a classy Libero who has been listed as the best since Beckenbauer...I feel we have enough variety and options to break down the defense and win the game.
Will have more on our midfield unit in a while.
As far as the teams, similar set up with a talented roaming cf, a sweeper from the back, and a hard working midfield with a talented playmaker at the tip. Could make it a hard decision, so here's a few points to recap and discuss, that could make the difference.
Firstly, Cruyff is the best player on the field, and that's no slight on Law and Netzer who are both fantastic players, but I think even @Joga Bonito would agree. We have him in his best position, and with players he has proven partnerships and understanding with. Keizer and Cruyff are part of one of the best attacking trios in history (a point my opponent would agree, and has mentioned himself before) and Rexach and Cruyff linked up incredibly well at Barcelona (see the clip from the OP). That level of understanding of players who worked together and had high levels of success can make a difference in a tight game like this.
Secondly, Jardine and Gemmell. Two full backs who could storm up and down the flanks to support the attack, cover on defense, and cut inside and chip in with a few goals. They would be a key part of our attacking system, helping to overload when applicable.
Lastly, let's not forget Morten Olsen. Mentioned in the OP already, but good enough to mention again. His quality on the ball at the back would be crucial to our team maintaining possession and moving the ball around. Capable of moving forward with the ball himself (see clip in OP) and driving into the oppositions half. With the movement ahead of him with our midfield and front three, having him as an option to carry the ball forward gives is another option to overload the defense at times.
I've tried to highlight areas where I feel we Hold an advantage that could tip the game in our favour. With the threat of Cruyff already enough to trouble most defenses, having added threats from actual teammates from the same successful system, top class fullbacks, and a classy Libero who has been listed as the best since Beckenbauer...I feel we have enough variety and options to break down the defense and win the game.
Will have more on our midfield unit in a while.
Changed your mind and voted already?
Both teams are very well put together.. great write up Joga.
Yeah, but I can easily change my vote.Changed your mind and voted already?
A recap of one of our old Favourites. ( or should that be Auld? ...Never mind)
Bobby Murdoch
His passing and movement would be a crucial part of the way our team sets up, attacks, and maintains possession.
Bobby Murdoch
His passing was said to be so perfect that one of his colleagues remarked with no real exaggeration that "he could land the ball on a thrupenny bit". Jim Craig highlighted the importance of Murdoch's playing ethos in that no matter how hard a time he was having in a match, he'd always be there for a pass or to help out. He was more than just a player in the Lisbon Lions.
Must add that when you first see him, it's hard to believe that he could be so skilful. He had a large frame and compared to modern footballers would seem unfit. However, he was anything but and the big teddy bear appearance just endeared him more to the fans. One story is said that Stein sent him to a health farm to lose weight only to come back heavier than before. The experiment was never repeated.
Most importantly, Murdoch played a vital part in the Lisbon Lions team who won the European Cup in 1967, and it was from Murdoch's shot that Stevie Chalmers deflected in the winner. Despite an ankle knock, he had been inspirational in that game. It may have been Chalmers' goal on paper, but likely Murdoch and the boys privately knew who was the real scorer behind it.
During his time at Celtic, he went on to win eight Scottish League titles, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups, as well as the European Cup medal, a magnificent haul for any man. He also played in the 1970 European Cup Final, when Celtic lost 2-1 to Feyenoord, where they were outplayed by the magnificent Dutch. Nevertheless, he never let this get him down and he plugged away.
He was voted Scottish Player of the Year in 1969 and was a key player in the success throughout the 1960's and early 1970's for Celtic FC. Jock Stein once said that Bobby Murdoch was the best player he ever managed, and remarked to esteemed journalist Hugh McIlvaney that Murdoch was the most comprehensively gifted player in the side (an amazing compliment when you take in that this side included Jimmy Johnstone). Jim Craig's quote "When Murdoch plays,Celtic play!" is an indication of how important Bobby was to the team.
The Lisbon Lions players themselves (including Jimmy Johnstone who was voted "The Greatest Ever Celtic Player") generally held the opinion that Bobby Murdoch was the best footballer of the Lisbon Lions. Despite the incredible skill, he wasn't afraid to stick up for himself either or for his team-mates if need be. His size gave him a visual advantage before he'd even approached the opposition player, with the legendary Man Utd manager Alex Ferguson being one man to feel the rage of "Chopper" in a legendary picture. It was to be Alex Ferguson's last match for Rangers, possibly scared off after this moment
Must add that when you first see him, it's hard to believe that he could be so skilful. He had a large frame and compared to modern footballers would seem unfit. However, he was anything but and the big teddy bear appearance just endeared him more to the fans. One story is said that Stein sent him to a health farm to lose weight only to come back heavier than before. The experiment was never repeated.
Most importantly, Murdoch played a vital part in the Lisbon Lions team who won the European Cup in 1967, and it was from Murdoch's shot that Stevie Chalmers deflected in the winner. Despite an ankle knock, he had been inspirational in that game. It may have been Chalmers' goal on paper, but likely Murdoch and the boys privately knew who was the real scorer behind it.
During his time at Celtic, he went on to win eight Scottish League titles, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups, as well as the European Cup medal, a magnificent haul for any man. He also played in the 1970 European Cup Final, when Celtic lost 2-1 to Feyenoord, where they were outplayed by the magnificent Dutch. Nevertheless, he never let this get him down and he plugged away.
He was voted Scottish Player of the Year in 1969 and was a key player in the success throughout the 1960's and early 1970's for Celtic FC. Jock Stein once said that Bobby Murdoch was the best player he ever managed, and remarked to esteemed journalist Hugh McIlvaney that Murdoch was the most comprehensively gifted player in the side (an amazing compliment when you take in that this side included Jimmy Johnstone). Jim Craig's quote "When Murdoch plays,Celtic play!" is an indication of how important Bobby was to the team.
The Lisbon Lions players themselves (including Jimmy Johnstone who was voted "The Greatest Ever Celtic Player") generally held the opinion that Bobby Murdoch was the best footballer of the Lisbon Lions. Despite the incredible skill, he wasn't afraid to stick up for himself either or for his team-mates if need be. His size gave him a visual advantage before he'd even approached the opposition player, with the legendary Man Utd manager Alex Ferguson being one man to feel the rage of "Chopper" in a legendary picture. It was to be Alex Ferguson's last match for Rangers, possibly scared off after this moment
His passing and movement would be a crucial part of the way our team sets up, attacks, and maintains possession.
Aye those are most certainly fair points and I'm not going to contest them at all.
However, just like you have certain advantages going in your favour, I have quite a few going in mine too. Firstly the midfield of Wimmer-Netzer-Ball strikes great balance, in terms of graft, technique, vision and a fine goalscoring threat - Ball scored 67 goals in 156 games in a 3 year period and Netzer despite being the orchestrator, had phenomenal end product, constantly averaging double figures in both goal and assist departments, finishing with 17 goals and 17 assists in 28 games in 1971/72.
http://www.fussballdaten.de/spieler/netzerguenter/1976/
Rank/Name/Country/Age/Games/Assists
1 Andreas Möller Deutschland 47 428 107
2 Gerd Müller Deutschland 69 427 106
3 Franck Ribéry Frankreich 31 193 99
4 Zé Roberto Brasilien 40 336 97
5 Mehmet Scholl Deutschland 44 392 91
6 Thomas Häßler Deutschland 48 400 85
7 Wolfgang Overath Deutschland 71 409 83
8 Mario Basler Deutschland 46 262 79
9 Dariusz Wosz Deutschland 45 324 77
10 Jürgen Grabowski Deutschland 70 441 76
11 Miroslav Klose Deutschland 36 307 76
12 Andreas Herzog Österreich 46 264 75
13 Stefan Effenberg Deutschland 46 370 74
14 Thomas Müller Deutschland 25 190 73
15 Sergej Barbarez Bosnien-Herzegowina 43 330 73
16 Günter Netzer Deutschland 70 230 71
17 Bastian Schweinsteiger Deutschland 30 336 70
18 Claudio Pizarro Peru 36 378 70
19 Franz Beckenbauer Deutschland 69 424 69
20 Bernd Schneider Deutschland 41 296 68
His assists to games ratio is nothing short of brilliant for a fairly deep and dictating central midfielder and it's fair to say that those with better ratios than him are essentially final third forward types (only Thomas Müller and Ribery).
Netzer essentially caps off a brilliant midfield altogether.
Secondly, Denis Law has the ideal platform to shine here in a fluid forward line. I've repeatedly banged on about how unbelievably complete and dynamic he was. His all-round game was nothing short of phenomenal - he had tremendous presence in the box and was a top notch goalscorer, but his tactical malleability and versatility were unparalleled. In the FA Cup final against Leicester, he showed just what kind of a creative central influence he could be, against Tottenham 1965 he played an almost Johhny Rep-esque inside right role scoring twice and assisting once and finally, against England 1967 he played as an inside left alternating with Lennox moving inwards. A fluid and complete striker who would could cause mayhem and strike fear in even the most resolute defensive set-ups. (Check out the games yourselves if you want a taste of his total footballing abilities). It's fair to say both Law and Netzer would be at their very best here.
Finally, all the players are complete and well-rounded footballers capable of playing in an expansive and fluid system - just like yours. A key point that I addressed in the OP.
I usually spend quite a bit of the OP critiquing the opponent's team and tactics but there really wasn't much I could say wrong about your team which is extremely well constructed. The only minor flaw would be that I think Kolotov would be better suited to that midfield than Acimovic, who seems a bit similar to Murdoch in playing style and together with Flohe, perhaps Kolotov might have been more suited to that midfield. Still it's nothing significant to write home about.
Ultimately we both have very good tactical set-ups with great individuals, with balanced advantages throughout the team. It really must be difficult to separate the teams from a neutral and objective perspective tbh and I can see it going either way.
Cheers.
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@Joga Bonito aye, nothing I could say too critical about your team. Tried to focus on our players rather than try and pick apart any of yours (for now at least 
) Drafted well as always, and the Law-Netzer axis is, of course, wonderful. Refrained from using any drooling smileys.
Similar set ups, similar game plans.
We went back and forth with kolotov and acimovic, but felt he added a bit better balance with Murdoch and him playing slightly deeper.
As for the voting, I'm sure they see two teams with a couple of all time greats, a few unknowns scattered around, playing the same formation and system....and slowly backed out of the thread
) Drafted well as always, and the Law-Netzer axis is, of course, wonderful. Refrained from using any drooling smileys.Similar set ups, similar game plans.
We went back and forth with kolotov and acimovic, but felt he added a bit better balance with Murdoch and him playing slightly deeper.
As for the voting, I'm sure they see two teams with a couple of all time greats, a few unknowns scattered around, playing the same formation and system....and slowly backed out of the thread
As for the voting, I'm sure they see two teams with a couple of all time greats, a few unknowns scattered around, playing the same formation and system....and slowly backed out of the thread
I know a total of four players combined from both lineups@Joga Bonito aye, nothing I could say too critical about your team. Tried to focus on our players rather than try and pick apart any of yours (for now at least
Similar set ups, similar game plans.
We went back and forth with kolotov and acimovic, but felt he added a bit better balance with Murdoch and him playing slightly deeper.
As for the voting, I'm sure they see two teams with a couple of all time greats, a few unknowns scattered around, playing the same formation and system....and slowly backed out of the thread
Few is an understatement!
I know a total of four players combined from both lineups
Few is an understatement!
I tried downplaying it slightly.Greig, Gemmell, Murdoch, and Jardine all appeared in the British draft I think, and Olsen and Netzer both showed up before in the Euro draft, and a couple of others for Netzer, then Law and Cruyff need no extra mention.
So that's at least 8 you should know
Law and Netzer from Joga's side and Cruyff and Keizer from yours. The rest I have heard about but have no idea about their playing style so cant imagine how they would line up/play. Reany also played in the British draft ( is the guy who stopped best if am thinking of the right person), olsen I know was a libero but not sure how good he was either.
Greig, Gemmell, Murdoch, and Jardine all appeared in the British draft I think, and Olsen and Netzer both showed up before in the Euro draft, and a couple of others for Netzer, then Law and Cruyff need no extra mention.
So that's at least 8 you should know
Might vote for you as hellstorm is an awesome name, wish my parents were that cool.
I'll get you some More info on the rest in a while. At least enough to let you know how they'll fit style wise
Hell of a mustache too.
Check out their individual write-ups in the OP, hyperlinked them to their names.
I know 6-7 players from both teams. Had Wimmer in the EURO draft. Can't get myself to vote, though. Will for the semi's and final. Should almost vote Skizzo/Pat for the simple fact that after the big write-up on Netzer; Joga misspelled his name on the formation-pic. Lel.