So anyhow, on 1st March 2001, Holger Osieck resigned as Canadian National Team manager, after a 2-1 to the USA in their opening match of the Final Qualifying Round in the CONCACAF. As the next match wasnt far away the Canadian Football Association looked to appoint a manager as soon as possible. Their savior came in the form of 35 year old former Northern Ireland international Ross Lindsay. After a brief period managing in Northern Ireland with the Dungannon Swifts, he was quick to swap the Semi Professional leagues for a crack at International Management. His first job, getting Canada to the World Cup.

In the next update I should go through all the matches, not in detail...then if possible onto the World Cup

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

Anywho:

18th March 2001
El Salvador 1 - 2 Canada

A good opening match. Left Winger Martin Nash gave us the lead after 25 minutes only for Morente to equalise for El Salvador. Nash then saved the day with a goal in the 90th minute to save my skin.

We then Travelled to Mexico City to take on Mexico in the Azteca stadium.

25th March 20001

Mexico 3 - 3 Canada

A great performance against the Strongest team in North America. In front of 95,000 fans (probably about 90% Mexican) we took a surprise early lead through Niall Thompson on the 17th minute. The Mexicans were then shocked into life and scored on 31 minutes through Wing Back Arellano. We again scored on the 45th minute through Alex Bunbury to give us the lead. After a dull second half we shockingly went further ahead through Thompson again on the 77th minute, 3-1 to Canada, Mexico having never previously been betean at home in a world Cup qualifying game. Only for us to fall to pieces and lose 2 goals through Arellano again and Alfaro in the 90th minute the dirty Mexican Bastard. A great performance none the less.

22nd April 2001

Canada 0 - 0 Costa Rica

30,000 in the 69,000 seater stadium, not good but the best wed get. We should pretend its the Canadian Ice Hockey team maybe and get a better turn out. Anywho a boring game and we could have won it, they couldnt they didnt once hit the target.

Currently we were in third place behind USA and Jamaica, one place ahead of Mexico. After this it fell apart.

1st July 2001

Jamaica 3 - 2 Canada

We needed this because we weren't expecting to beat Mexico to the last qualifying slot. We went 3-0 in Kingston, we almost got back into it and scored another 2 through Bunbury and Radzinski.

We had fallen now behind Mexico and Jamaica had moved far ahead of us.

12th September 2001

USA 2 - 1 Canada

Another crushing defeat and knowing that Jamaica had won we were now 5 points behind them. I wasn't very optimistic.

We basically needed to win all our games from here to the end as Jamaica had a less difficult run in.

3rd October 2001

Canada 2 - 0 El Salvador

An rather easy victory, goals from Bunbury and Radzinski our striking partnership. Jamaica won so we were still 5 points within Jamaica but we had Mexico next.

And So begins our 3 week, 3 game final run in. Mexico at home Costa Rica away and then Jamaica at Home in Montreal.

4th November 2001

Canada 1 - 0 Mexico

How lucky were we. Magic Martin Nash scored with a dazling run in the 2nd minute. And we managed to keep the Mexican out for the whole match. Only 23,000 saw this as Mexico had 16 shots on goal, we managed to close them down well and limit them to long range shots or shots under pressure so we were happy.

We were now 2 points behind Jamaica after they lost. So we were optimistic as we had Costa Rica and they had top of the group and unbeaten USA.

11th November 2001

Costa Rica 0 - 2 Canada

We dominated this game down in San Jose. We had 19 shots on goal compared to 4 from Costa Rica. Magic Nash opened the scoring and Hargreaves finished them off with a goal in the 81st minute.

Jamaica pulled off an amazing 2-1 away win at the USA so we needed to beat them in the next game, bastards man.

18th November 2001

Canada 3 - 2 Jamaica

We took the lead early on through Bunbury in the 8th minute only for "Jamaican" midfielder Robbie Earle to score 5 minutes later. We struck back on in the 31st minute through Magic Nash. Hargreaves then scored from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute. So 3-1 up and heading to the world Cup, not even a late goal in the 85th minute from "Jamaican" striker Marcus Gayle.

So there you have it Canada were on there way to their second World Cup. The stadium packed with 23,600 Jamaicans were very quiet as "We are the Champions" played 50 times on a loop.

After the game a camera crew wanted a few questions.

"So how do you feel about the teams performance tonight?"

"Well it wasnt quite an Ice Hockey or Base Ball game, but I couldn't have asked anymore of the lads. Owen was our best player, without him we would have lost the game. His closing down and alround defensive play was beautiful, in the hetrosexual sense. Nash flew down the wing like a hockey player and Alex swung his right boot like a Baseball bat. Does that help?"

"Eh, well thansk for that how do feel about qualifying for the World Cup? My producer is telling me its our first time since 1986"

"Well yes it is, and all I want from the World Cup is score a goal. Canada didn't manage it last time so hopefully we can do it this time. Now for all the sports fans at home in Canada this isn't Ice Hockey so we aren't the best or close to I don't really watch the sport but we will give it our all and I just hope we get a television channel to show our game. Idealy I would like a great team like Brazil, a lesser team like England or Ireland, and then a team like China or Wales that are so shit even we can beat them."

"Eh I think we have to leave it there back to you in the studio. Are we off air, right what the fuck is the World Cup?"

So we celebrated long into the night, getting very very very drunk, or well I did I dont know if anyone else did as I was passed out by this stage. So I woke up in the team coach lying in a puddle of my own sick, what a night I thought.

So anywho next update we shall go through the squad for the World Cup and any other players of note that didnt make it for one reason or another, then obviously we shall head onto the World Cup

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

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An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

After a weeks recovery from a weeks drinking, I was over to Switzerland for the World Cup draw. (It is Switzerland were they draw the groups isnt it, ah well it is now)

Right so I waited impatiantly for the draw to begin. I sat down beside "Oh Sammy, Sammy, Sammy, Sammy, Sammy, Sammy McIlroy". We talked a bit about our plans for the future, I said he had a good squad but should involve Maik Taylor and David Healy more in the squad. He honestly told me he knew pretty much nothing about my team, although he noted that Mark Watson was having a great season for Portadown in the Irish League, and that Nash was a friend of Barry Hunter at Reading. We were unsurprisingly seeded in the Pool 3, the bottom Pool, Sammy was seeded in Pool 1, second Pool which wasnt bad along with England, Portugal, Spain and Wales????.

So First name out of the hat was France (I think thats preset). Next in Group A was Yugoslavia, then Republic of Ireland, then finally South Africa. Irish manager Humberto Coelho didn't look upset. Thats Group A

Onto group B and the first name out was...Brazil. My initial thought was "Fuck no not me not me not me", I assumed Big Sammy was thinking the same. Next up was Croatia, then Kuwait???. How they got into a Pool above us was beyond me. Sammy's was now looking a little more relaxed, Kuwait we beatable and a draw against Croatia couldnt be hard to achieve. Next name to be drawn by fat cunt Blatter was...CANADA. Bollocks I thought at first but it could be worse. Sammy wished the best of luck as he awaited the Northern Irish draw.

Group C would be Japan, Nigeria, Romania and Uruguay.

Group D would be Italy Morocco Russia and Wales.

Group E would be Argentina, Portugal Colombia and Mali.

Group F would be Holland, England, Paraguay and Ghana.

Group G would be Spain USA South Korea and China.

Group H would now be a quite tough group, Germany, Mexico, Denmark and NORTHERN IRELAND. Sammy was quite worried now, but he took it on the chin like a man, after all he had beaten of Switzerland for the playoff spot and then beaten Austria to qualify.

After the draw we had some drinks and I did a little mingling. I tried to speak to Wanderly Luxemburgo but the Brazilian Manager pretended not to hear me. I then tried Roger Lemerre, but he told me he had to leave and then went to talk to Luxemburgo. At least Spain manager Jose Camacho was honest when telling me to "Fuck away off." So I eventually settled for the losers managers group involving me, Carlos Sosa the South African manager, Kuwaiti manager Akabakwadalufanikiba... or something like that I kind of doozed off after a while, and of course Wales manager Joey Jones. China manager Ossie Ardiles wasn't even allowed into our cirle as even Uruguayan Carlos Sosa could speak better english than Ossie even though his only word was jes, well anyone can speak enlish better than Ossie even though he was living in England for god knows how long.

After having a laugh me and Sammy headed out with England manager Kevin Keegan and Welsh manager Joey Jones for a few drinks, we even invited Ossie along to get the rounds in, well somebody needed to befriend him, and if he was going to buy us drinks why not.

Well I have nothing else really to say I flew back to Northern Ireland with Sammy after we stayed behind an extra few days and went on a binge. Finally sobered up on the plane, boy and I came down further than the plane, what a hang over. Oh I felt in my best interests to continue drinking while on the plane to avoid going further. After arriving in Belfast International me and Sammy decided hed had enough drinking for the rest of the...weeks so he went home. I on the other hand got on the phone to my good alcoholic mate Seamy McIlMurray who was indeed drinking at that very instance so we hit the town and continued my drinking binge. After that night I decided this is too much even for an Irish man. I decided I would catch the bus back home to Newcastle and surprise the family...Hangover hit on the bus home, boy did I come down again...No escape this time and the back seat was decorated in my own designer fashion.

Upon arrival home I struggled into my childhood home and with the hangover I head I hit the bed straight after I'd been sick in the toilet...feels good to be home.

Anywho that was my week after the the draw it was the 29th of December so new year was approaching, and being back home it was another night on the drink.

But thats enough for now I'm going to describe my drinking habbits or imaginery drinking habbits I'll get to the football...soon

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

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We can Dream - Archived

As May came around I had to really start thinking about my 22 man squad for the world cup. I sat down looking through all the players that had participated in the qualifying and any special talents that should be considered.

After some long deliberation with my new assistent Geoff Augner we decided on these 22 players.

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Craig Forrest

When I first took over he was the first choice keeper and remained there. By far the best Canadian keeper and has great Premiership experience with Ipswich and West Ham. Was the West Ham first team keeper in 99/00 season, but played only one game the following season due to the signing of Romanian Bogdan Stelea. I advised him to move for first team football and he did. An transfer to Birmingham City, who unfortunatly were relegated to Division 2 soon after it was confirmed. Anyway hes been a regular for Birmingham this year, played very well in a midtable team. A bad season for Birmingham but hes been outstanding in all but one of my qualifying matches. Getting on a bit at 34 but will definatly start as number 1. Has 54 caps for his country.

Pat Onstad

A young Dundee United keeper, who has been first choice for 2 seasons now. Had a great first season and has dipped a little but is still a great keeper. Second choice definatly to Forrest but should take over hes only 21. Made one sub appearance in qualifying after Forrest had an awful game.

Marco Cerna

Not really a great keeper but I need a third keeper for all my matches. Didn't even feature on the bench once. Plays his football in the American A League for Orange County Zodiac. First team keeper there and basically the best of a bad bunch from the rest of my keepers. Is 25 so once Forrest gives up he'll be second choice.

Defenders

Kevin Mofid - D RC

Only 19 but is a great rightback. Could play in the centre but his heading and marking are awful. Plays in the MLS with the Metrostars, but has been on loan all season with Sutton in the Conference, picking up 21 MOM performances and helping them to promotion. Played very well during qualification, starting a few games Will definatly get a place bar injury.

Fuseini Dauda - D RL

Good defender, not the best of stats but in 2 starts he performed very well. Play in the A-League with the Rochester Raging Rhynos and plays well. Should go to the World Cup due to his versatility.

Marc Bircham - D/DM RC

Great defender. Playing very well in the Premiership for Watford for the last 2 seasons. Is suspended for the first match but will be straight back into the squad. In qualifying he was brilliant at Centre Back, and skippered the side in Geoff Augner's absence. Played equally as well in central midfield in the holding role. He does add more steal to the alreading tough midfield but is needed at the back for his marking and tackling. Only 24 years old and will be a big part of the squad, will skipper the side also in Augner's permanent absence.

Jim Brennan - D/DM L

Good wing back. Started all games in qualifying. Had a good first season at Nottingham Forrest in 99/00 but fell out of favour in 00/01 and then again 01/02. Made no starts in 01/02 and was transfered in January to Stoke in Division 2 were he played very well to add some much need match practise to his game. Will be a starting left back, with Dauda as sufficent backup. Only 25 years old so he will be around for a while.

Mark Watson - SW/D/DM C

A good defender, played the last few games of qualifying and impressed me. Plays now in Northern Ireland with Portadown and has had a good second season there after leaving Oxford in the summer of 2000. Has good english football experience as well as playing in Sweden. Is 31 years old and this is sure to be his last major event, is the countries current most capped player with 64 aps.

Mark Rodgers - DC

A good defender who started most of the qualifying games alongside Birchim. Just transfered to Conference side Hull after failing to hold down a first team place at Grimsby. Is 26 years old and should start all games. Has 13 caps

Paul Fenwick - DC

A good old defender. One of the senior members of the squad at 32, yet has only 4 caps. Did not appear in qualifying due to injury, but came back to make the Squad. Should be good backup. Currently plays in Scotland with Grenock Morton, where he had a good season.

Well thats the defender out of the way next up will be the midfield and attack.

Just adding some pics to enhance the story

[ 22 June 2003: Message edited by: Il Fuce ]

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

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We can Dream - Archived

Midfielders

John Sulentic - AM/F R

Almost 100% present in qualifying. This young 21 year old Right Winger is a good right midfielder. He had an amazing season in the American A-League in 2001, starting 25 matches and getting 15 assists, this good form coincided with his run in the national squad. Hes a good player with good pace and good passing, although for a winger he lacks dribling and finishing, but he has a good workrate so pitches in with the odd assist. Recently transfers to the MLS with the Metrostars, but has yet to start a game, he has 9 caps going into the tournament. Will definatly start for me on the right wing.

Terry Galloway - M L

Another good young player at 21 years old. Has 7 caps currently but most as a sub. Falls behind Nash and Sulentic in the pecking order. Plays in Germany with St. Pauli where he had a mediocre season, shows potential. Definatly backup for Nash and Sulentic.

Martin Nash - AM RL

My best player, or best performing player. Is currently playing with Reading in Division 2 but has not played much this past season. Was ever present in qualifying and chipped in with 5 very important goals, 3 times match winners. He is very fast with amazing acceleration although he passing could be better, but hes a clinical finisher and hes dribbling is good. He really is a god in this side, his surging runs going the left flank put fear into all defences. Being right footed allows him to cut inside once he gets into the box. He is by far the best performer of the side although not the best stats or money wise. I consider him to be the key to my success at the World Cup, if he doesnt perform the team will fail.

Niall Thompson - D/DM/F C

Very versatile which makes him important but also means he is not a permanent fixture. Will be used from the subs bench in any position although seems most effective in midfield. Made 2 starts in qualifying and currently plays for Airdrie in Scotland having played in England unsuccessfully. Should get a few sub appearances but nothing spectacular. Has 14 caps and 4 goals to his name.

Sergio de Luca - MC

A good young midfielder. Still only 19 he will be around for a while. His passing isnt great but he is the best of a bad bunch of young midfielders. Currently plays in the conference for Telford. He has Italian Parents, and made his debut under me. He now has 3 caps, no starts though. A decent backup player if needed.

Jason Bent - MC

Jason quite a permanent fixture for me in qualifying in the absence of both Hargreaves and Aunger, who were my number 1 midfield pairing yet rarely played together due to injury and or suspension. With Aunger now permantly out of the team Bent should start along side Hargreaves. He currently players for Scarborough in the English Third Division after being released by Colorado Rapids in January 2001. Had a good season and should do the marking jobs in midfield if needed, while Hargreaves is the tough tackler this guy is the smart marker and tackler. His passing is weak and so is his strength but he can man mark any player of the park when needed. Is only 25 and has 11 caps scoring 2 goals.

Owen Hargreaves - MC

A great midfielder. Good pace, passing tackling, awareness, really no stats stand out hes an alround good player. Still only 21 he played in 6 of my qualifying matches scoring twice. He added real steal to the midfield. Breaking up attacking before they were started. Could also go forward and create when needed. Still with Bayern Munich but has only player 1 game in 2 years with the first team. I hope he moves soon. A definate starter one of the first names on the fag packet, I mean team sheet (old school you know).

Yari Allnutt - AM C

Hes 31 now and has only made 1 sub appearance yet he is the only Attacking midfielder good enough that we have. Could feature if I need some attacking flair in midfield, unlikely but he could prove usefull some how. Just the 1 cap, shouldnt feature at all really, maybe if hes lucky.

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

Strikers

Alex Bunbury - S C
A great striker currently playing in the MLS with Kansas City Wizards and has had a decent season so far, no longer a first teamer though as he is 35. A great servant to the Canadian National side, he has been around for years. Played int he side that almost qualified for World Cup 94. Has years of experience in the Portuguese top flight with Maritimo. Will start and was great in qualifying, should get a goal if not then hes underachieved at this compition, its his big end of career blowout. Strangly (obviously CM's fault) he has only played 15 times for Canada, his first cap being in qualifying. Although in 15 games he has 15 goals, obviously symbolising the input hes had into our qualification.

Carlo Corrazin - F RLC

A good forward who I prefer to use behind the front striker(s). Is 30 years old now but has years of international experience. 37 caps and 5 goals, he has been around for a while. Has years of experience in English football starting in 1993 with Cambridge, then Plymouth then Northampton, and after being released from his contract there in June 2001 after making only 1 appearance that year, he signed for Boston United in the lower leagues of English football. Still featured for my team despite this low level of football, he brings more flair to the game than some of my other players, and the fact that he 16 goals and got 19 assists in this past season with Boston United. Should make an appearance or two, most likely as a sub.

Gentain Buzali - SC

A pretty useless striker who plays in the A-League for the Toronto Lynx. His finishing is awful and not exactly strong either, but he was included because hes a big big big lad and we need that upfront. Is young at 22 and has 1 cap under his belt. He wont be used and was a late call up after Radzinski pulled out. If used will be a target man for the other nippy forwards to feed off.

Paul Peschisolido - SC

This good striker is well known in England, I'm most will remember him for that goal he scored against Liverpool for Fulham. Is 31 years old now so isnt getting any younger, he has 45 caps and 8 goals to his name and is a veteran from the World Cup 94 qualifying squad, along with Bunbury, Forrest, Watson and Aunger. Didnt play an awful lot in qualifying, kept out of the side by Bunbury and Radzinski, although having low stamina didnt help either, used mainly as a sub to add fresh legs to a tiring game and spark something off, much like Corrazin. Currently playing in English Division 1 with Wigan, they had a good season and finished 9th. Paul and Super Simon Howarth were strike partners in that side, although the later was a lot more prolific in front of goal. Was dumped by Fulham in June 2001 after a good 99/00 season he played no games under new management in 00/01 and was thus trasfered for nothig to Wigan. Should start in Radzinski's place although I think Corrazin might have something to say about that, we'll see.

Well that about sums up the 22 man squad, I appologise for the lack of pictures for some players but in real life they are just too shit to get pics of, Sulentic I was close to, but I couldnt find a single picture of him.

So now for the Players who didnt make it for one reason or another and the imaginery coaching staff.

Players who did make the cut

Geoff Aunger - M C

Was the captain of the side and was brilliant in qualifying along side both Bent and Hargreaves. Unfortunatly decided to retire in January after the MLS season was over so would not be going to the World Cup although would fill the role as Assistent Manger at the compition. Was 34 upon retirement (I think).

Tomasz Radzinski - S C

Days after the squad was named he pulled out with a strained thigh, out for 10 days there was nothing I could do. Buzali was his replacement. A great striker, by far the best player, stat and money wise, we had. The 28 year old Polish born striker had 31 caps under his belt with 8 goals, and was set to lead our teams attack into Japan/Korea, if Bunbury's old legs got a little tired the youthful zip of Radzinski would carry him along. He is super fast and a great finisher, and was a key factor in qualification with some important goals. Still playing in Belgium with Anderlecht, had a good season but unfortunatly did not get to play in Europe, however he did play in the Champions League the season earlier. He may still get called up if someone gets injured as his injury is not serious.

Jeff Skinner - D/DM R
. (One in the blue)
A decent right wing back who has yet to play but has good defensive stats so is on standby should Mofid or Dauda get injured. Plays for Vancouver 86ers and is still young at 21.

Jeffrey MacLean - AM L

23 years old and plays for Yeovil in Division 3, although did not play a game this past season. Made 3 bad appearances during qualifyication although will be on standby if Galloway or Nash get injured.

Chaka Daley - D RC

Not a bad defender and made 1 appearance during qualification. Plays in MLS for New England Revs but has yet to play a game in 2 years. On standby if Mofid or Dauda get injured and Skinner is unavailable.

[ 22 June 2003: Message edited by: Il Fuce ]

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

Coaching Staff

Assistent Manager

Geoff Aunger

Skipper of the Qualifying team and veteran of World Cup 94 'almost' side, WC 98 also. Is my main man, a great guy with a good tactical brain.

Coachs

Frank Yallop

Not long out of the playing side of the game. A veteran of the 94 World Cup 'almost' side.

Bryan Hamilton

Asked him to assit for the World Cup, he was happy to oblige. Has international management experience with Northern Ireland and good player experience. Has a good tactical knowledge but most of all he knows a fair bit about world players.

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

[ 23 June 2003: Message edited by: Gabriel Omar Batistuta #9 [awhec] ]

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An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

But alas his exclusion could be your loss, but good luck, with this

--------------------

quote:

---

Originally posted by Stuart McCall Is My Hero:
I'm a wee bit amiss at the abscence of Paul Stalteri of Werder Bremen who is Canada's most skillful player due to his time with the Bremen side.

But alas his exclusion could be your loss, but good luck, with this

---

no German league selected...Minimum database

No Stalteri, no Dasovic, not even de Vos...oh well the first team is decent its the backup thats the problem...ive got enough British based players to survive

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Stuart McCall Is My Hero:
Well then, I hope your right, de Vos plays at Wigan though don't he?

---

Well Wigan got promoted there so hell be playing a higher standard of footy next year...plus Birchim played for QPR last year, another division 2 side

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

code:

---

 2002 Tables

Semi Final Group 3
Pos     Team                            Pld  Won  Drn  Lst  For  Ag   Won  Drn  Lst  For  Ag   Pts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st  Q  Canada                          6    2    1    0    9    2    3    0    0    10   3    16   
2nd  Q  El Salvador                     6    2    0    1    9    2    2    0    1    8    8    12   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd     Cuba                            6    1    0    2    6    8    1    1    1    3    5    7    
4th     Cayman Islands                  6    0    0    3    4    11   0    0    3    2    12   0    
-------------------------------------
Final
Pos     Team                            Pld  Won  Drn  Lst  For  Ag   Won  Drn  Lst  For  Ag   Pts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st  Q  USA                             10   4    0    1    12   5    3    0    2    9    6    21   
2nd  Q  Mexico                          10   4    1    0    16   4    2    1    2    8    8    20   
3rd  Q  Canada                          10   3    1    1    7    4    2    1    2    10   9    17   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4th     Jamaica                         10   4    1    0    9    4    0    2    3    8    12   15   
5th     Costa Rica                      10   0    2    3    5    11   1    1    3    3    9    6    
6th     El Salvador                     10   1    1    3    7    11   0    1    4    1    12   5    

 
  

---

Right we had two weeks now till our first match, and as we were in Group B we would be starting on the second day of the compition, 13th June. We had previously spent 2 weeks light training in Mexico to get adjusted to heat, although it was the humidity I was worried about, we would hit the more intensive training once we got to our Korean training camp near Inchon, we started an 10 day heavy training to get used to the climate of the region. After which we would take up our base for the first phase in Nagoya Japan. All of our games were based between Tokyo and Nagoya, so we were good to go.

This was the overall squad for these trips:

Squad

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls Wages Expires Value

- Allnutt, Yari AM C CAN 20.9.70 31 2 - £200 12.1.05 £15K
- Bent, Jason M C CAN 8.3.77 25 13 2 £250 19.6.04 £140K
- Bircham, Marc D/DM RC CAN 7.5.78 24 25 2 £4.1K 12.6.06 £3M
- Brennan, Jim D/DM L CAN 8.5.77 25 15 - £725 24.6.07 £170K
- Bunbury, Alex S C CAN 18.6.67 35 18 16 £4.9K 23.1.03 £300K
- Buzali, Gentian S C CAN 23.1.80 22 1 - £110 9.1.05 £20K
- Cerna, Marco GK CAN 24.4.77 25 - - £110 23.1.05 £10K
- Corazzin, Carlo F RLC CAN 25.12.71 30 37 5 £900 6.6.04 £45K
- Dauda, Fuseini D RL CAN 29.5.75 27 4 - £150 20.1.05 £20K
- De Luca, Sergio M C CAN 6.9.82 19 3 - £190 28.6.03 £4K
- Fenwick, Paul D C CAN 25.8.69 32 4 - £875 24.6.03 £25K
- Forrest, Craig GK CAN 20.9.67 34 56 - £4.5K 13.6.04 £220K
- Galloway, Terry M L CAN 10.2.81 21 8 - £2K 14.6.05 £350K
- Hargreaves, Owen M C CAN 20.1.81 21 10 2 £3.6K 15.6.04 £2.5M
- Nash, Martin AM RL CAN 27.12.75 26 13 5 £3.5K 6.6.04 £100K
- Onstad, Pat GK CAN 10.9.80 21 2 - £1.5K 23.6.06 £575K
- Peschisolido, Paul S C CAN 25.5.71 31 46 8 £2.1K 6.6.03 £450K
- Rogers, Mark D C CAN 3.11.75 26 17 - £2.1K 25.6.05 £110K
- Sulentic, John AM/F R CAN 22.11.80 21 12 - £200 17.1.06 £675K
- Thompson, Niall D/DM/S C CAN 16.4.74 28 15 4 £500 26.6.07 £200K
- Watson, Mark SW/D/DM C CAN 8.9.70 31 65 1 £250 13.5.04 £100K

- *Radzinski, Tomasz S C CAN 14.12.73 28 33 10 £1.1K 30.6.03 £3.7M
- *Skinner, Jeff D/DM R CAN 12.8.80 21 2 - £140 9.1.05 £10K

*Reserves (ie. On standby for callup)

Right so we touched down in Seoul on the 1st after a long enough flight from Mexico City. Families were left behind but were to meet up in 10 days time as we decided to bring them out to Nagoya. The weather was warm as expected and the humidity hit hard. The paler players like Mark Rodgers and Martin Nash seemed to be struggling even as we got off the plane, pansies they will be wearing factor 500 I'm not having any lobster boys in my team, "Save Chip" (thought I'd throw that in). We imediatly headed to Inchon which isnt too far, an hours bus journy out of the City of Seoul and another short while and we where there. Nothing two fancy, not being the most popular sport in Canada the Irish training camp looked like the Ritz compared to ours. We over the next 10 days of training we had 2 training matches schedualled (not in the game I made them up). One was against the local Side, In-chon something or other, steelers maybe it didnt matter they were shit. And a K-League select team, obviously devoid of the players from the South korean World Cup team. After a tough first days training, I treated the players to a pint of...non alcoholic juice, my mind works clearer under the influence so I had a pint. Apparently they claimed it was unfair but tough shit this was no democracy. Next day we had light training in the morning then a match an hour after lunch. An easy 5-0 victory of the local *ahem* professional side. Players were looking good in training as the week progressed, a little sunburn to Rodgers which ruled lobster boy out of the next warmup match, but he should be alright it'll peel right off. Next match was 4 days later and a more challenging 3-0 victory and we were looking good, a good defence we had. Birham would be suspended for the first game but I wasn't so worried, we had good able backup, but it wasn't his playing skills I would miss, he was our captain and leader so that would be a large presence missed on the pitch.

I'll move it along. We finished our 10 day hard training and left for Nagoya, Japan on the 11th, with our first game against Croatia in 2 days we decided to take it easy and just relax in the nice expensive (ish) hotel pool and jacuzzi. Families were brought over for the occassion but nothing to special. I was sure what formation I would use but the problem lay in who would start. With Radzinski having pulled out of the squad through injury in Mexico, although on standby due to the lack of seriousness of the injury (damn CM, we should chose if they are still in the squad, 10 fricking days come on) and with Bircham suspended for the game I had to perform quite a reshuffle. I knew my midfield would be unchanged as it was uneffected, aside from Aunger's retirement I still had a player capable of filling his boots. The defence would cause a problem the left back slot was untouchable and Rodgers was sure to start, although I had a few choices for his partner at the back I knew it was going to be, and the right back slot would be contested by two players. The main question was who will partner that man Bunbury up front.

We were up at 5.00 pm so we got up early to make the 2 hour long journey to Kawasaki, which is just outside Tokyo. The Canadian FA couldn't (or more likely wouldn't) spring for a hotel in Tokyo or somewhere near so we had to bus, better than hitching a ride. As we arrived at the 25,000 seater stadium the weather was surprisingly dry so we were surprised and satisfied with that. Rodgers' lobster boy look had fully peeled and he now had a wonderful(ish) suntan. The players seemed happy with the heat it was much better than 30°C and very humid. The World Cup had kicked off slowly as France struggled to beat Ireland 1-0 in the opening match, I think I prefered the Ceremony. 61,000 people saw the reigning World Champions just beat the Irish, only 10 shots on goal in total. Another slow game was to follow as Yugoslavia drew 0-0 with South Africa, so to kick start the compition the Canada vs. Croatia match might have to produce something special, more likely the samba boys of Brazil would give Kuwait a thumping after our match.

So with kick-off approaching we entered the dressing room it was all very nervous. 30 minutes to go and the players were all kitted out as I announced the starting line up having announced the 18 man match squad early:

Using a 4-4-2 formation, standard, flat back 4, flat midfield and two strikers, nothing fancy, nice and rigid, with the two wide midfielders making runs as far as possible.

I called for silence as I announced the squad list:

"Number 1. Craig
Number 2. Fuseini
Number 3. Jimbo
Number 4. Watty
Number 5. Lobster Boy
Number 6. Bender
Number 7. Johny
Number 8. Greavesy
Number 9. Alex
Number 10. Carlo
Number 11. Magic"

Right so that would be.

1. Craig Forrest - GK

2. Fuseini Dauda - DR
3. Jim Brennan - DL
4. Mark Watson - DC
5. Mark Rodgers - DC
6. Jason Bent - MC
7. John Sulentic - MR
8. Owen Hargreaves - MC
9. Alex Bunbury - SC
10. Carlo Corrazin - SC
11. Martin Nash - ML

After watching the Croats in warm up games and some tapes of qualifying I guessed they would most likely use a 5-3-2 system, with wingbacks, especially since we were obviously going to use a 4-4-2. So these were my instructions.

"Right lads you know what your usual instructions are for this formation, its the only way we play so I'll just over the add ons. Now Croatia will be playing this formation *points to white board*. Most likely it will be Boksic and Maric up front, now Watty, Lobster boy you know what you have to do, mark them, don't stray too far because then Greavesy will cover if Maric drops back, and dont worry too much as Brennan and Daudi will be playing deep most of the time. Now Greavesy you just keep to your game, break up attacks and then hit fast when in possesion, no man marking for you just watch your space. Not Jason, I know for certain Ivan Leko will be playing and will be their main play maker, he is their key guy, you follow him everywhere, I dont care how you do it, just stop him. Hes young but your only 2 years older so try and match him for pace and stamina, I want you going the whole game, no quits, hes a livewire so be careful, oh and watch the nuttmegs. Now Magic I want you making your dazling runs down the left, then if you can either go to the byline and swing in a cross, Alex will always be there, or if you can cut inside on your right and have a dig. Sulentic, not so much running with the ball your not much of the dribbler (Hes not) but make wide runs and try to get in some of those crosses of yours. Carlo you will be the flair attacker, feed of the big man here, Long balls from defence will be taken down or headed on by this guy here and on pick them up. Now captain. As we know Mark is out of this game so Owen I know your young but I want you to have it for the game, I've consulted Mark trust me and he was the one who suggested you so there you go, standin captain for the day, enjoy it.

Alright then lads no fancy big inspiring speech, I'll save that for the Brazilians. So in the words of Wacko, come on lads lets fucking kill'em. Owen care to say anything?"

"Eh, alright lads we can do this lets outplay them eh. I would say something inspiring, but as the gaffer tried to say, it just wouldn't be our style. So lets play some good offensive soccer and go out there and show them that we can play soccer as well as hockey. Its not true but they dont know that so come on lads"..."Yeah woo eh yeah" came the reply

Right so 2 minutes till we were due to be called, so I let Mark Bircham the true captain say a few words.

"You know I'm great at this, eh lets win..."

"Right thanks for that there Mark, plonker. So just remember to do your jobs and everything will flow fine. They are a better side than us but just because they have better players dosnt mean we cant out play them so come on lets go."

Now the players entered the tunnel. And waiting for the Croat players we could hear the crowd, not a huge crowd but Canada's first appearance at a finals in 16 years was a momentus occasion. The Croats entered the tunnel and we headed onto the pitch. Rather dry whether, 23°C, we headed onto the pitch to the scream of the wholey unloyal Japanese fans. I actually spotted a few Canadians int he crowd and for all the few football or soccer fans in Canada this was a proud proud moment. As the players lined up the national anthems were played. Croatia was up first...A tremedous roar was let off after the first anthem. And now being heard for the first time at a World Cup since 1986 the Canadian National anthem was played...

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."

A smaller roar was let off from the fans, not too many Canucks in the Todoraki stadium. But a nice applause from the fans.

I think we'll now go over to a little broadcasting from ITV.

"Right those where the national anthems and now we'll pass you over to our match commentators, Martin Tyler and Ron Atkinson"

"Thanks Des now we'll give you a run down of tonights teams."

1. Filip Sunsjara
2. Mario Stanic
3. Niko Kovac
4. Boris Zivkovic
5. Robert Kovac
6. Igor Tudor
7. Zvonimir Soldo
8. Milijenko Mumlek
9. Silvio Maric
10. Alen Boksic
11. Ivan Leko

"As you can see the Croatian team there and we understand they will be lining up in a 5-3-2 formation as you can see, with 2 attacking fullbacks. What's you take on this side Ron?"

"Yeah, well looking down the team its a strong side, and more than a few familiar names. We know Maric who is a good player for Newcastle, I think he'll be a big threat. I don't think anyones not heard of Boksic, what a striker, such a good record, if Canada want anything from this game he will have to be marked closely. Now looking at the midfield Soldo and Mumlek will play as holding players and Leko as we've seen in the Champions League can produce a lollypop or two in a game, he is the one they have to watch, hes the danger man from midfield. They also have a strong defence with Zivkovic as we all remember him from that Champions League winning side 2 years ago. I think it will be a big test for Canada."

"Well Ron I don't think many people will be backing Canada to win this one but lets have a look at the side."

1. Craig Forrest - GK
2. Fuseini Dauda - DR
3. Jim Brennan - DL
4. Mark Watson - DC
5. Mark Rodgers - DC
6. Jason Bent - MC
7. John Sulentic - MR
8. Owen Hargreaves - MC
9. Alex Bunbury - SC
10. Carlo Corrazin - SC
11. Martin Nash - ML

"Well I have to admit I'm not familiar with most of these players. There are one or two who play over here in England, Nash, Forrest and Brennan being the biggest names in this team. Amazing to think heres Carlo Corrazin playing in the Ryman Premier League 4 weeks ago, and now starting a match against the likes the Boksic and Leko. I have never seen Fuseini or Sulentic play before so it will be interesting to see these guys perform. Of course this team missing their instrumental captain Mark Bircham, and as all Premiership fans know, this guy is a great defender. Not much else to say really but I don't see them drawing this one let alone winning. It will be interesting to see how well prepared Manager Ross Lindsay has his team."

"Thanks Ron, now we are close to the start of this match and you really cannot fancy Canada to get an upset in this game. Some of you older fans may remember Canada's only other appearance in the Finals back in Mexico in 1986, they lost all their games and failed to score a goal, but it was still a tremendous achievement."

"I'm sure most people were watching Maradona in 1986 rather than Canada."

"Right and we are about to kick off, Canada has won the toss and will be playing left to right. Canada wearing the Red Strips and Croatia whereing the white checkered shirts. Canada to kick off."

0 minutes
Canada get the game underway.

7 minutes
Kovac to Mumlek, who passed it on to Maric. Who curled one in from long range, just over the bar.

9 minutes
Kovac talked Corrazin, but was unable to control the ball. It was picked up by Bunbury who struck it low towards goal...saved by Sunsjara but hes unable to hold it...Collected by Kovac. He lofts that forward to Mumlek who layed it off to Soldo, who played a quick ball to Leko. Leko with one touch lays it off for Mumlek, who first time laid back to Leko. Leko laid it right to Soldo who played the ball into the run of Stanic who squared it across to Kovac on the left who played it onto the inward run of Stanic, who headed it right to Boksic. Boksic at the byline swings in a deep cross, its met by the head of Maric...nice saved down low by Forrest. Superb play by Croatia, so many passes.

16 minutes
Corrazin was shoved over by Kovac who was yellow carded. Bunbury steps up to take the freekick...but he puts it just over the bar.

29 minutes
Hargreaves loses the ball in midfield, and its picked up by Tudor. Tudor looked to set Boksic up in the area. Boksic made space beautifully and fires a shot at the top corner...Oh a beautiful finger tip save by Forrest. Its a corner to Croatia but cleared away by Hargreaves.

"Yeah Boksic has looked dangerous when he gets a chance, but Canada have done well to limit his chances, I don't know how he got in there.

45 minutes
Nash was able to head the ball down for Mark Watson in the area, the big defender unleases a volley at goal...oh saved by the keeper, although it was a weak shot fired straight at him.

Croatia now on the counter attack, Leko plays it to Tudor, Tudor plays it forward to Boksic. Boksic runs at the defence, he gets into the box and unleases a shot at goal...but it goes well wide, Brennan closed him down brilliantly great defending.

Half Time

"Thats half time, not that exiting a game Ron?"

"No not really, there have been very few clear cut chances and they have only come from one man, Alen Boksic. The Canadians will be happy with this, they look to be very disciplined and look solid at the back, they have really limited the Croatian attack. I mentioned Leko at the beginning of the game as a danger man, but so far he has been unable to do anything, this fellow, from Scarborough I believe is giving him no time on the ball, hes going everywhere with him. If Croatia are to get anything productive they will need Leko to somehow get rid his marker. That Leko-Boksic partnership that we saw in qualifying has been basically non-existent as Boksic is being marked well by Watson, the man playing Semi-Professional football in Northern Ireland. I've been impressed with the performance of the Canadians, they haven't had many attacks but they have defended solidly and especially the midfield has not allowed that normally creative Croatia to create. If Canada can hold in the defence and maybe hit on one or two more counterattacks like they've been doing I could see them snaching this one."

"Thanks for you thoughts Ron, we'll now take you back to Des Lynam who is with Ally McCoist and Robbie Earle."

Into the dressing room:

"Great performance lads, you did what I wanted, we defended excellantly and we had a few good counter attacks. Jason you have been marking Leko out of the game, keep it up. Now Rodgers and Watson, great performance more of the same alright. And you two up front, especially you Carlo, drop back a little and try and pick the ball up a little deeper if the midfield has their hands full with the Croatian attack. Nash I want to see you making more runs and attacks. Now one more thing lads, lets see more attempts to get forward, don't be afraid we can get a win if we defend well and get one good counter attack, now law of averages says one has to go in so keep going for it. More emphasis one attack in this half, but don't lose sight of our aim, a clean sheet, or shutout if that helps anyone not yet playing European football. Right lads, away we go..."

Back to ITV:

"It would look like the teams are coming back out Ron, looking forward to the second half?"

"Well I hope its more interesting than the first, but I would like to see more attacking football, that is most likely going to come from Croatia. But this compition always throws up an upset here and there and this could be it, I'm sure most neutrals will be supporting Canada."

The second half is next...

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

KUTGW

--------------------

An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

Sorry i dont update often but Summer Time = Drinking Time and ive got to have prioities.

KUTGW me

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

--------------------

Oh and theres nothing wrong with making fun of Handicapped people, thats what people are different for, to make fun of

I am a great story writer arent I, I should write a book, no a Novel

et

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

--------------------

We can Dream - Archived

--------------------

An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

Got pissed Wednesday, hungover Thursday, Grandpa's birthday Friday, Work Saturday, Drunk last night and i seem to be on the mend pretty well today so I could update if I find myself being arsed...we will see

keep checking when I reply though, could be it

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

45 minutes
Croatia restart the match.

"Yeah as I expected Canada have defended very well and the ball has been closed down well in the midfield and possesion has been kept by Canada but they seem unable to break the Croatia midfield line let alone the defence, as do the Croats, nothing has happened so far and we are 15 minutes into this half."

61 minutes
Brennan was forced to put the ball out for a corner. Mumlek tried an in-swinging corner and Kovac headed it towards goal...Forrest saves but cant hold, its cleared by Hargreaves. The clearance is collected by Nash on the left wing. He passed the ball ahead of Bunbury who ran onto in the area. The keepers come out, Bunbury looks to hit it over him...oh so close, just over the bar from Bunbury. Canada are now hitting well on the counter attacks.
Croatia made a change, Zivkovic off for Panadic, straight swap nothing special

66 minutes
Soldo passed to Maric on his left, who layed the ball forward infront of Mumlek. Mumlek was able to get a volley away first time, oh just over the bar from Mumlek.

67 minutes
Brennan now making a fast run down the left flank, hes managed to beat Stanic, but he still has him in pursuit. Hes played it forward to Nash. Nash uses nice trickery to get into the box and plays it low across the box. Corazzin has made himself some space and is able to get to the ball...Corazzin drives it in low...

Oh no tipped out for a corner by Sunsjara...that was close. Canada really going for it now.

68 minutes
Kovac had set up Stanic after a quick retart from the keeper after a bad corner. Stanic had the ball on the right. He moves inside and is wide open to run at goal, hes been left alone. He gets into the box and attempts to hit it low at goal...

Oh what a saving tackle by Hargreaves, he needed to make that tackle.

Looks like Canada and Croatia will both be making a substitution. Croatia will bring on Biliskov for Soldo, that means that Kovac will move into midfield and Biliskov back into the defensive line. Canada will look to replace Sulentic with Peschisolido.

I was looking at the match and although their team was not attacking from the left wing, I wanted my attack to be more spread out from just that left pairing of Brennan and Nash, so I moved Corazzin to the right wing for some flair and hopefully he will cut inside. Also Peschisolido is a great striker and that will help, unfortunatly he doesnt start because of his low stamina.

80 minutes
Stanic made a quick run down the right flank but was closed down quickly by Brennan. He laied it off for Maric and with one touch tried to set up Boksic in the area. Boksic got space for a shot...just over, Rodgers put him under intense pressure there he just did enough.

It looks like Canada are making a substitution. Corazzin is coming off for Galloway.

Corazzin was tired and wasnt doing much on the right so Galloway moved to the left and I hoped that moving Nash to the right might produce something.

82 minutes
Dauda floored Tudor in a cruching tackle, it looks like he'll be alright to continue. Dauda was shown the yellow card, he will be suspended for the next match.

Leko struck the freekick...and he puts it just inches wide of the goal.

84 minutes
Canada now on the attack, it really is end to end stuff in the final 10 minutes of this match. Bent brings the ball forward, he evades the tackle Biliskov and is into the box, he fires a shot hight towards goal...

Oh that was close Sunsjara just got a hold of that one.

"This really is an exciting end to this game here. Nash has surprised me, I had singled out Leko as the flair player but Nash has pulled out a few lolly pops in this match. It wouldn't surprise me here if Canada snached it the way they've been counterattacking. It could go either way but neither side really deserves to lose this one, especially Canada as they are the underdogs in this match, and if they hold on here I think they could make it to the next round."

86 minutes
Croatia have won a corner and it looks like its going to be Mumlek to take it. Mumlek swings in the corner, it falls to the head of Biliskov the substitute...

GOAL Croatia have done it, surely now they must hold on.

They're now pushing back and holding onto the ball after that goal. Canada really dont deserve this, they've fought so hard for every ball.

90 minutes
Could this be one final Canada attack? Its Nash with the ball on the right he plays it back to Bunbury who can only create some space on the wing swings in a cross...punched away by Sunsjara, who has been in excelent form tonight.

And thats it the final whistle has blown, Croatia have won here 1-0 in a hard fought battle. Canada's return to the main stage of World Football is mared by a dissapointed and undeserved defeat at the hands of 1998 3rd placed team Croatia. A goal in the 86th minute is all that could separate these two.

[i]"Well it was a hard fought match and I'm sure the Canadians are gutted they've lost this one. Both teams performed well and I would single out either Nico Kovac the Croatian wing back or Jason Bent the Canadian midfielder as my man of the match. Kovac really didn't let Sulentic have any time on the ball and subsiquently e was substituted to try and change this. Granted Nash gave him some problems after he moved to the right but Kovac's performance was for sure the best of the Croatian team. Now this fella Bent, playing in the English 3rd Division has shown he can mix it with the big boys, he didn't give Leko an inch all game. I was thus dissapointed that he didn't or even wasn't able to show what he is capable off but that was down to one man. Bent simply marked him off the park. All in all a close game and Canda will be gutted to have lost so late in the game, saying that Croatia will be happy they snached it but I feel if they want to improve and get somewhere in this compitition they will need to perform a lot beter than this."

"Well thanks Ron, we'll take you back to the studio now with Des Lynam."

"Thanks but we can now go live to the stadium to get a live interview with Canadian manager Ross Lindsay."

...

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

--------------------

An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

--------------------

quote:

---

Originally posted by A-J:
Come on Canada. Do it for Labatt's Beer.

---

The link on your signature ir's the most annoying web page ever for sure

--------------------

An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

Just a few questions Ross, so how do you think you did tonight?"

"Well despite the result I think it was a good and spirited performance. Obviously I'm dissappionted that we lost, especially so late in the game, but I think its a good return to the World Cup for Canada. We showed that we can perform and can mix it up with the big boys at this level, although we have yet to prove that we can, shall we say, "Bottle" it at the top. We through away a good point and gave Croatia three which is the most important factor. But its a good learning experience for the lads and we'll be sure to improve on this for the next game against, (*gulp*) Brazil."

"Okay. So realistically what do you see your team getting out of the next game against Brazil? You can't seriously expect to beat the stars of Brazil can you?"

"Well I never say "never" in these situations and hold a little bit of hope that the lads can pull through. We need a result at least against Brazil to stand a chance of going through so I'd like to say im quietly confident of a result, or at least a great performance from the lads. If we get a goal then I will be satisfied and can leave the pitch a proud man. If Canada were to score their first ever World Cup goal against Brazil, I think that would speak volumes for the rise of Canadian football. I may be the only person in would who thinks this right now, but I think we can get a result against Brazil."

"Thank you for that, would you like to comment at all on the performance of the players tonight?"

"Yes, well I thought our lads gave it there all, and to be honest I think we played with more heart than they did. In all honestly I think we deserved to win purely on our effort, but thats football, or soccer as I should be saying as Canadian manager. To speak of the lads, I think Jason Bent and Hargreaves were our best players. Bent marked Leko off the park and I'm proud of him. Hargreaves is an up and coming young player with Bayern Munich and I think he can be proud of himself. I was also impressed with Mark Watson, he came in for the suspended Marc Bircham and performed excellantly, its not an easy job replacing the skipper. Playing part time football in my home country of Northern Ireland and then marking Alen Boksic in the World Cup isn't bad going I'd like to think."

"Well just one more question Ross, what are your plans for tonight and how to unwind after such a tense game?"

"Well...I'm off for a pint"

"Eh, thank Ross for that interview. Now back to the studio with Des."

I didn't say much to the boys in the changing rooms, they knew the score, they had a good point and they threw it away, what could I say to make them think more about this crushing defeat?

The Canadian FA, being so well funded had decided we didn't have to drive back to our Nagoya base after that match and offered us to stay in a hotel. Good, good I thought until it turned out it was one of those new age Japanese pod hotel things, where people sleep in a box that is about 4 cubic feet (ish-I'm lying, its for effect). Of course there was a ban on all alcoholic and illegal substances. But I used the defeat as an excuse for me to drink a little, or a lot. Next time they lose I drink, so thats their win bonus (so to speak). So my and Bryan and Geoff cracked open a bottle of Jackie D's (baaaaaaaaad shit).

After an uncomfortable 1 hours sleep we hit the coach, well a public bus is shapped like a coach would be, back to our trainng camp, the local public park. We now had a few days training until the toughest, and biggest, match of all our careers, Brazil in the World Cup. I knew it would be a tough match and my main concern was the mental state of the players, not resorting to hippy shit, we planned some confidence building training schemes, nothing too big just something to get the players mentally prepared for the big game. After all it was just one game right, eh, just one game . Brazil aren't that good. Who said Rivaldo was any good anyway, and Roberto Carlos, hes nothing compared to Jim Brennan...right . And that Elber and Jardel, Bunbury and Corazzin could teach them a think or too surely.

Well inspite of this we have one thing to look forward to, the return of skipper Marc Bircham.

So 4 days before the big game I get a huge kick in the nuts, or so I thought. Kevin Mofid went down injured during training, apparently he strenched his groin muscle during training, right at the start, but I was sure I seen him limping in this morning, I had my suspicions I knew it was a bad idea to bring the families back, little horny bastard. Well with 4 games to the match with Brazil I was without my sure to start right back (after Dauda's average display). This swift kick was soon cured with the call up of Jeff Skinner to the squad who would now surely make his debut in against Brazil, and after a phone call hearing that Radzinski had recovered for his injury and was cleared fit to play . Buzali was sent home with Mark Rodgers size 13 boot in his arse (Rodgers being a big guy and all), and Radzinski took his rightful place alongside his fellow half Canadians and then the proper ones.

We now had two new additions to the squad, both of whom should make it into the starting squad for the match against Brazil, if Radzinski passes his late medical being at only 90%, luckily Skinner was in the middle of his league season so was match fit. The rest of the players had 2 days training after this, although after arriving later in the night the two new additions will train on the off day before the match, to ensure fitness and just general tactical awareness of this team's style.

Squad update

Players out

Kevin Mofid

Gentain Buzali

Replacements

Jeff Skinner

Tomasz Radzinski

[ 11 July 2003: Message edited by: Il Fuce ]

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

KUTGW

--------------------

An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

--------------------

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

Thanks Michael, right enough of this shit I'm back with an update no more funny shit its Brazil in the World Cup for Canada lets get it on.

The Brazil game was just over the hill, it was the night of the 18th, Ireland had embarassingly lost to South Africa 2-1 and the dirty Slav's drew 1-1 with the French pricks. I was nervous but so were the guys, this would, more than likely be the biggest game of all their lives. Brazil in the World Cup, doesn't get much bigger than that. I had a squad already planned but was saying nothing. Radzinski would face a fitness test in the morning but it doesnt look like he will have fully recovered from his injury, even still that might not stop me fielding him against the might of the samba stars. Skinner would be a big boost and really had to play due to the suspension of Dauda, and Bircham was back so I had to decide who to drop, Watson or Rodgers.

A very uncomfortable sleep followed, but no worries there was no long journey, Tosu was close to Nagoya, our base. We had again an evening start to our game, Croatia Kuwait would be up first, so a Kuwaiti results would give us a chance. The other match from Group B was being played in Hiroshima, and we all watched attentively in the coach on the way down.

19th June 2002

So we were now on the bus watching the Kuwait-Croatia game. To our great joy it was half time and the score was 0-0. With about 30 mins till we reached the group the second half kicked off. The whole bus was praying for a Kuwaiti goal, or more realistly a clean sheet. Al-Jossimahm (who?) went close in the 75th minute and 2 minutes later we pulled into the group. With just over 15 minutes (ish) left we wanted to finish the match on the bus. 85th minute and Croatia were really put the useless Kuwaiti team under pressure. Some how the Kuwaitis have kept the Croats out. It reaches the 93rd minute and referee looks at his watch, the score could end 0-0 and would be a great help to us. And the whistle has sounded its all over, Croatia 0-0 Kuwait and the boys and myself let off a great roar in pure joy at this result. This give us a chance, we just had to beat Brazil now .

We entered the stadium and I decided I would stay silent, we had about 2hours till kick off and thought we should get changed straight away to go out and do some practise and get used to the pitch and heat again. Radzinski had earlier half passed, half failed a fitness test but I decided that it was only once in a life time you play Brazil in the World Cup so I would risk a 90% fit, slightly injured player. So after a good practise outside the ground was filling up slightly as I headed into the tunnel, the Brazilian team were already here but decided not to take to the field with the useless Canadian side, they didnt need that much practise, or so they thought.

So the game drew nearer, there was 15 minutes until kickoff and after announcing the team I had just finished the tactics rundown. The team would be, using the famous 4-4-fuckin-2 formation of course:

1. Craig Forrest - GK
2. Jeff Skinner - DR
3. Jim Brennan - DL
4. Mark Bircham - DC (captian fantastic)
5. Mark Rodgers - DC
6. Jason Bent - MC
7. John Sulentic - MR
8. Owen Hargreaves - MC
9. Alex Bunbury - FC
10. Tomasz Radzinski - FC
11. Martin Nash - ML

So after watching some video tapes I decided that a Brazilian team, without Ronaldo, would play a 3-4-3 formation, despite using a different tactic in the thumping of Kuwait I knew this is what they were going for, that and I could just check once the game started in CM. I told Jason Bent to man mark Rivaldo after his miraculas performance against Croatia, and playing 3 up front (Brazil) I decided that Only Bircham would mark one striker, that being danger man Jardel, the rest of the defenders would mark Zonally.

The bell rang and there was nothing I could say to the lads on this momentous occassion, they knew everything themselves they knew what had to be done, they were not children.

Mark led the team out down the tunnel, "Come on lads" he said quite upbeat. The Brazilians were already their, and sure enough Rivaldo, Zé Roberto, Cafu, Jardel, Elber, surprising Roberto Carlos had been dropped to the bench, but that didn't stop me leaving a parcel in my pants. So to a tremendous, roar...Brazil entered the pitch, Mark was tying his boot laces, we shortly follow to a smaller, but no less soil inducing, roar. We lined up and being the second team again the Brazilian national anthem was played first.

As I stood quietly through that anthem all I could think of was sex, I hadn't even had a tommy in 2 weeks I was ready to explode, but I got over it and as I began to drift into a day dream the Canadian National Anthem began...

"O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."

Despite the blaring Anthem all I could think of was Pantera - Cemetary Gates. That would probably be because it was playing in my Walkman, but it being my ultimate get going song I was raring to go. The Canucks sang proudly their little nation (in footballing terms, by no strech of the imagination is this to do with land) was playing the might of 4 time world Champions Brazil. My proud Canucks now lined up and looked a little nervous, Radzinski signalled the Ok to me that he was feeling fine and his injury wasn't bothering him at all. Bircham lined up his defence, dictating where they would be and the limits of their movement unless he stated otherwise, or other certain occassions. Hargreaves tried the same, telling his wingers to watch the wingbacks, Cafu and Zé Roberto, he tried to tell Bent, but he didn't listen he was my main man for this match, he was the linch pin he knew what he had to do and needed no one to tell him how to do it. He was a determined fellow this guy, he was my Edgar Davids, he had the dreds and skin colour and all, I tried to offer him some cool glasses but he thought that was stupid, he was right you know.

(I think I'm going to follow this match form my eyes, something a little different to spice it up, with out the sex of course, well we will see on that one...)

The Tosu stadium in Tosu looked packed from where I stood, it was a warm night with light shower's, which was good for my boys. I was sporting my sharp suite with long coat to go with it, but in true Sersi Cosmi fashion I had the trainers and baseball cap to add that extra class.

I looked at the referee to see what the fuck was going on shouldn't this have started we've been out here for about an hour, or so it seemed to me. Just as I was thinking this Héctor Baldassi blew the whistle, Brazil kicked off and the game had begun.

I noticed Brazil had of course been playing my predicted 3-4-3 formation with this line up:

GK Dida - Good keeper had played the season with Zaragoza and would be a problem for us.

DC Juarez - Lecce defender, has performed consistently for a few years at Lecce, not the best but still good.
DC Odvan - Good defender, the centre of the defence but not the best defender in the team, plays in Brazil with Vasco.
DC Narciso - Great defender/wing back, is great in defence and can get forward, not in this formation though, has aggread a move to Feyenord after the finals for £7million. Captain of the team.

MR Cafu - We all know who he is and how good he is, plays for Milan after a bosman in 2000.
ML Zé Roberto - Again a face most will be familiar with. Earned a big big big priced move to Bayern Munich two years ago, will be a big threat, not the best at defence unlike his other winger.
MC Rivaldo - Oh no I've soiled my garments again, currently the best midfielder in the world, complete in almost every department, a big transfer to AC Milan in 2000 has seen him dominate Italian and European defences for 2 years now.
MC Flavio Conceicao - Still with Deportivo this defensive midfielder is World Class.

FR Robson - Signed for San Jose Earthquakes in 2000 and played for 18 months becoming the best player in the league, behind all my Metrostars players, then earned a big money move to Bayern Munich last summer and has done well, only his 3rd cap.
FL Elber - Still with Bayern is Brazil's top marksman but I'm more afraid of Jardel, he can still punish us, one of the best strikers in the World game.
FC Jardel - Cue bladder relaxation. Another Bayern player after a big money move. One of the most feared strikers in Europe, not a lot of International experience leading up to the tournament, but the most deadly marksman in Europe, won World Player of the Year in 2001.

So now that the game had just kicked off I settled down for some good and shit scary football. Nothing much happened for 10 minutes or so, so we catch up with the action after 12 minutes.

12 minutes
Hargreaves wins the ball in the middle of the park, he runs forward. He spots the run of Sulentic into the box, he sets him up, Sulentic chases, he managed to get to the ball and hits a shot...

"Could this be it?" (my Monolouge here)

Just over the bar, he was surrounded by defenders who did enough to put him off.

17 minutes
Conceicao passes the ball ahead of Robson in the area, he gets through on goal and blasts it towards the top corner...Saved by Forrest and he held that one well too.

18 minutes
Forrest throws the ball out to Brennan who plays a 40 yard ball down the line onto the run of Nash. Nash looks to take on Cafu...nicely done, Nash has rounded Cafu and is now wide on the left, he is forced to the byline by Narciso, but Narciso has conceeded a corner.

Bircham takes this corner, whipped into the far post...but its headed clear by Rivaldo.

"The game is fucking tight now, Brazil have had a few shots but only from afar. Bloody hell lads try and be more adventurous in the attack, risk something we need a goal at least."

(out of the monologue now for future reference and talking outloud)

"Right lads fucking move you useless cunts, risk something towards the attack, but don't get too adventurous, we aren't Clint Eastwoods, if we fire our guns the opponents do get a chance to fire back, and their more accurate than us, so really they are Clint Eastwood and we are some unnamed loser...right forget that just fucking try more to hit on the counter."

27 minutes
Robson now with the ball for Brazil, hes making a good run, Canada are backing off a little.

"Fucking idiots." "Close him down you useless cunts dear christ I say Press them and you sit back, fucking idiots, go go go."

"Eh...you alright boss" says Geoff my right hand man in slight worry. "Ah its the beautful game isnt it, shit happens."

Robson managed to shrug off Rodgers shoulder barge and is in the box, he shoots low towards the goal...oh just wide Skinner did enough to put him off, he closed him down well.

"Now you get it, well done lad, earning his first cap you know Geoff."

31 minutes
Bircham is coming forward with the ball hes passed into midfield teritory, he spies Bunbury making a run, he chips it forward. Thats gone over the running defenders head and Bunbury controls beatifully, hes through on goal, one-on-one with the keeper...(At this stage I'm out of my seat and wont be sitting for some time)

He looks to go past the keeper, he knocks it on...

But no Dida has caught him on the way by, is this inside the box, yes it is penalty...The referee shows Dida a yellow card.

"What no red fuck sake ref come on."

"Holy shit a penalty, come on Marko put this fucking thing in the back of the net, holy shit what a chance, yooooooooo."

"Eh...Keep your head son, like me."

32 minutes
Mark Bircham places the ball on the spot he could now give Canada their first ever goal in a World Cup Finals. There appears to be some commotion near the dugout before this can be taken the ref has stopped the play. Manager Ross Lindsay is trying to get further down the line but has been told to stay in his box, hes having a few words with the 4th official but I think its going to be resolved.

"If you leave this box again I might send you off." Yeah thats what he thinks.

Right now thats settled Bircham steps up to hit the penaltly he looks confident can he do it.

Bircham begins his run up, he strikes the ball, its...

"Oh bollocks I dont want to look, ok fuck it here I go...come on Marko, oh hes doing it fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck is it, is it? Oh bollocks its..."

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

What happened with the penalty??????

[ 21 July 2003: Message edited by: Gabriel Omar Batistuta #9 [awhec] ]

--------------------

An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gabriel Omar Batistuta #9 [awhec]:
What happened with the penalty??????

---

Suspense my friend suspense, plus it was getting late.

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

--------------------

A fool and his money....

"...In GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL...Holy bollocks hes done it, thats it I'm celebrating with the lads."

...Yes its in Canada have got their first ever goal in a World Cup Finals, what a moment for Captain Mark Bircham.

And whats this manager Ross Lindsay has sprinted onto the pitch as the Canadian players run away in celebration heading to the corner flag, so does the manager.

As Bircham reaches the Corner Flag hes tackled by his Manager in celebration, and a Pile Up begins. I've never seen anything like it the manager is at the bottom of a pile up. I don't know if hell be on the pitch to what the restart to the game though.

"Ah fuck what they think, we scored a fucking goal."

The celebration is going on and on and it seems the whole Canadian bench want to join in the celebration and are running towards the players. Its a 25 man pile up here, with Manager Ross Lindsay and goal scorer Mark Bircham at the bottom. This is a remarkable story and you can see how much it means to players, and managers, and fans alike. The Canucks are 1-0 up against the Brazilians.

33 minutes
Its taken a while to restart the game after the scenes there and I can confirm that manager Ross Lindsay has been given a final warning and has not be sent from the dugout. You can see the mud stains down the front of his previously white shirt.

Robson now with the ball for Brazil. Hes 25 yards from goal and hits a long range shot...Saved and held by Forrest, hes performed well tonight.

Can the Canucks hold out till half time.

35 minutes
A goal kick by Forrest, but thats nodded down by Narciso to Odvan. Hes hit that first time from 50 yards out...Robson has got onto the end of it and headed towards goal...Well wide, it was a very very difficult chance.

36 minutes
Rivaldo plays it out left to Zé Roberto, who uses his blistering pace to collect the ball and head down the left, he comes up against the challenge of Skinner, but plays it to Jardel in the area instead. Jardel shots on his right foot...but thats gone horribly wide, a bad attempt but the credit must go to Marc Bircham as he closed him down well.

43 minutes
Canda have held out for 10 minutes now can they hold on until half time. Forrest saved the latest Jardel effort, but its Robson running at the defence again. He manges to get into the area this is good run he tried his luck to chip the ball...

Its off the post...

And its in, Robson scores with a few minutes left to play in the first half, how unlucky for the Canadians but what a good goal from Robson, his first for Brazil.

Canada 1-1 Brazil

45 minutes
Cafu with the ball for Brazil on the right in what must surely be the final attack of the half. Hes cut inside well and manages to take the ball into the area, he shoots...Oh finger tip save by Forrest. What a save it would have been a superb goal.

And thats half time. The half time score is Canada 1-1 Brazil. It has been an amazing story for the Canadians, scoring their first World Cup goal against Brazil is probably fitting of the effort and enthusiasm of this Candian side. You could see from the celebrations of that goal that Ross Lindsay has a very close relationship with his players and they have a close relationship with each. He has this team prepared excellently for this game, both phiscally and mentally, lets just hope these underdogs can Hold on for the draw.

"Holy shit 1-1 at half time, better than I imagined. We can do it we can hold on. What am I gonna say to the lads, oh who fucking cares we went 1-0 against the Brazilians."

The teams are now coming out for the second half and it doesnt appear there have been any changes by either manager.

"The game is yet to pick up but we are playing good possesion football. Lets see what we can do with it."

48 minutes
Narciso made a bad challenge on Radzinski and was shown the yellow card.

49 minutes
Rodgers collected the ball, he brought it forward. He lumps that forward towards the area. And Bunbury jumps with Juarez, Juarez clears. But the referee blew his whistle, the challenge from Juarez was deemed unfair and a free kick has been awarded. Bunbury strikes the freekick...Just over the bar, no real trouble for the Brazilians.

51 minutes
Savio replaces Zé Roberto for Brazil, a straight swap seeing Savio hed out to the left wing.

Savio collects the ball, his first touch, he runs forward with the ball, hes got space to run into. He attempts a shot at goal...Cannons back of the crossbar...Bircham collects the ball and clears it forward to Hargreaves...

54 minutes
Narciso lifts the ball forward hes looking for Jardel. Jardel's nodded it on into the run of Savio, he looks to go past Rodgers...Rodgers bodychecked him, free kick to Brazil. Robson strikes the freekick...Just wide.

58 minutes
Evanilson is coming on for Narciso, he was tiring after the effort hes put into the Brazilian attack and defence.

"Oh shit they've changed formation. Fuck they've gone back to the 4-3-2-1 formation, the sneaky cunts. Bollocks time for some intructions."

"Right lads, Bent stay with Rivaldo, Hargreaves drop back a little. Marco stay with Jardel and now Rodgers mark up on Robson. A little more cautious now lads, more defence lets not throw this one away. Ill give the signal for the all out defence alright, not now, lets keep this game moving."

61 minutes
Sulentic has the ball wide on the right, he beats Savio, he runs up against the challenge of Odvan, he rounds him and swings in a deep cross from the byline. Nash is making a run from deep he strikes it on the volley...Oh saved by Dida that was a difficult chance but he made the most of it.

"Shitting fucking Bollocks, almost time to sit back."

64 minutes
Conceicao finds Rivaldo in the area who makes space for a shot on his left boot...Oh finger tip save by Forres to force the corner.

Savio looks to be injured and is coming off for Leonardo.

Leonardo takes the corner, Elber gets the header in...Held well by Forrest, who delivers the ball upfield.

"Right thats it, we aren't going to win this one time to fucking defend with all we've got."

"Right lads time to go for the all out defence. Marco, Rodgers, Jimbo, Jeff long balls, sit back as much as you can. Hargreaves, Bent drop back a lot, sit infront of the defence, but Bent keep on your man. Sulentic, Nash not so much running and watch your opposition wingbacks your wingbacks now. Big Alex, hold the ball up for the runs of Radzinski we could still pinch one, but make sure your not too far up the field. Tomasz you are effectivly the central midfield. Now lets fucking hold onto this we can do it."

"I sure hope this works. Oh I need a drink."

85 minutes
This really has been a slow game since that last Elber effort, but you have to say remarkable defending from Canada, this is a well disciplined team if ever I say one.

Ross Lindsay is making a double substitution.

Watson comes on for Hargreaves, Watson is a defender but can play midfield, Hargreaves is tired and this will add more to the midfield, which has not become the second defence.

And Thompson comes on for Radzinski. Thompson can pay defence, midfield or attack, but is most likely going to drop back deep leaving Bunbury as the sole striker for the final 5 minutes or so.

90 minutes
And its all over Canada have recorded an amazing 1-1 draw with Brazil in the World Cup. It will be remembered as the first Canadian goal at a World Cup, scored against four time Champions Brazil. And it is definatly fitting that captain Marc Bircham scores Canada's first ever goal in a World Cup Finals. It was a good performance by the Canadians considering the strength of the opposition but they stood tall to the Samba stars and you have to say in terms of what the result means did come out on top. Straight after the whistle captain Marc Bircham ran over to his manager, it does show how good a relationship he has with his players, and most improtantly his captian.

"Holy potatoes Batman we fucking drew 1-1 with Brazil. So basically we WON, yeah we won thats it. No you didn't, who said that? we did win. No you didn't it was 1-1. It was a moral victory and who said that?"

The Canadian players are extatic at this result, and you can see them exchanging shirts with the Brazilians with great pride. Rivaldo offers his shirt to his marker Jason Bent, and deservedly so, we hardly seen Rivaldo pull away from Bent allnight. Bircham rightfully so exchanging shirts with Jardel and Rodgers with Elber. Man of the match would have to be Robson after his first goal for Brazil but for team effort the Canadians come out on top. The Managers going to shake hands, oh and it appears Ross Lindsay pulled out of the shake at the last minute.

"Ha School Boy Error. Wouldn't talk to me at the draw would you, I showed you aye."

Oh and it appears Luxemburgo spat at Ross Lindsay, oh and hes not happy about that. There appears to be some kind of scuffle going on. This is despirate but it appears it has been broken up, there certainly is a lot of controversy surround this young manager Ross Lindsay. But I've been told he is the Gordan Strachan of Northern Ireland, minus the red hair, he is similar in stature and personality. Well thats it the Canadian team leave the field to a standing ovation from these fans.

In the dressing room.

"Well lads what more can I say, a draw against the Brazilians, it think it speaks for itself. And Marco I think I speak for everyone here when I say that it was fitting that you get the first goal for Canada in a World Cup finals, well done. Now we just have to keep your cool and not get over excited, we just need to have a good game against the Kuwaitis and hope for the best."

And so ends Wednesday 19th June 2002. An amazing day for all Canadian "soccer" fans, and neutrals of course as Canada provide most likely the upset of the tournament, definatly so far. Now I shall chart my travels from the Tosu stadium to the Mizuho stadium in Nagoya. But before I shall make a forgotten rundown of the other results in the first group matches. I forgot to do this before the Brazil game.

The other notable results:

All ties in Group C, and Russia beat Wales 2-1 in Group D, while Italy narrowly beat Morocco.

Colombia beat Mali in Group E, where as Portugal take a 3-0 lead over Argentina 30 minutes only to lose 5-3 12 minute 4 goal brace in the second half.

Paraguay upset in Group F with a 1-1 draw with England and unsurprisingly Holland beat Ghana 2-0 in the same group.

In Group H Denmark beat Mexico comfortable 2-0 where as a major upset occurs for Sammy's men, Northern Ireland beat Germany 2-1 after a last minute goal from 19 year-old Monza midfielder Ross Lindsay (no relation). I spoke to Sammy that night and he was extactic it puts N. Ireland in a brilliant position.

In group G all goes according to plan as Spain beat South Korea and the USA beat China.

-----------------------------------

After our game at Brazil I set the standard training regime at our bace as Kuwait were not really a match for us, despite being seeded above us. So I was able to watch some of the other games.

A day after our game, Nigeria beat Romania while Uruguay beat hosts Japan.

In group D Italy beat Russia almost too easily, 3-0 the score, while Wales only managed a draw with Morocco. Italy are being tipped to win this tourny.

In Group E however Colombia pulled off a slight upset holding the Highscoring Argies to a 0-0 draw, and Portugal get back on track with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Mali, They have their work cut out to qualify.

In group F England beat Ghana unconvincingly 2-1 where as Holland qualify for the quarters with a 2-0 win over Paraguay.

In Group H Germany beat Mexico 1-0 to put the Mexicans out and give themselves and slim chance. Northern Ireland crash 3-0 to the Danes who thus qualify for the Second Round.

In group G draws alround as China 1-1 South Korea, and USA upset the spaniards 1-1, leaving those too battling for top spot.

That sums up the results before our game against Kuwait which was approaching fast. Radzinski passed a fitness test and was now 100%, and raring to go. We would again have an evening match with Ireland vs. Yugslavia and France vs. South Africa in the afternoon.

That concludes todays update thank you for reading.

[ 24 July 2003: Message edited by: Il Fuce ]

[ 24 July 2003: Message edited by: Il Fuce ]

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

KUTGW

--------------------

An epic quest of a non-french team battling for the Most French Titles record

When you’re looking at life,
In a strange new room,
Maybe drowning soon,
Is this the start of it all?

Awhec (11 Caps/ 20 Goals)
Team - Apps - Goals
Toluca - 35(23) - 63
Chivas - 73 - 111

Tranmere's star strike force consists of:

Iain Hume: unquestionably the most talented player to come out of Canada. The future of canadian football made his Tranmere debut at 16 and his Canada debut at 18
Simon Haworth: big Welsh striker

A story about Canada I hear, well it'll be good to see Hume to star in a TMD story but where is he

no where to be seen that's where, didn't even make the nearlies. Even super Simon got a mention somewhere.

Shame on you, I'll remember this in the voting.

--------------------

I am leaving for parts unknown for 2 weeks. So the story will unfortunatly have to wait.

I had intended on kramming it into the last few days, but then I decided that it was not feesible, or rather I couldnt be arsed.

So unfortunatly I will have to continue the story two weeks from Sunday.

Keep a look out when the time comes.

I hope you enjoy the finale

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

--------------------------

So the team coach pulled up to the stadium, the moderatly sized, yet well furnished Mizuho in Nagoya was expecting a full crowd surprisingly for the game between Canada and Kuwait. As the coach came to a stop I stood up at the front and said to the lads.

"Listen lads, if we win this and Croatia get beat we can go through to the next round."

"Eh...coach?"

"It's boss Marco, but what?"

"We can't go through if Croatia lose."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"The positions go on results between the teams, not goal difference. So if Croatia lose and we win, Croatia go through because they beat us."

"You jokin' right, no chance, goal difference is the only logical way, surely...Geoff?"

"It's true boss I thought you knew that, thats why we didn't bother to speak about it."

"But, but, what so, what, no...BOOLLLLLOOOCCKKSSSS."

*Note, this actually happened and got a huge shock when I found out.

"Right then lads, knowing this we'll just play freely and show the world that Canada is on the footballing map. How does a first win at the World Cup sound boys?...of course I'll be lodging a formal complaint and recommend an ammendment to the rules.

Alright lads lets go."

So off the bus we stepped, felt like I'd had a steel penis driven up my arsehole, oh now wait that was last night with Sergio, anyway it felt like that again.

So knowing we were fucked, I walked the lads proudly into the dressing room, said nothing and told them, to play the game we've always played, no extra tactics needed for this one, just show the world our beautiful Canadian brand of "soccer".

"We bring you now live coverage of the match Canada vs. Kuwait from the Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. The teams are as follows."

[b]Canada

(4-4-fucking-2, no other)

1. Craig Forrest
2. Jeff Skinnner
3. Jim Brennan
4. Marc Bircham (c)
5. Mark Rodgers
6. Jason Bent
7. John Sulentic
8. Owen Hargreaves
9. Alex Bunbury
10. Tomasz Radzinski
11. Martin Nash

Kuwait

1. Hennig
2. Al-Owairan
3. Al-Temawi
4. Gahwaji
5. Bouzaine
6. Al-Muwallid
7. Acimi
8. Malik
9. Turina
10. Ai Houwaidi
11. Al-Temawi

Ai Houwaidi is the danger man upfront and anywhere actually, hes worth over £4million and plays in France for Montpellier. Kuwait will be playing a 5-3-2 formation with Direct passing nothing fancy allowing us to play our game the way we like it.

0 minutes
Kuwait kick off the game. They look happy just to sit back and defend.

10 minutes
Corner to Canada. Hargreaves whipped the ball in...Al-Temawi got about Bunbury to clear.

12 minutes
Acimi ran with the ball, he passed it through to Ai Houwaidi in the area. Ai Houwaidi made some space and fired it in low...Saved by Forrest who tipped the ball away.

13 minutes
The ball is collected by Hargreaves who moved forward with the ball. Hargreaves moves the ball foward to Nash. Nash making a good run, and drives the ball infront of Sulentic's run. Sulentic controlled it on his chest and continued his run. He rounds the left back and gets to the byline. Sulentic swings in a deep cross to the back post. Its gone past the defence and Nash now picks it up outside the area.

Nash has worked his way into the area rounding two players...oh hes dispossesed by Al-Owairan. A signal of intent from Canada.

20 minutes

Bent fought well to win the loose ball. Bent played it forward for Radzinski, who collects the ball. Radzinski continues his run, he runs up against the challenge of Al-Muwallid. Hes beaten Al-Muwallid and is into the area. He takes it on his right and smashes it in low...

GOOOOOOAAAALLLLLLLLLLL

RADZINSKI scores for Canada.

Radzinski gets his 10th goal for Canada and Canada are 1-0 up.

22 minutes

Hargreaves had the ball in the middle of the park, he lobbed a 45 yard pass into the area hoping Radzinski would get on the end of it. Radzinski gets up to head at goaaaalll...

Oh Well held by the goalkeeper.

37 minutes

Nash made a good run down the left. He swung in a cross, it was cleared by the defender. The ball fell to Bunbury who controlled well and in one move attempted to hit it low... Oh just saved by Hennig.

40 minutes

Bunbury ran with the ball, but hes stopped in his tracks by Gahwaji. The ball falls to Sulentic who attempted a powerful shot at the top corner... Saved well by Hennig. Hes really keeping his team in the game.

42 minutes

Hargreaves moved the ball left for Bent. Bent collected the ball and with one touch moved the ball into the area for Bunbury. Bunbury showed good control, and shoots...oh just wide of the goal, he was under pressure.

45 minutes

Corner to Canada on the stroke of half time. Hargreaves hits the corner. Bunbury got above his defender to head at goal...Oh just tipped over by Hennig. Another corner. Hargreaves again...this time its cleared by Malik.

The half time whitle sounds and what a performance Canada have put on. With seemingly nothing to play for other than pride, they are really going for it here.

Manager Ross Lindsay can be proud of his teams performace in the first half.

I followed the lads into the dressing room, they we happy but there was an air of dissappointment that their efforts would amount to nothing.

"Listen lads that was great, but...*sigh*...I can feel the tension here. I know we can go nowhere but come on lets really show them what we can do. They seen it in glimpses against Brazil, the kind of attacking football we can play. But mainly weve shown them what good a defensive team we can be, now lets show them how good an attacking (or offensive if you like) team we can be. Come on lads sexy football huh?"

"Aye your right...boss...we can show these guys we aren't here for an ass whopping (bloody american-ish terms), we are here to show the footballing world what we can do."

"Good Marco now the bells going to ring soon, why dont you lead the boys out early?"

So hear they come for the second half. Some proud heads out there, are they looking at something in the sky.

Word is coming through that the halftime score in the match between Brazil and Croatia is 0-0.

45 minutes
Canada kick off this half.

49 minutes

Its a goal kick to Canada and Forrest lumps that one upfield. Radzinski has picked up the long ball with some superb control and is now in a very good position. He tried to find Bunbury in the area with a beautiful pass. Bunbury picked the ball up with fine control and bears donw on goal...

Bunbury with a fine chip over the goalkeeper...

GOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL

Bunbury scores for Canada with an amazing goal. What a send off in Bunbury's final game for Canada.

Canada 2-0 Kuwait And you must say its a deserved goal for such a great servant to Canadian football. The Cannucks lead with over 40 minutes left to play.

Kuwait have now started to push more into the attack.

54 minutes

Ai Houwaidi with a good run, Canada are backing off, hes got no space to run and attempts a shot...well saved by Forrest.

Kuwait made a few changes.

Acimi off for Alleyne
Ghawaji off for Al-Harbi

56 minutes

Hargreaves moved the ball left to the advancing wingback Brennan. Brennan lofted a 50 yard pass towards the area. Radzinski got up to head at goal...

Finger tip save by Hennig but the balls gone lose. Cleared by the defender.

58 minutes

Bircham lost possession and Turnina picked up the loose ball. Turina advanced on the keeper. Hit high towards goal...But it goes over the cross bar. Bircham was back to cover his mistake, he got away with that one.

61 minutes

Nash took control of the ball. He sprinted down the left wing with the ball. He passed it low into the area for Radzinski. Radzinski hit a low shot...oh just wide. Superb play by Canada, they are playing some amazing football today.

64 minutes

Hargreaves moved forward with the ball. He got into the area and attempted a shot on goal...Well saved by Hennig.

71 minutes

Alleyne is pushed by Rodgers and its a freekick. Al-Muwallid hit the freekick...just clipped the outside of the post and went wide.

72 minutes

Canada made a few substitutions.

Sulentic came off for Dauda, and Skinner now moved to right midfield
Hargreaves came off for Allnutt
Bunbury gets a huge applause from the travelling Canuck fans (all 3 of them) as he leaves the pitch to be replaced by Peschisolido.

86 minutes
Brennan passes the ball foward for Bent. Bent turned on the ball and began his run. He moved forward towards the area. Bent shaped up for a shot from 25 yards out... Over the bar.

90 minutes

And the final whistle has blown and Canada have recorded their first ever victory in a World Cup. They do not advance to the next stage despite Brazil beating Croatia 2-0, which much surely be considered a travesty.

Radzinski gave a great performance after his late recall to the World Cup squad and earns man of the match with a goal and an assist in this match.

Manager Ross Lindsay must surely be proud of his team as we have seen some flowing attacking football here today. A great performance from a truely proud side. We can only hope that Canada can go on from here to bigger and better things.

---------------------------

Next update will include the end off the World Cup and the aftermath of the match...Followed by the ending to the Canadian adventure in the Far East, and my adventure as Canadian manager.

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

--------------------------

As I shook Abdul Kuwatianimatinpan's hand and exchanged Jackets (for no particular reason but its unlikely either of us would be at another World Cup), I felt a sense of pride as I my team exchanged shirts and all that hoha. The lads turned to walk off the pitch and I said to them, as well as Abdul.

"Come on, both teams...lap of the pitch, I doubt we'll be back here again."

Abdul agreed and informed his team. So we set off on an historic lap of that pitch. Kuwaitis and Canucks mixing it up, it was almost beautiful. But not being a sensetive guy I was not overly moved. But the lap ended and the Canucks left the pitch that day men, or great men as most of them already were men.

When asked for an interview in the tunnel by the Canadian news camera (proper fucking news, not just shitting sports news, or at least I'd only seen shitting sports news crews to my soccer team's matches), I agreed but had other things than an interview on my mind.

"So you've just done the whole Canadian nation proud, infact you've even beaten the Americans by drawing with Brazil, how does this make you feel to know you've made the people of Canada aware of the achievements of the Canadian team, and indeed the world of Soccer?"

"First of, its football. Now I don't have much to say but this.

"If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can dream -- and not make dreams your master;
If you can think -- and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings -- nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run --
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And -- which is more -- you'll be a Man, my son"

Thank you gentlemen I think that typified our performances at these finals. Except these men have not because men, they've become Legends."

I walked away from the stadium that day a proud man. Proud to have led an underdog team to the finals, and even prouder to have led that team to a miraculous performance against the best side in the World, and score Canada's first World Cup goal in the process. Also to notch up a win and claim a good finish with 4 points, only to lose out by a technicality to Croatia. They had their glory in '98, it should have been us I said. But after those early questions before the match, I no longer questioned our leaving.

--------------------

(Oh look at me im all poetic-ish, its not mine and meaningful) - not really though

That day Brazil beat Croatia 2-0 easily, it should have been more as they dominated the game by the looks of it. France also beat South Africa 4-1 to book their place in the Second Round, as did Yugoslavia who put out Ireland, 1-0 to claim their place.

The following day Nigeria and Romania went through from their group recording 2-0 victories each over Uruguay and Japan respectively. Italy and Russia also joined them, despite Italy going down 2-0 to the eliminated Wales.

On the Thursday Portugal went down 1-0 to Columbia and thus out of the competition, Argentina stuffed Mali 7-0 to make it through, now hot favorites for the title. Holland and Paraguay joined these two in the second round, Paraguay beating Ghana 2-0 and Holland stuffing England 3-0 and sending them home with their balls in their handbags (hehe).

On the Friday Spain and South Korea booked their places after both winning. Korea beat USA meaning we had a better record at the final than our bastard cousins. And the final spots in the second round went to Denmark and Sammy's Northern Ireland. N. Ireland beat Mexico which meant that out of the CONCACAF teams we had the best record at the finals this year.

So the draw for the Second Round

France vs. Croatia
Italy vs. Romania
Colombia vs. Paraguay
South Korea vs. Denmark
Brazil vs. Yugoslavia
Nigeria vs. Russia
Holland vs. Argentina
Spain vs. Northern Ireland

Some tough draws but heres how it turned out.

France 4 vs. 1 Croatia - Zidane and Vairelles getting two apiece, stuffing these cunts who took our place. Stanic got a consolation.

Italy 2 vs. 1 Romania - A strong Italian performance, Montella and Inzaghi getting the goals. Italy look a strong team.

Colombiap 2 vs. 2 Paraguay - A tough South American Battle but Colombia won on Pens. Angel amoung the scorers as well as wonderkind Sant Cruz.

South Korea 0 vs. 1 Denmark - Denmark destroyed Korea but couldnt finish. Benfica's Mads Jorgensen getting a goal in the 84 minute.

Brazil 1 vs. 2 aetYugoslavia - All goals in extra time, some turn up for the books. Lucky escape for the Slavs, how far can they go though.

Nigeria 1 vs. 3 Russia - Mostovoi got a double as Russia rode the Red horse to the Quarters.

Holland 0 vs. 2 Argentina - Aregentina are hot favorites for sure now. Almeyda early on, then Aimar finished the game in the 90th minute.

Spain 0 vs. 1 Northern Ireland - Big Sammy will be jumping with joy here. His unfancied Northern Ireland side toppled the Spaniards. Ashley Ward gettin the sole goal on 67 minutes to remind the Spaniards of Spain '82.

Quarter Finals

An exciting quarter final draw sees this happening

Colombia vs. Denmark
France vs. Italy - '98 revenge surely
Argentina vs. Northern Ireland - hard Luck big Sammy.
Yugoslavia vs. Russia

Three big names left but one must go. The winner of that would normally be favorite but can the Argies bring back a 3rd World Cup.

Heres how it turned out.

Colombiap 0 vs. 0 Denmark - A man of the match award for Colombian Keeper Oscar Cordoba as they march on to the semis.

France 0 vs. 0 pItaly - Just like '98 eh, except this time the Italians came out on top. Anelka missing the penultimate penalty to put the Italians through.

Argentina 4 vs. 2 Northern Ireland - unfortunatly the ball stops rolling here. But we gave it a fair go. Hughes and Harkins put us two up before the break. But there is no stopping the Argies. 4 second half goals showed why they are the hot favorites. Ortega got two to bury us.

Yugoslavia 1 vs. 0 Russia - Another slow Quarter Final but at least there was a goal. Bogdanovic scoring in the 67th minute.

Semi Final

The big one now this is the draw.

Italy vs. Colombia

Yugoslavia vs. Argentina

So the favorite avoid each other, predicted outcomes anyone.

And heres how it ended up

Italy 3 vs. 0 Colombia - 100,000 saw this one in Seoul as Italy thumped 3 past Quarter Final hero Córdoba. Totti amoungst the scorers, so who will they face in the final.

Yugoslavia 0 vs. 1 Argentina - Argentina had control of the game but were lucky to score. Jevric in the Yugoslav goal was amazing, MOM for him, but he couldnt stop the magic of Ortega weaving his way in to score a magnificent goal and take Argentina to the Final.

Third Place Playoff

Colombia 2 vs. 1 Yugoslavia - An interesting game. Colombia had a man sent off on 75 minutes with the score 0-0, then Diego Serna scored two in 2 minutes, before a Da Silva own goal threatened to ruin the party after a late Yugoslav serge on Córdoba's goal. All turned out well in the end. 90,000 in Yokohamma for that one.

FINAL

We all the know the draw but ill give it anyway, because it looks nice.

Italy vs. Argentina

62,000 in Tokoyo for this game. Heres the squad lists

Italy

4-4-2

1. Buffon
2. Torricelli
3. Nesta
4. Cannavaro
5. Iuliano
6. Totti
7. Lucenti
8. Albertini
9. Vieri
10. Ventola
11. Zambrotta

Argentina

4-4-2 - Attacking Wingers.

1. Burgos
2. Martínez
3. Domínguez
4. Samuel
5. Paz
6. Claudio Lopéz
7. Almeyda
8. Crespo
9. Ortega
10. Verón
11. Aimar

That match was tense, both sides going for it, Argentina more so as an attacking team, but the Italian defence proved to stern a test, even for the magical Ortega.

Italy took the lead after 29 minutes in a bizarre way as an over hit cross by Zambrotta landed in the net.

Ortega was brought off at half time after a bad performance, but surely he was one man to turn it around, if any.

Argentina played well but couldnt break down the stern Italian defence and on 55 minutes Zamrotta squeezed his way into the box to score from a tight angle, and finish off the Argies.

Final Score

Italy 2 vs 0 Argentina
Zambrotta 29, 55

World Cup Winners 2002

ITALY

-------------------------

So that end my round off the World Cup, next I will continue the World Cup afters with two friendlies arranched.

code:

---

================================================================================================
 2002 Fixtures
================================================================================================
Date      Opposition                 Ven  Competition                     Res    Attend  Scorers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.8.02   Trinidad & Tobago           H   Friendly                        ---    -----   
20.11.02  Togo                        H   Friendly                        ---    -----   
15.12.02  Honduras                    H   Friendly                        ---    -----   
  

---

And the farewell to Alex Bunbury.

Thank you for reading, until the next post.

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

* Julian De Guzman
This guy is the future of Canadian soccer, he is one of the countries best midfielders. He plays for Hannover 96 in the Budisliga.

* Paul Stalteri
Another great midfielder who plays for Weder Bremmen in the Bundisliga.

* Tony Menezes
Very good defender, regular on the Canadian national team IRL. He starts of not playing for anyone at the beginning of the game, but usually gets picked up by a club.

Oh and IRL Craig Forrest retired about a year ago. He now does commentary for EPL games over here every saturday. And Onstad now plays in the MLS and has quickly become one of the best keepers there.

[ 03 September 2003: Message edited by: SCARTOWN ]

[ 03 September 2003: Message edited by: SCARTOWN ]

--------------------

See I used CM9900 and on a minimum database so had to use a save-game editor cheat thing to manage them...it was worth it though.

Stalteri isnt in my game, but is on this version. not sure about the other two, but ive heard of them as I did research and shit before i started the story, and during.

A fellow Canadian of yours, SMIMH, has already mentioned me as an honourary Canuck, so I am proud of that. And this story gets me votes in the Best Writer Award...I can 2 nd first time around, im out of this one though, the bastards.

Story should resume this weekend, but expect a shocking twist.

And I knew Forrest had retired, didnt know what he was doing like. And Onstad is really young in the game because it didnt know his real age, but really hes an old git...and I know where he plays, San Jose 'quakes I think. I quite like MLS and watch it the odd time...even still I had to do research on it like.

Couldnt get much info on the likes of Jeff Skinner, and John Sulentic, they play in the Canadian league thing.

Oh and Ive been told about Stalteri lacking in my story by Stuart McCall is my Hero (SMIMH), its only the Canadians who warned me of this.

Anywho thanks for reading...

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

--------------------

-------------------------

So with these friendlies to round off the year, I wasnt expecting to lose a game, although Togo might give me a problem as they are an unknown team from this part of the world. And having a few decent players like Kwami Hodouto who plays for Spurs, Kwami Agboh who plays for Auxerre, and the one I actually know of, Bachirou Salou, plays for TeBe Berlin now but formerly of Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund.

code:

---

================================================================================================
 2002 Fixtures
================================================================================================
Date      Opposition                 Ven  Competition                     Res    Attend  Scorers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.8.02   Trinidad & Tobago           H   Friendly                        ---    -----   
20.11.02  Togo                        H   Friendly                        ---    -----   
15.12.02  Honduras                    H   Friendly                        ---    -----   
  

---

With the Trinidad and Tobago game fast approaching I had to decide on how I was going to evolve my team after the World Cup. I was considering, for these friendlies at least giving some youth a chance, and even just fringe players. But with there not being many talented youngsters or even players outside of my current team it was a tough job.

I had to decide if Alex Bunbury had enough in him to continue until his retirement, and the same with Craig Forrest. I thought Bunbury could help out the youngsters in the squad, and also I had really no talented strikers outside of Radzinski, Corrazin, Bunbury and Peschisolido. Forrest I had decided would be left out as I had one or two keepers who were worth a look.

So with two weeks to match day I had to name the squad. I decided that I would exclude these players from the "Roster" (im being Americanised) who were part of the World Cup squad.

Tomasz Radzinski - S C - Injured
Craig Forrest - GK
Mark Watson - D/DM C
Sergio De Luca - M C
Terry Galloway - M L

And I announced to the small media room the squad for the friendly against Trinidad and Tobago at Home in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

code:

---

================================================================================================
 Squad
================================================================================================
No  Name                       Position(s)  Nat  Born      Age  Caps Gls  Wages     Expires   Value
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-   Allnutt, Yari              AM C         CAN  20.9.70   32   3    -    £200      12.1.05   £10K      
-   Arghittu, Carlo            AM/F R       CAN  5.1.80    22   3    1    £240      17.1.04   £35K      
-   Bent, Jason                M C          CAN  8.3.77    25   14   2    £250      19.6.04   £140K     
-   Bircham, Marc              D/DM RC      CAN  7.5.78    24   26   2    £4.1K     12.6.06   £3.1M     
-   Bodnark, Richard           D RLC        CAN  2.1.80    22   -    -    £130      3.1.05    £15K      
-   Brennan, Jim               D/DM L       CAN  8.5.77    25   16   -    £800      7.6.07    £180K     
-   Bunbury, Alex              S C          CAN  18.6.67   35   19   16   £3.9K     8.1.04    £300K     
-   Cerna, Marco               GK           CAN  24.4.77   25   -    -    £110      23.1.05   £10K      
-   Corazzin, Carlo            F RLC        CAN  25.12.71  30   38   5    £900      6.6.04    £45K      
-   Dauda, Fuseini             D RL         CAN  29.5.75   27   5    -    £150      20.1.05   £20K      
-   Fenwick, Paul              D C          CAN  25.8.69   33   4    -    £875      24.6.03   £25K      
-   Hargreaves, Owen           M C          CAN  20.1.81   21   11   2    £3.6K     15.6.04   £2.3M     
-   Heald, Oliver              AM C         CAN  13.3.75   27   -    -    £600      18.1.06   £35K      
-   Jean-Baptiste, Gilbert     D C          CAN  19.2.73   29   1    -    £110      16.1.05   £10K      
-   Jordan, Jason              S C          CAN  4.4.80    22   1    -    £150      7.1.05    £9K       
-   Mofid, Kevin               D RC         CAN  30.7.82   20   12   -    £250      27.1.03   £230K     
-   Nash, Martin               AM RL        CAN  27.12.75  26   14   5    £3.5K     6.6.04    £80K      
-   Nouri, Alexander           M RC         CAN  20.8.79   23   1    -    £1.6K     23.1.05   £100K     
-   Onstad, Pat                GK           CAN  10.9.80   22   3    -    £1.5K     23.6.06   £600K     
-   Peschisolido, Paul         S C          CAN  25.5.71   31   46   8    £2.1K     6.6.03    £170K     
-   Pizzolitto, Nevio          D C          CAN  26.8.76   26   -    -    £110      16.1.07   £10K      
-   Rogers, Mark               D C          CAN  3.11.75   27   18   1    £2.1K     25.6.05   £100K     
-   Shepherd, Paul             GK           CAN  27.5.80   22   1    -    £110      15.1.05   £9K       
-   Skinner, Jeff              D/DM R       CAN  12.8.80   22   3    -    £140      9.1.05    £10K      
-   Sulentic, John             AM/F R       CAN  22.11.80  21   12   -    £200      17.1.06   £650K     
-   Thompson, Niall            D/DM/S C     CAN  16.4.74   28   16   4    £500      26.6.07   £200K     
  

---

So now heres a few new players worth a mention.

Alex Nouri - M RC - 23 Years old - A young German midfielder playing for Seattle, who I which I had have noticed before, as he would have been better back up than Sergio De Luca was, and would have gone to the World Cup. Alas because of his Canadian second nationality he slipped under my radar, but will now feature for a few years to come im sure.

Jason Jordan - S C - 22 years old - A young striker who has pace and decent finishing. That being it, he has never scored a goal for his club, Vancouver, in 2 years since he turned pro. Why he is still there I cant guess but he is preffered to my other useless backup striker who went to the World Cup, at first, Buzali, who was faster than Jordan, but couldnt finish for shit, although is a big lad so that helped him more than Jordans qualities did.

Carlo Arghittu - AM/F R - 22 years old - A good winger, he was always in contention for the right midfield spot, but Sulentic always just kept him out, has been in the squad before and has 2 caps to his name. Is fast and is lacking in passing a little, but isnt bad compared to the rest. Has good strength and workrate, as well as freekick taking ability, so should do well. I hope.

Paul Shepard - GK - 22 Years old - Always just behind Marco Cerna in the pecking order. Now that Im looking at other options for Forrest he is in as third choice, although I may give him his chance in the friendlies. Plays for Vancouver.

So that was the squad with a few regulars still involved but I was mainly looking to see how the youth of Canada got on in these friendlies.

So as the day approached I had already a decided starting 11 in my head, choosing who to sit on the bench was a tougher job.

So as I drove from my nice large house in Laval, near Montreal to the city itself and the team hotel on the eve of our match I thought that if I can get off to a good start after the World Cup I believe we can close the gap on the Mexico USA domination of this region (although Mexico dominating much more than the US as the past has shown). A win against Trinidad and Tobago would be a good result as they are a good outfit and amoung the stronger nations in the CONCACAF. Honduras in December would be even tougher a test as they are a stronger side.

Saturday 24th August 2002

Live from the Olympic Stadium, Montreal Canada

Canada
My team was as follows, playing my good old 4-4-2 system.

1. Pat Onstad

2. Jeff Skinner - DR
3. Fuseini Dauda - DL
4. Marc Bircham - DLC (c)
5. Kevin Mofid - DRC

6. Yari Allnutt - MLC
7. Carlo Arghittu - MR
8. Owen Hargreaves - MRC

9. Jason Jordan - FRC
10. Tomasz Radzinski - FLC

11. Martin Nash - ML

Trinidad and Tobago
4-3-3

1. Prudhoe
2. West
3. Ancil Elcock
4. Ndah
5. Shawan Boney
6. Clint Marcelle
7. Yaman Dann
8. Stern John
9. Briggs
10. Irasto Knights
11. Russell Latapy

Canada 3 - 1 Trinidad and Tobago
Radzinski 17..........Briggs 2
Arghittu 33
Rogers 47
Bircham sent off 29
Radzinski injured 74

It was a good game. Some greyed out loser Peter Briggs fired home after Stern John set him up in the box to give them an early lead. After that we took the game into our own hands and it resulted in a Radzinski goal when a cross from Hargreaves was flicked on by new boy Jason Jordan for Radzinski to knock a diving header into the goal. The game was still going our way until Bircham got sent off for a headbutt on Trinidadian rightback West. I know he deserved it so Bircham is still the captain. We had to switch to a 3 man defence and Dauda was sacrificed for old gun Gilberte Jean-Babtiste (Im just guessing hes french-canadian). They took the initiative as we struggled to get used to the new system. But still on the counter attack we scored. New boy Carlo Arghittu scored from a corner, after a Radzinski cross. The half played out evenly with them getting a few chances, as did we.

We were struggling a little with the defence but I kept faith as we could take advantage more of their 3 man in midfield with a 4 man midfield. And we scored on 47 minutes when a freekick by Jean-Baptiste was headed in by Mark Rodgers, who had come on at half time for Jeff Skinner, his first goal and he added much needed steal and experience to our defence. This improved our defence and we could then concentrate on some good passing and attacking football. We played out the game creating numerous chances, limiting the impressive Trinidadians to long range shots, and shots under pressure.

And so ended an impressive game. We deserved the win and this kept us in high spirits going into the end of the year.

--------------------

Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

It was the eve of squad selection day. I had just finished a nice meal with some of the FA executives (the Fat Cat bastards). It was just a small discussion on the future of the Canadian game. It was not a social meal so my wife need not attend. It was 11.30pm it was getting late and I thought I'd best get home. It was in a nice restaurant in the city of Montreal, so I had about a 30 minutes drive to get home and thought Id leave earlier than most.

I walked out to my car to drive home myself. I'd had a few to drink but I was fine, or at least I told myself I was. As I pulled out of the carpark and made my way to the "Freeway", (americanisation arrrggg.) which brought me out in the direction of my home, I started thinking about my Canucks amoung other things. With Pantera going silently on the stereo I was thinking about the good old days of the World Cup and preparation that it took. I had spent months beforehand watching countless videos of my opposition, none more so than Brazil. Looking for weakness and flaws. Studying individual players, and their games. Studying coaches and how they, well, coached. I had it all figured out. I had in my own mind failed at the World Cup in Korea and Japan. I was hoping that we could have made the Second Round, no further, I just felt we had the team. We were stronger mentaly than the Croatians, unfortunatly a cruel twist of fate had us lose that match in the 85th minute. I think our relative strength was shown when we miraculously drew with the Brazilians, and Croatia were later trounced by the same opposition. But we could not do what we could have done, when it really matter. There was no pressure for the Kuwaiti game and thats when we showed our talents. We had the strength in character, it unfortunatly took a lose to the Croats to give us a kick up the arse and show that character, as we scored our first World Cup goal and earned an amazing draw against the Brazilians.

As I was nearing home, I pulled off the "Freeway" and eventually got to the nice quite country road which lead to my current home. I knew I wouldnt be there forever as I wasnt going to live in Canada for many years.

I was looking to the World Cup 2006 and after that I was going back home, maybe to Europe even, see if I could get a club job. My reputation was on the rise and a few English clubs, really only Nationwide clubs had shown an interest. But I was looking foward to building a new team with the young lads. Building around the established players such as Bircham and Nash and Brennan. There were a few places beginngin to weaken, especially in attack. With Bunbury retiring at the end of the year and Corazzin and Peschisolido both over 30 I was looking to find some new strikers, but there wasnt many about. Some other areas were looking stronger. Midfield especially with Arghittu finally getting his chance and showing good promise. Alex Nouri, a young Canadian with German parents had decided to play for us, im sure because he wasnt good enough for Germany. Sergio De Luca was still young and Hargreaves was only 21, despite being an accomplished Canadian international, already having lead his country as Captain in the World Cup. Craig Forrest's recent decision to retire from international football had left the door open for the young and ever improving Pat Onstad (really hes old but CM fucked up his age to my benifit), and with Marco Cerna and Paul Sheppard still as back up, we had a good strong keeping base. Defence was looking a little shaky in its backup. Watson and Fenwick were getting old and looked out of the game for me. Bircham and Rodgers had a good few years left in them, Bircham being only 24 and captain of the team. The backup was the worry, mainly in the centre, the right and left back slots were well covered, by Brennan and Dauda on the left, and on the right by Mofid, Skinner and Dauda again if need be, as well as Birhcam if needed also. Jean-Baptiste's good performance against Trinidad and Tobago was encouraging and would start against Togo, barr injury for me that is.

"Ah only another 10 minutes or so till home. Heh, Ill be in trouble if the wifes not in bed."

Nial Thompson is another one I'm sure will be another one getting in the team more as some of the old guard give way. Hes only 28 and being so versatile I think at his age its time to find him a position. Hes played well at striker before, so maybe Ill give him a run out, see how he gets on, I need cover and hes certainly younger than Peschisolido and Corazzin. Ill see how him and Radzinski get on in the future. Bunbury should go into coaching with us I...

"Here now whats this..."

*Beeps horn*

"Holy shit get out of the fucking..."

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"

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gs82 - Probably the best backup in the world

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Saturday 6th November 2002

Shock News Report

"It can today be revealed that Canadian Soccer Coach, Ross Lindsay is dead."

"Yes Canadian Soccer Head Coach Ross Lindsay died last night after his car flew off the road into a ditch as he was driving him from a meeting with he Canadian FA. It is understood that Mr. Lindsay's car was forced to swerve to avoid the car infront and ended up off the road in a ditch. It is understood that the car driving infront of Mr. Lindsay had to make an immediate stop due to an obstruction in the road. It is not understood why Mr. Lindsay was unable to find other means of avoiding the situation, although it has been kept quite, it is understood that he may have been drinking. The Canadian FA executives had only this to say when asked if Mr. Lindsay was drinking or not on the night of the accident, "We can neither confirm or deny those allegations."

"The car was expected to have crashed of the road at 11.55pm. Police and medical teams did not arrive until 12.20am and by this stage Mr. Lindsay had already passed away. The actual cause of death after the crash is as yet undetermined, but it is believed to have been caused by the massive trauma and blood loss suffered by Mr. Lindsay. Mr. Lindsay is expected to have died at 12.05am last night, and the body was identified by his wife Emma in the early hours of the morning. Understandably Mrs Lindsay has yet to make a public statement.

The Canadian Soccer following is in a state of shock as their most celebrated coach has passed away at a time when Canadian football looked to be on the brink of great things. The Canadian FA could make this statement about the future of the Canadian National Team, "The friendly against Togo will not go ahead as planned. We are taking steps already to make the friendly schedualed in December be a true dedication to such a great man, as we have already been in touch with the IFA about bringing the Northern Irish team over to play in Ross' memory. I know Sammy McIlroy was a good friend of Ross and will happily bring his team over. We have been discussing plans to build a new Soccer only stadium in Montreal and are considering, not only building it in his name, but name it after him."

As for the future of Canadian Soccer, Bryan Hamilton, who already has international management experience, will take over the position of Head Coach on a caretaker basis. This is expected to be a platform for the duo of Geoff Aunger and Alex Bunbury to take over at the end of 2002. It is not yet determined of any other messures will be taken to pay tribute to Canada's most successful Soccer Coach. However it can be said that his man has, through his achievements, become an honourary Canuck. Thank you."

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So there you have it the end of my days as Canadian Soccer Coach (how Americanised was that). And so ends my story. Hope you enjoyed it. The great World Cup 2002 Canucks will live on forever.

"O Canada

Our home and native land
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."

Hehe nice touch I thought.

[ 08 September 2003: Message edited by: Don Il Fuce ]

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Canada at the World Cup?

"RE - SPECT
WALK"