Hello again friends. Welcome back to my Ultimate European Challenge and a rather different post today. As you may remember, I left At. Madrid after completing the treble. Although I loved my time at the club, it was time to move on and get this UEC completed. At the start of the 2016/17 season I noticed the Liverpool job was available, but didn’t apply because a few people have already done stories about them. This turned out to be a big mistake, the whole year went by and not one good job became available. Since when did managers stop screwing up? Anyway, I’m till out of a job and have been for more than a year now. However, this doesn’t mean I’ve been chilling with a beer or a cup of tea as Harry Redknapp does. No, I am still manager of Argentina and had two competitions to think about. Today we’ll see how the World Cup qualifiers are going, and move swiftly onto the Confederations Cup.
South American World Cup Qualifying results
Argentina have found the qualifying stage a breeze so far, but so have Uruguay. They seemed to be matching me result for result. So these fixtures were very important as I needed to bridge a gap at the top. We started badly with a game that didn’t go to plan. After going 3-0 up against Chile, my players threw it away in the second half and struggled to get the draw. Maybe this was the wakeup call they needed, as the next three games were won convincingly. Then the tie against arch rivals Uruguay, maybe even a group decider. We won of course 3-1 and the rest was all straight forward. My highlight came with the 3-0 thrashing away from home against Brazil, then the 8-0 scoreline against Bolivia was also a great moment.
Only four games left and we have established a four point gap from second. I still have Uruguay away from home, but we have definitely qualified for the World Cup 2018. With Messi, Pastore, Aguero and Higuain reaching their best years of between 28-30, my squad will be at its peak. I have also unearthed some more amazing young talent that matches my current regens, so the future is bright for Argentina.
Confederations Cup
The official warm up tournament to the World Cup, and another chance for me to win silverware. A while ago I mentioned this Argentina squad are best set of players ever to grace a football pitch. Well I still believe that and with more passion than before. We have already won the Copa America, now I want the Confederations Cup and then we’ll go for the clean sweep next year. Here are the teams I need to compete against for this trophy.
Group A — Argentina, Mexico, Nigeria, U.A.E.
Group B — England, Ghana, New Zealand, Russia.
I certainly believe Argentina got handed the easiest possible draw. We shouldn’t face any problems until the semi-finals. England our arch rivals and the last World Cup winners, Ghana, are probably my main threat. But after playing Russia in a friendly, I know how solid they are. That match was fortunate to finish 0-0. Onto the group stages though and below are my results.
Confederations Cup group A results and table.
The word easy comes to mind :) both Messi and Aguero were perfection here scoring 8 goals between them within the three games. After warming up against U.A.E. we demolished Mexico 7-0. I then noticed the semi-final would be just three days after my last group game, so rested all the key players against Nigeria. We still won 3-0, dominated possession and this left me with a headache as to which players belong in my starting XI.
I won the group with ease and Mexico followed us into the semi’s despite their humiliating defeat. In group B, England struggled to get past Russia but just managed second place on goal difference. Ghana won that group after victory in all three matches. I think you can guess who my semi-final opponent is, but just in case the draw is below.
I was hoping for a grand finale against England, but we drew them for the semi’s instead. I can’t see Mexico having the power to beat Ghana, so maybe the final will be between the last World Cup winners and the favourites for the next competition. That is if England don’t surprise me, it would be ironic if they did as I rejected them for Argentina almost two years ago. :)
Confederations Cup semi-final — Argentina vs England
Big, big game and the first real test I’ve had all year. England tend to use the 4-5-1 with one central midfielder dropped back to the DMC position and both wingers pushed forward. In Wayne Rooney, they have a dangerous forward and the back four is extremely strong including Phil Jones and Shawcross who have developed into amazing defenders. I decided to keep my normal 4-5-1 and switch from the usual standard strategy to counter. I did this to try and draw England’s DMC out of position before breaking on the counter. Lets see the starting line ups and then the highlights.
Argentina line up: GK — Romero, DR — Simon, DL — Insua, DC — Galeano, DC — Otamendi, MC — Mascherano, MC — Millemaggi, MC — Pastore, RW — Messi, LW — Becerra, ST — Aguero
England line up: GK — Hart, DR — Richards, DL — Bertrand, DC — Shawcross, DC — P.Jones, DMC — Spence, MC — Cattermole, MC — Shelvey, RW — Lennon, LW — Milner, ST — Rooney
Well my boys prevailed, and I got the feeling that this competition was already won. A very dangerous thought, but England were the biggest threat in my opinion. Millemaggi’s opening goal was a stunner, I don’t think the keeper even expected him to try for the shot. Then, just after I’ve bigged him up, Shawcross goes and makes a huge mistake to hand over the game. A very good performance and its time to prepare for the final. :)
The other semi-final coughed up a big shock. Ghana failed to make their chances pay and Hernandez sent Mexico through to the final and Ghana to the third placed play-off. I would’ve preferred beating the last World Cup winners, but another huge scoreline against Mexico in the final would be nice.
Confederations Cup final — Argentina vs Mexico
After scoring 5 goals plus on two occasions against Mexico, I think the tactics can stay the same. A simple 4-5-1 with standard strategy. The Mexicans have Carlos Vela and Hernandez who are deadly finishers, but I think they’ll be too preoccupied in defence to stir up any threat. Below are the starting line ups and then we’ll move onto the match highlights.
Argentina line up: GK — Romero, DR — Musacchio, DL — Ortiz, DC — Galeano, DC — Otamendi, MC — Mascherano, MC — Millemaggi, MC — Pastore, RW — Vella, LW — Messi, ST — Aguero
Mexico line up: GK — Gonzalez, DR — Juarez, DL — Layun, DC — Moreno, DC — Leyva, MC — Palma, MC — Pacheco, MR — Flores, ML — Guardado, ST — Vela, ST — Hernandez
This match just summed up my team, full of attacking flair and we have goals all across the starting XI. When Vella is played, his set pieces make a huge difference. The winger managed three assists and a goal during this tie which earned him man of the match. Galeano also scored two impossible headers and set up Otamendi for the first goal. My favourite goal was a strike from outside the area by Becerra though. The Man Utd winger has become as big as Messi during this season…if that is even possible.
The fans were extremely happy with this achievement. I know its only a minor competition, but it is silverware all the same. Besides, winning the Confederations Cup is a statement of intent for the big event in 2018. My first World Cup is a must win, I can’t see there ever been a better bunch of players on the same side.
To show our dominance the player awards were all handed out to my players. Aguero won top goalscorer, Romero won best goalkeeper and then the best player award went to the little magician that is Messi. In fact, second place for this award went to Aguero and third to Vella. The cherry on top of my cake however, was becoming the best English manager of all time. The Confederations Cup moved me above Bob Paisley and someone else you may know…Darren Smith of Newcastle. :)
Well that concludes my post for 2016/17. While there is still no action on the club front, I am really enjoying the Argentina experience. Hopefully I can find a job soon, but if not my next post will be when the World Cup begins. Until then, thanks for reading and please feel free to comment below. :)
fmcrazy
13 марта, 2011 at 14:02
Liverpool would’ve been a good job, but hopefully a better offer comes up soon! I’m surprised at how good Uruguay are doing, your squad is unreal but they have nearly matched you! Congrats in the Confed Cup, if you hadn’t won it I would be in shock :)
Good luck finding a new job :)
Also, I’m just wondering, what are you doing after the UEC? Are you going back to your Newcastle save?
Darren Smith
13 марта, 2011 at 14:27
Thanks mate, I’d have been shocked to lose too. I really hope a job comes up soon as its boring just managing a national side…mainly because of the long breaks with no game time.
As for my next move after the UEC. Honest answer is I don’t know yet. I’ll just see how I feel when its completed as I fancy a lower league challenge, but we’ll see. :)
Wazz
13 марта, 2011 at 15:05
Liverpool would be great Darren but it’s your decision anyway. :) It’s surprising that a world class manager like you aren’t approached..
That’s a great performance by Argentina in the Confederations Cup. Well, that was actually predictable because, there’s no doubt you’ll win every cup available. :D
Also, I would love to see you manage a small club mate!
Good luck finding a new job!!
Darren Smith
13 марта, 2011 at 15:11
Cheers Wazz, unfortunately none of the big clubs are looking to replace their managers, very frustrating. At least I enjoyed some game time and a trophy with Argentina though.
I do want to try my hand in lower league football, but will wait till after the UEC is complete. Then its time to decide whether I carry on the Newcastle save or just switch straight away to a lower league game. We’ll see though mate.
Ricardo Ribeiro
13 марта, 2011 at 15:28
Great Post, you´re the BEST ENGLISH MANAGER EVER!
Darren Smith
13 марта, 2011 at 15:36
:) Thanks Ricardo, its been a great game so far and I’m hoping to get a little closer to Sir Alex in the world hall of fame before the end. :)
Laxeyman
13 марта, 2011 at 16:41
Brilliant Darren, your Argentina side are unstoppable, and you’ve got some incredible players, as the regens you’ve got seem unbelievable. You should win the World Cup with the squad you’ve got, and good luck on finding a job. Looking forward to your next post :)
Darren Smith
13 марта, 2011 at 16:44
Thanks mate :)
Argentina have the most incredible players and I am checking through lists of 60 plus players every 4 months to see if I’m missing anything…the squad is really tough to pick as I feel like the whole squad is good enough to play.
Johnny Karp
13 марта, 2011 at 17:36
Too easy Darren, too easy! :P Just kidding, you’re doing a great job there and I can’t see any team stopping you from winning the World Cup. By the way, who won the latest European Championship?
Darren Smith
13 марта, 2011 at 18:01
This competition did feel a little too easy if I’m honest Johnny. England won the last European Championships in extra time against Spain 3-2. Great achievement for them as Spain have a great squad. :)
kevin
13 марта, 2011 at 20:47
Hi Darren
Poor Bolivia, sad England and unfortunate for Liverpool. I think that about sums things up. You must get someone begging for your services soon, a year is ridiculous without anybody getting the sack.
Darren Smith
13 марта, 2011 at 20:50
That does just about sum it up Kevin :)
A year is a long time to wait, but after 18 months I’ve finally been hired…won’t give the team away but you’ll soon see who :)
Sears
13 марта, 2011 at 21:49
Great cup win Darren, no team could match your superstars. Well done.
Darren Smith
13 марта, 2011 at 22:21
Thanks sears
CsAtlantis
13 марта, 2011 at 22:53
Darren, that’s another cup won on the way to world dominance :P, why don’t you try declaring interest in a big club job in England? Who knows they might sack their manager and hire you right on the spot :D
Darren Smith
14 марта, 2011 at 11:57
Thanks CsAtlantis, hopefully the World Cup will follow soon :)
As for declaring my interest no big clubs have shown their managers as insecure except Liverpool. Until then I don’t have the option. I have now got a job though, you’ll soon see who the club is :)
Liam101
13 марта, 2011 at 23:23
Another great post Darren. Your squad is amazing. surely no-one can stop you en-route to the world cup. Looking forward to seeing your new club.
Darren Smith
14 марта, 2011 at 11:58
Thanks Liam, the World Cup is a weird competition and brings out the best in the under dog. Although I’d be very disappointed to miss out on such a great opportunity.
Timmy
14 марта, 2011 at 06:05
Great achievement,Darren
and 18 months for world class manager get hired?
Btw i see Spence name in England squad,how good is he?
and for last,give us clue for your next club?
cheers :)
Darren Smith
14 марта, 2011 at 12:01
Thanks Timmy, none of the big clubs are failing in their expectations so until then I’m unemployed. Spence is good in my game but not world class…I’d personally pay upto £12 million for him but no more. The only clue I’ll give you is the club were very big but have fallen within the time I’ve been playing this game. Now their reputation is way lower.
Ana Garcia
14 марта, 2011 at 14:44
Argentina must have an amazing squad, or an amazing manager! :)
Either way they should just hand you the world cup now as it seems no-one looks able to stop you at the moment!
Best of luck on the future!
Darren Smith
14 марта, 2011 at 18:39
Thanks Ana, I think Argentina just have an amazing set of players. The manager is always important, but I’ve barely had to touch my tactics, the players just play well no matter what. :)
junior
14 марта, 2011 at 15:40
im sure the mexican manager was like lets get them back for the 7-0 and prove that were better and u still beat them 5-1…hehe..great achievment…
england and france to goo!!all the best
Darren Smith
14 марта, 2011 at 18:40
Cheers Junior, my Argentina have hit some unbelievable form :) After the 7-0 mauling I couldn’t help but expect to beat Mexico again in the final. :)
Sayam Khan
14 марта, 2011 at 22:00
Well done on winning the tournament, but in all honestly it’s a tournament that Argentina should always win… You agree Darren?
Sayam Khan
14 марта, 2011 at 22:01
And I’d like you to manage Arsenal… Try your best to get them pleaseeeee :-) Do they still have Fabregas?
Sayam Khan
15 марта, 2011 at 17:16
And I was wondering how Atletico did without you this season?
Darren Smith
15 марта, 2011 at 18:38
Thanks Sayam, I do agree that Argentina should always win tournaments like the Confederations Cup…but it was nice to win it so easily. :)
I’m afraid Arsenal aren’t looking for a manager, but if they were I’d be straight there :) As for At.Madrid, they finished in second :)
Darren Smith
16 марта, 2011 at 20:49
ps Sorry Sayam I missed one of your questions…Fabregas is still at Arsenal :)