READ THIS FIRST: THIS IS THE AWARD FOR PLAYERS OF FFS FRIENDLY WORLD CUP ONLY AND DOES NOT INCLUDE PEOPLE FROM FFS EURO 2012! THERE HAS BEEN A SEPARATE AWARD FOR THAT. THANK YOU.
You can tell it’s a good week when you can’t even include in the honourable mentions highly credible punts which registered some success – players such as Krohn-Dehli, Obraniak, Gerrard, Larsson, Welbeck and Coentrao. Even picking Rami over Lescott… you know who you are. No, this week was a bumper week. An absolutely huge week. I almost didn’t want to create a winner because that meant creating losers… fortunately, I quickly snapped out of that and returned to being a cold-hearted, merciless tyrant. I judged the award by the rules posted here. To recap: A “successful gamble” is defined as a single player choice that returns an unexpectedly high number of points. The awards will be given on these criteria: - Underappreciation - Overachievement - Underdog team - Captaincy Honourable Mentions: - Teddy, James_Fitz for picking Jakub ‘Kuba’ Blaszczykowski (8 points) who smashed a sublime curling equaliser for Poland against Russia. A brave pick who flew under the radar relative to options such as Lewandowski and the Russian attack. - Djerbil for being the only person to pick a goal from a thoroughly unlikely source in the French midfield – Yohan Cabaye (9 points). Nominally the passer, Cabaye popped up a with a great finish to seal the win for the French – and while this is not considered in the award, he was a coat of paint away from grabbing a second goal which quite possibly would have won Djerbil the award. - Optimus, JKisthe1 picked a striker who was not nailed on, commonly regarded as mentally broken and in a team that could quite literally score from anywhere. Fernando Torres (10 points) grabbed two goals in the demolition of Ireland. The only major detracting factors were that Spain were the complete opposite of an underdog team, and captaincy would have helped of course. And now for the winner. Or should I say, winners? Yes, three people – three from thirty-two – made what I regard as the most successful gamble of the week. As such, they share the title of Matchday 2 winners. JKisthe1, Forca Inter and Eoin not only picked but captained Gomez (C) (10×2 points) who fired two beautifully-taken goals in the crunch match against Netherlands. With a limited competitive record for Germany thus far, and his striker starting spot only just won, all three of these managers captained him against one of the pre-tournament favourites in a match that was extremely difficult to call. Thank you for your incredible efforts on Matchday 2. I don’t know what the heck you guys are going to do on Matchday 3 – once you’ve been to the Dehli you wonder if you can go anywhere better – but I’m sure The Light Knight will enjoy finding out as he returns to write your reviews. Stay tuned for our Day 1 Report and preview of Day 2! Check out manager reactions here
(READ THIS FIRST: THIS IS THE AWARD FOR PLAYERS OF FFS EURO 2012 ONLY AND DOES NOT INCLUDE PEOPLE FROM THE FRIENDLY WORLD CUP! THERE WILL BE A SEPARATE AWARD FOR THAT. THANK YOU.)In a week when much maligned, managerless strikers (Bendtner, Torres, Carroll) scored and only 4 clensheets occured, this Matchday’s bravest successful selections hailed from the midfield. Courageous picks such as Coentrao and Welbeck weren’t too far away in the end, but the expected superiority of their sides over their opposition ultimately held them back. I judged the award by the rules posted here. To recap: A “successful gamble” is defined as a single player choice that returns an unexpectedly high number of points. The awards will be given on these criteria: - Underappreciation - Overachievement - Underdog team - Captaincy Honourable Mentions - A couple of decisions which were worthy of note if not the award: - ENR and last week’s winner, Ginkapo, both chose popular Italian playmaker, Pirlo, but followed it up by handing him the captain’s armband. The midfield maestro lived up to their expectations and brought home 8 points with his deftly executed freekick. - Ginkapo showed real steel, backing Krohn-Dehli to deliver for a second week in a row. His 5 point haul validated Ginkapo’s decision and earned his manager his second honourable mention of this Matchday. And now for the winner: Only 2 people saw the potential of the Polish captain against Matchday 1′s rampaging Russians. Only 1 of those showed the valour to hand the armband to Kuba and he was rewarded by a sweet left shot into the Russian net. This courageous owner then turned down the option of switching to favourites such as Robben, Iniesta and Ribery.. This pick ticks all of the boxes and it is my pleasure to announce that this week’s “Order of Extreme Valour” Award winner is the one and only Mark. Sincere thanks to all managers who had a valiant go and tried to be original this Matchday. I would also like to move to quash any rumours that an offer of free FFS membership for next season in anyway influenced my decision. There has been no such offer ( although one would be appreciated ). Stay tuned for our Day 1 Report and preview of Day 2!
Opening shot of a man walking past an old beggar on the street and throwing a coin into his hat“Thank you, young man.” Extreme close-up of the old beggar’s wrinkly face“Listen to what I have to say.” The man walks over tentatively“Gomez. Get Gomez. He’s gonna score twice.” “What?? Against the Netherlands? What’s his record like for Germany anyway??” “Take it or leave it. Michael Krohn-Dehli, too.” “You’re having a laugh. Lightning doesn’t strike twice!” Extreme close-up of the beggar’s eyes“Torres.” “You’re crazy!!!!!” “Only two people have listened to me today. Their names are JKisthe1 and Optimus. Blessed are they, for they shall inherit the points.” So with that exhaustive overview of Day 3′s action out of the way, we look ahead to tonight’s matches with France v Ukraine our appetiser and England v Sweden offering the hefty main course. You know what, you FFS Friendly World Cup guys are absolutely amazing. There is no other way to put it. Do you know how many differentials were selected tonight, on the final night of action? 17. Yes, 17 players were selected by 3 or fewer managers. FFS Euro 2012 eat your heart out. Long breath. Okay, Ukrainians first. We have dual wingers Konoplayanka (Eoin) and Yarmolenko (Canadian Football). For France we have Mexes (WazzaGoal), Rami (FC Borecelona, JKisthe1, Snowy84), pricey Evra (BonZ), interesting midfield choice Cabaye (Djerbil) and model of the year Ribery (Aatish, Gargamel). For Sweden it’s keeper Isaksson (Djerbil), defender Granqvist (Goldstonemr), winger Larsson (Djerbil, Messimerized) and everyone’s favourite striker Ibrahimovic (FC Borecelona, BonZ). And finally, those who picked English differentials went for rock-solid Hart (Archie, WazzaGoal, Shipstontrev). Ashley Cole (BonZ), card machine Parker (WazzaGoal), Gerrard (Giggs Boson, Catmac, Snowy84) and Welbeck (Catmac, Huth Your Daddy). Oh wait, there’s one more. Yes, none other than my favourite England player, the Ox himself. Kostja picked Oxlade-Chamberlain. Special thanks to those who just keep picking differentials. While the award will, as stated on the website, be given based on the best individual pick, you’re just giving yourself more chances to win. This is the final report of Matchday 2. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner of the FFS Friendly World Cup Matchday 2 Order of Extreme Valour after Day 4′s action finishes! Meanwhile, catch some manager reactions here
Note: This is the report for the FFS Euro 2012 award only; there is a separate report for the FFS Friendly World Cup!
Another pair of matches gone, another unowned FFS laughing stock scores a brace. Last night, it was Fernando Torres who took the plaudits for putting a brittle Irish defence to the sword. As far as selected differenials go, it is more a case of commending the brave rather than congratulating successful picks. Andrews(Camzy and Demented Flamingo), Xabi Alonso(Ginkapo) and Marchisio(The Light Knight, TommyTour and Sporting ABG) were courageous selections yet failed to deliver anything but 2 points. You know it wasn’t a great night for punts when Xavi’s 3 points was the best performance of the night, giving some crumb of comfort to In Like Flynn.
As far as tonight’s games go, many eyes turn towards the England team for a valorous choice to come off. Last week’s goalscorer Lescott is the widely selected defender so Terry and Cole have each found themselves a steely owner in Mark and Count of Monte Hristo respecively. The Count not just has one English differential but 2 (ah ha ha….) with set piece man Gerrard. Mexes is the alternative in the French defence chosen by ENR and In Like Flynn. From the 2 unfashionable teams in the group, Yarmolenko(In Like Flynn and TW) and Larsson(Sporting ABG) are a pair of plucky selections worthy of note.
This is the final report of Matchday 2. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner of the FFS Euro 2012 Matchday 2 Order of Extreme Valour after Day 4′s action finishes!
Note: This is the report for the FFS Euro 2012 award only; there is a separate report for the FFS Friendly World Cup!
Bendtner and Gomez. 2 goals apiece last night yet not a single FFS Euro 2012 manager owned either. To put it bluntly, a massive opportunity for winning this Matchday’s award has been missed. I can understand people not choosing Gomez somewhat but FFS legend Bendtner’s lack of support was shocking. Many are no doubt kicking themselves now for questioning his ability, since he has on many occasions told us how good he is.
With every team conceding last night too, assists were the only source of comfort for the few valorous selectors. Krohn-Dehli and Jacobsen set up the world’s greatest striker against the Portuguese and delighted their respective owners, Ginkapo and Jafalad, at the same time. Nani compounded the misery of CR7 owners last night as the 2.5 cheaper forward beat his captain’s haul by 5 points and validated Childish Gambino and Chrissy Waddle’s brave selection of the United man. The other success of the night was Coentrao providing the cross for his nation’s winner against the Danish, giving Roscola and The Light Knight reason to be cheerful.
Tonight’s differentials of choice are all midfielders. Camzy and Demented Flamingo both own Andrews, no doubt hoping for numerous recovered balls against the Spanish. In Like Flynn solely has selected for the creative Xavi, while Ginkapo has taken a risk on penalty taker, Xabi Alonso. In the other match this evening, Marchisio has found himself with 3 noble managers, Sporting ABG, The Light Knight and TommyTour..
Say tuned for our Day 3 report and Day 4 preview!
Due to real life concerns shamefully intervening, this report has been delayed and is being written at the rate of knots with the Spain v Ireland slaughter/upset about to kick off (head straight to the bottom if you can’t be bothered to read the rest of the report – THERE IS A BIG SURPRISE).
A quick overview of Day 2 first. The long and the short of it is that the hits just keep coming. Krohn-Dehli struck gold yet again with 5 points for Teddy… and presumably a pang of disappointment from his now famous/infamous (delete as appropriate) ex-owner JKisthe1. In the same game, Portugal fullback Fabio Coentrao nicked an assist for the winner to return 5 points for his owners Forca Inter and a very much cheered up JKisthe1.But there were still more hits, and even bigger ones at that. All were big names neglected due to their monster Germany v Netherlands fixture. BonZ and Kostja were rewarded for keeping faith with Van Persie, as he scored to give them a long-overdue 6 point return. Wesley Sneijder finally got some deserved attacking points with 5 points for his owners Porkie, Djerbil and Evs, and the biggest hit of all was German striker Mario Gomez whose acclaimed double struck 10 point gold for JKisthe1, Forca Inter and Eoin. Considering the fixture and his somewhat underappreciated reputation, this puts his owners very much in the lead at this halfway point. It may come down to who captained him!
In tonight’s matches the Italy v Croatia fixture has already been played out – and unfortunately our brave punts have not seen reward. These were Di Natale (Menly), Thiago Motta (Mull) and Marchisio (JKisthe1, Gargamel).
Spain v Ireland kicks off minutes after I post this. Defensive picks on the Spanish side are Casillas (BonZ) and Pique (Snowy84). Astoundingly, someone has picked Shay Given – take a bow, FC Borecelona. Does he know something we don’t?
Wait… what’s this… breaking news is coming in… FERNANDO TORRES is starting! Against Ireland! … and what’s this… JKisthe1 and Optimus have selected him! Scenes! Madness! The stadium is rocking! Hang on the Croatian fans are letting off fireworks… stop throwing that, FORCA INTER!! We have to interrupt this report! I’ll get back to you later!!
Stay tuned for our Day 3 Report and preview of Day 4!
Note: This is the report for the FFS Euro 2012 award only; there is a separate report for the FFS Friendly World Cup!Brave FFS Euro 2012 managers have woken up today in a world where the rules to the Order of Extreme Valour are not as they once were. A player now selected by more than 3 people is no longer considered a differential pick. And on that bombshell, lets us review yesterday’s act of valour. To highlight the turmoil caused by our new rule change, the numerous owners of Gebre Selassie and Pilar will find themselves out of the running, barring a captain’s armband being worn by one of those players. Former FFS favourite, Jakub “Kuba” Blaszczykowski, was only selected by 2 courageous managers, “FFS King” Mark and “Lord of the Teamsheets” Childish Gambino. Kuba’s 8 point haul proved to be the only genuinely succesful punt of the evening. The Light Knight (that’s right, I referred to myself in the third person) was left rueing his misfortune by Salpingidis’ yellow card and numerous offsides, while Roscola and SuperDunny managed to earn 3 points from their plucky selections of Boesnich and Katsouranis respectively. Looking forward to tonight’s possible contenders, we see that following last week’s unexpected success, the Danes have become the brave manager’s team of choice. Starting off at the back, we see the noble selectors, Ginkapo and Jafalad, hoping for a repeat of last week’s impressive shut out by choosing Poulsen and Jacobsen respectively. Ginkapo has also gone for the the man who scored the only goal against the Dutch, Krohn-Dehli. We also see that Sporting ABG (much to the chagrin of his partner) continues with Christian Eriksen, while Doosra is joined by ENR in the valorous backing of mercurial forward, Dennis Rommedahl. Elsewhere in the group, we find that Childish Gambino and Chrissy Waddle have turned their backs on former FPL favourite, Ronaldo, in favour of his compatriot Nani. Say tuned for our Day 2 report and Day 3 preview! Catch the manager reactions here
Note: This is the report for the FFS Friendly World Cup award only; there is a separate report for FFS Euro 2012! With a differential now clarified to be a player owned by 3 or fewer of the 32 managers, the field of contenders continued to be stunning. We've got off to another scorching start on Day 1 which has really laid down the gauntlet! Poland's 1 - 1 draw with Russia was the epicentre of the action. First up, Malafeev (Kostja) lost a clean sheet but made 6 saves to produce a respectable 4 point. Obraniak (FC Borecelona and Forca Inter) grabbed the assist for Poland's equalizer to return 5 points. The scorer, of course was no less than Blaszczykowski (James_Fitz, Teddy) whose awesome curling strike produced a smashing 8 point haul and put his owners at the head of the pack for the award. Czech Republic's 2 - 1 victory over Greece had Pilar scoring, but unfortunately he was an extremely popular cheap option with no less than 13 owners! Day 2 brings Portugal v Denmark and Netherlands v Germany. Those with the bravery to select Danish players went for Granqvist (Goldstonemr), Zimling (Giggs Boson), Rommedahl (Archie) and Krohn-Dehli (Teddy), the latter especially likely to raise a smile to a certain player's lips in this tournament... Also up was Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio (ILA) and fullback Coentrao (JKisthe1, Forca Inter). Netherlands v Germany was a dilemma for many managers - with clashes between heavyweights producing so few goals, most FFS managers chose to stay away from the premium options in their squads, reducing familiar players to relative differentials this Matchday. For Germany, these included Hummels (Teddy), Podolski (Kostja), Muller (Porkie, Djerbil, Messimerized) and Gomez (JKisthe1, Forca Inter, Eoin). Notable also is the pick of Khedira (Snowy84, Shipstontrev). For Netherlands, the chosen defenders were Vlaar (Djerbil) and Willems (Aatish) against what is thought to be one of the best attacks of the tournament. Attackers chosen were limited to Afellay (BonZ, Messimerized) and our old friend Van Persie (BonZ, Kostja). Who will be tonight's top Pila-yer? Who's getting Hummeled tonight? Stay tuned for our Day 2 Report and preview of Day 3!
|
RSS Feed