What would happen in your 'fantasy' international football tournament?

Question

Answers welcome from any countries.

What i mean by this is, If you could wave a magic wand, and make all sorts of wonderful things happen in a world cup or euro tournament, what would happen?

Answer 1

I'm English, so this comes from an England perspective.

QUALIFYING - As normal, we are drawn against Poland. This time though the group is quite tough, and we are also drawn against one of the major European powers (say, France). We get off to a shaky start and drop points. The knives are out for the manager. Armchair critics up and down the land are moaning away. However, we turn it round, and start winning, getting better with each game and culminating with a superb victory over the major nation. We top the group and qualify automatically.

TOURNAMENT GROUP STAGE - We are drawn in the 'Group of Death,' with a tough European nation, a physical African team, and a major footballing power (Argentina would be good). The experts are predicting we will struggle. In the first stages we do, but this is England. We build momentum and win the second game, meaning it all hinges on the final game as to whether we qualify. As it's Argentina, the game is full of controversy and talking points, but England chalk up a famous victory and go through. Argentina are squeezed out amid accrimony.

SECOND ROUND - Free from the mathematical machinations of the group stage, England are now liberated to play a more expansive type of football. We beat a strong emerging nation (ie South Africa, Australia) in a game which gives us a good test.

QUARTER FINAL - How about beating Germany on penalties, equalising just moments before normal time? In extra time, they create many chances, and hit the post, but England hold their nerve. The game is something of a classic.

SEMI-FINAL - Portugal were a thorn in England's side in 2004 and 2006. This team we get revenge and beat them in a close game, with a finely-worked team goal. Rooney is the chief instigator of England's best moments, and man-of-the-match.

FINAL - There can only be one team to beat in a World Cup Final, a free-flowing, joie-de-vivre Brazil. This time though, it is England's turn to sparkle, and we run out convincing winners, lifting the trophy in thrilling fashion. The moment the captain lifts the trophy is highly iconic. The players are seen dancing during the after match celebrations.

GOLDEN BOOT - This goes to England's main striker. England's main creative inspiration gets the vote as Player of the Tournament.

SURPRISE PACKAGE - A team which nobody fancies springs a few surprises, and finishes in 3rd place. The play-off match is a joyous exhibition of goalscoring.

DARK HORSES - World Cups have a history of fringe England players stepping into the breach and doing well (ie Geoff Hurst, Peter Reid, David Platt, Nicky Butt etc) One or two squad players stand up to be counted and perform very well indeed.

HOST NATION - A major footballing power and also a great county to visit, with intriguing, atmospheric cities hosting the matches. The atmosphere at the games, and in the streets before, during and after the games, is excellent. There is plenty of conviviality amongst the fans.

WORLD CUP 'SONG' - Splendid intro, witty and perceptive lyrics, sentimentality, a rosuing chorus, a great instrumental solo, and the final line of the song gives England fans hope.

GLORIOUS ABSCENCES - Hooliganism. Pele's pointless interview where he says that the six most obvious nations CAN win the World Cup (no sh!t Sherlock). People blabbering on about 1966 and whether the ball crossed the line or not (it did, in mid air...end of conversation!)

ADDENDUM - Free of over 40 years of failure, England then go on to win the harder European Championship in similar thrilling fashion.

Answer 2

League - Celtic to win all games by at least 4 (6 agin the Rankers)

European - Celtic to win; beating Rankers 5 - 0

World Cup - Scotland to win by beating Rankers - sorry England 5 - 0

Answer 3

Faeroe islands would put France out, Luxembourg would put Portugal out and Italy would be expelled for cheating (diving). England would play Germany in the final and after a cracking 3-3 draw Germany would win on penalties, because there is nothing like a gallant failure.

Answer 4

England win

Answer 5

timor leste to win the world cup

Answer 6

Scotland would win a match?

well you did say fantasy!

Answer 7

scotland would win

Answer 8

can you please explain more because i dont really understand