retired_workingmom77

retired_workingmom77

Brazil vs. Saint Martin

Monday 26th January 2015
North American Gold Cup Group A
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro

It came as a surprise to some that this was my first visit state-side and it was a surreal experience. To my mind this was quite a minor competition and it came as a suprise when close to 70,000 people turned up to see us play the island part timers.

Saint Martin were playing five across the back in the hope that it would stem the flow of inevitable Brazilian scoring. I was unconvinced that it would help them, only prevent their chances of getting forward and nicking a goal. So a heavy win was definately on the cards but even I could have predicted just how heavy a win it turned out to be.

It took a little under fifteen minutes for the predictable opening goal, Juliano Pacheco thumping home a close range volley from a Wellington cross. That was the first goal for Brazil the striker, who had recently moved to Vasco, had scored. Wellington wasted no time getting in on the scoring and lobbed the keeper in a similar fashion to the way he did against Spain for 2-0. On 25 minutes, he got his second of the afternoon, latching on to a rebound from a Moises shot and tucking it home for 3-0. Wellington had a hat-trick inside the half hour when he headed home a corner taken by Jorge, 4-0. Juliano Pacheco fired in his second and Brazil's fifth just before half time to send us in at half time 5-0 up.

An impressive first half display and it was about to get a lot worse for Saint Martin. Itaqui re-started the scoring with a fabulous 30 yard strike that made it 6-0. That was just before Juliano Pacheco got his hat-trick to make it 7-0. Wellington converted a Mendoza cross on 56 minutes to get his fourth and to make it 8-0. Just two minutes later he got his fifth, tapping into an empty net after the Saint Martin keeper fumbled a Ramon strike, 9-0. On 66 minutes Wellington latched onto a dreadful back-pass and made it 10-0, netting his sixth goal in an unbelievable display. Six minutes later he unselfishly set up Juliano Pacheco, who scored his fourth of the day and making it 11-0. There was still a long way to go as Saint Martin's defending got worse and worse. Agnaldo got his first goal for Brazil when he volleyed home a rebound on 76 minutes, that made it 12-0. Five minutes later it 13-0 when Ramon slid the ball past the Saint Martin keeper, it appeared as though there was no end in sight. The goals kept coming as Moises and Ramon breached the defence, scoring two quick goals and making it 15-0. In stoppage time, Wellington finally completed a torrid afternoon for Saint Martin firing home his seventh of the day and making the final score 16-0. That result put us through and Saint Martin out.

It was an embarrasing day for both teams. Saint Martin were humiliated un-neccesarily even after telling the lads to take it easy on them at half time. Can you imagine what the score would have been if I had told them to go for it?! I didn't even need to make any substitutions because the players hardly broke a sweat.

Starting XI: Barbosa, Mendoza, Felipe, Castan(c), Jorge, Itaqui, Moises, Agnaldo, Ramon, Pacheco, Wellington
Used Subs: None

Final Score: Brazil 16-0 Saint Martin

retired_workingmom77

Brazil vs. El Salvador

Wednesday 28th January
North American Gold Cup Group A
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro

The attendance in the Gillette Stadium was once again close to 70,000 for our final Group A game againt Central American side El Salvador. With both us and them already qualified it was a dead rubber but I still felt it was important we fielded as strong a side as possible. Kerlon was replaced by FC Bayern striker Fred and Agnaldo was given a rest to be replaced by Lyon right sided player Leonardo.

From kick off it was immediate one way traffic and El Salvador goalkeeper Juan Jose Gomez was given plenty to do. Fred had a few early chances but all were beaten away by the El Salvadorian keeper. Half time soon came and the scores were still locked at 0-0, despite numerous attempts on goal.

At the beginning of the second half I was worried that we had lost the initiative as we started to falter in front of goal. Also, El Salvador were beginning to slowly get back into the game. But on 73 minutes there was widespread relief amongst our technical area. Ramon was once again the architect and he threaded a lovely ball through for Fred, who in a rare start finsihed emphatically on the volley. 1-0 and we felt from that point on we had the game sealed. El Salvador's spirit had been crushed by Fred's strike and now they were playing to avoid a heavy defeat. But there defence held for just five minutes when Wellington floated a ball across for Ramon to head home for 2-0. The midfielder had been in devastating form and he left this game with an assist and a goal. Diego Armando Mejia almost grabbed a late goal for El Salvador but Brabosa was having yet another great game and he was rewarded with another clean sheet as we won 2-0.

Starting XI: Barbosa, Rafinha, Felipe, Castan(c), Jorge, Arouca, Moises, Leonardo, Ramon, Wellington, Fred
Used Subs: Diego

Final Score: Brazil 2-0 El Salvador

retired_workingmom77

Brazil's opponents in the Quarter Final would be Canada. The Canadians had done themselves proud at the 2014 World Cup and although they were eliminated in the group stages, they famously played out an epic seven goal thriller with Argentina in which they unfortunately lost 4-3. There was no doubt they were an up and coming footballing nation with a bright future, but Brazil were massive favourites to progress.

Sam had only a few days to prepare his squad for the game, but his rigorous training schedule would see to it that they were ready for the Canadians. They were now also practicing penalties, just in case.

The squad had just finished playing a 45 minute, 11 on 11 game on the immaculate training pitches provided by MLS side, New England Revolution. It had been encouraging, everyone was staking their claim for a starting place and there were some dazzling displays of skill on show. Now Sam gathered the team for a warm down and to de-brief this training session. He had a morale booster in store, he just prayed it would work out.

He called over his assistant Ronaldinho, who promptly jogged over to the centre circle where the team were gathered. As he approached, Sam chipped a ball towards him. Ronaldinho caught it in his hands and gave a bewildered look. Sam quickly explained.

"Ronny, you remember that video of you years back that was all over the internet?"

The players all gave a raucous barrage of sniggering and laughter.

"Not that kind of video! The one of you smacking the crossbar and never letting the ball hit the deck?"

Ronaldinho gave a toothy grin.

"Yeah sure I remember"

"Well I was wondering whether it was a fake or for real......In fact, I was hoping to find out"

He nodded to the football in Ronaldinho's hands and then pointed to the goal.

"Off you go......"

Ronaldinho hesitated for a split second but then shrugged his shoulders and began to jog towards the goal. He stopped about 35 yards from his target and began to juggle the ball. He was still only 35 years old and his skills had not depleted since his Barcelona days. It was awe inspring and even some of the most gifted squad members could not do half the things Ronaldinho made look easy. He spent a minute or two juggling the ball about before he suddenly flicked it high in the air. On its way down he hit a thumping volley that hurtled towards the goal. It crashed violently against the bar and rocketed back, Ronaldinho had to sprint to get to the ball but he effortlessly controlled it on his chest, flicking it up and hitting it once more. Once again he hit his target and easily controlled the rebound.

He began to make his way back to the centre circle, not letting the ball hit the ground. But then as he almost returned to where the players where gathered, he flicked the ball up into the air again and with his back to goal unleashed a terrific overhead kick that soared towards the goal. Everyone on the pitch held their breath as the ball hung for an age in the air. But the familiar 'ping' sound broke the silence into raptures from the players, who rugby tackled Ronaldinho to the floor and treated him to what Sam knew in his homeland as a 'bundle'. He chuckled to himself, it was a magical moment and it sent morale through the roof.

retired_workingmom77

It's been a while........

Brazil vs. Canada

Saturday 31st January 2015
North American Gold Cup Quarter Final
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro

The winners of this Quarter Final would go on to face a very talented Mexican side, who had despatched El Salvador without much trouble. No doubt Chivas striker Arturo Ruiz would be looking to cause me more nightmares. But first we ourselves had to get past Canada, which was easier said than done. Leicester's Iain Hume had had a fantastic World Cup and continued to do a great job up front for the Canadians. Atiba Hutchinson captained the side and he is a great midfield player, also not forgetting star man Jonathan de Guzman who would be a tricky player for the defence to handle. But aside from veterans, Canada fielded a number of rising stars. 21 year old central defender James Fletcher is tipped for big things and I doubt he will stay at Vancouver for long.

Evandro Roncatto made his first appearance in the tournament whilst Rafael Mendoza returned at right back. It took a while for us to settle down but it was Chelsea midfielder Anderson who had the first chance, the ball clattering against the crossbar after a venomous shot. Wellington also tested the Canadian keeper with a few stinging shots that were well saved. It looked as though we wouldn't get a breakthrough in the first half but that all changed when Evandro Roncatto found himself in acres of space a slotted a well placed finish beyond the keeper. That sent us in at the break with a 1-0 lead.

Canada responded well in the second half and Celtic midfielder Jacob Lensky should have equalised early on. But then came a spell of about half an hour where neither side created many chances. The game was settled with around 15 minutes remaining, Agnaldo showing great chest control, bursting in the area and finishing with a low drive. The winger is repaying the faith I had in selecting him for my first squad.

So Canada in the end provided no shocks, but they are team with a bright future and I fully expect to be competing against them in the next World Cup.

Starting XI: Barbosa, Mendoza, Felipe, Castan(c), Jorge, Arouca, Moises, Agnaldo, Anderson, Wellington, Roncatto
Used Subs: Itaqui

Final Score: Brazil 2-0 Canada

retired_workingmom77

Brazil vs. Mexico

Thursday 4th February 2015
North American Gold Cup Semi Final
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

Mexico had taken the bold step of selecting their strongest possible squad for this tournament and like us, pressure was mounting back home for results. Chivas striker Arturo Ruiz is a lethal finisher as I have discovered on numerous occasions in my club management career, he would need to be watched very carefully by the defence. Kerlon and Itaqui returned to the side for this Semi Final match, taking the places of Arouca and Evandro Roncatto. Aside from that it was a largely unchanged side from the one that defeated Canada in the Quarter Final.

But the Mexicans were far away a different class from the other teams in the tournament, a talented young squad that possessed world class players and straight away we knew this would be our toughest test yet. Arturo Ruiz took the initiative early on and forced a smart save from Barbosa. The Mexicans didn't let up in their attack and Espanyol midfielder Miguel Alvarado flashed a shot past Barbosa's near post.

Ruiz and Giovani dos Santos went close as a first half entirely dominated by Mexico drew to a close, we were fortunate to go in at 0-0.

The second half was a slight improvement as we began to settle down finally, Wellington squandering a great chance to give us the lead. Kerlon then forced a great save out of Ochoa as the dominance began to shift in our favour. Anderson blazed a volley over the bar when he should have scored and I started to wonder whether this would be our night, we just couldn't seem to finish anything.

The last 15 minutes heralded a Mexican come back and with around 10 minutes remaining, Barbosa was called upon to make two excellent saves. Anderson wasted another opportunity allowing the Mexicans to counter attack, it left us paralysed at the back and somehow Arturo Ruiz found a yard of space to slot past Brabosa with just 6 minutes to go.

Mexico then turned ultra defensive trying to hang on to the lead, their tactics stalled precious time and we only had one opportunity to equalise, Kerlon through on goal but having his shot tipped onto the post by Ochoa. The final whistle blew and the Mexicans were victorious, my first tournament ending in failure.

Starting XI: Barbosa, Mendoza, Felipe, Castan(c), Jorge, Itaqui, Moises, Anderson, Agnaldo, Wellington, Kerlon
Used Subs: Arouca, Ramon

Final Score: Brazil 0-1 Mexico

retired_workingmom77

After taking such a strong side to the Gold Cup, returning home from America trophyless was a real dissapointment. A much changed side defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in the Third Place Play Off as Mexico went on to claim the trophy. However, there was now a lengthy break until Brazil's next matches, the Confederations Cup in the Summer. That was a trophy that Sam knew his team would have to do well in. They would have the opportunity to play European champions Portugal as well as potential matches against Holland and long time rivals Argentina. It looked set to be a fantastic tournament.

Sam still resided in the luxurious apartment situated on Ilha de Santa Catarina. He had gotten so used to the surroundings during his 7 year tenure at Hermann Aichinger that it felt more of a home than anywhere in England. When he had accepted the national job, he saw no reason to re-locate to Rio or São Paulo. It also meant that he could easily go and watch several Hermann Aichinger matches.

When he got home, the phone rang. It was Wolfgang, the two still remained very close friends.

"Sam, how are things? Sorry about the Mexico game, you never deserved to lose like that"

"Yeah I know, we have to move on though. No point worrying about such an insignificant tournament. How's things your end?"

"Well, something has come up and I think you ought to know. Have you been watching the news recently?"

"I'm too busy these days mate. Why? What's up?"

"12 NPD members are due to stand trial in Berlin over the next 6 months or so. We are going to called over there as witnesses."

"Jesus Christ! We could be in deeep sh*t here."

"How?"

"Well there are certain things that we know and have done that could incriminate us. Like knowing about the fabricated document that put them in jail and killing their henchmen!"

"All they will ask us about, will be the night Heinrich was killed and the crash."

"We don't even know for certain the crash was anything to do with them."

"We don't, but others do. This is all very complicated, but all we have to do is give evidence and justice will be done. This will all be over Sam."

"I hope you're right."

retired_workingmom77

retired_startnowj

This is damn addictive and absolutely tremendous! Keep it up mate! I haven't even read about your club days in part one yet though, so I guess I better head there while I wait for the next installment of "The restoration of glory".

retired_workingmom77

Thanks Marcussy, I hope you are a patient man, as updates are going to be few and far between at the moment.

Helmut sat in the maximum security wing of the Munich prison waiting for a guard to bring him his monthly reading material, it was the only luxury he received. Once a month a thick, dust covered book would be dropped onto his bed, usually the most boring titles, 'Advanced Quantam Physics' and other such mind numbing pieces of work. He could rarely make head nor tail of any of the books, but when all priveliges are stripped from you, it doesn't really matter. Plus, it was good exercise for his mind. Prisons such as this were more than capable of driving a man insane and Helmut would be damned if he would be reduced to such an undignified state. It seemed unlikely that he would be locked up for much longer, but it wouldn't be the dramatic return to power he had previously envisaged. His subordinates on the outside had totally ruined his plan and got themselves arrested. Helmut put it down to sloppiness at letting the British and Americans listen in on them, but he was guessing that whatever crucial piece of evidence they ould be using was fake. The accusations were true of course but Helmut knew they had been too careful to let themselves be tried. So 12 of his former colleagues had joined him in prison and there they had stayed for around 6 months. But now a trial at The Hague had been arranged and it was the end of the line for the NPD, Helmut knew his fellow party members would get lengthy prison sentences, maybe life for a few. As for him, he wouldn't be suprised if the gallows awaited him. He was the big catch and this new evidence would make his existing life sentence seem very lenient indeed.

It was a different guard that brought him his latest book, odd because Helmut thought he knew everyone who worked in this section of the prison. The guard handed him the book, Helmut glanced at the cover.

Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell

It was a battered old copy and it wasn't translated into German, fortunately Helmut's English was fluent. Helmut flipped open the book and began to read the first page. As he did so, he noticed that on the inside of the front cover, a small capsule had been taped on to it. Without showing any reaction he slowly removed the capsule which turned out to contain a small pill, undoubtedly cyanide. Someone had offered him the chance to end his life in defiance. He sat for hours contemplating whether to end it all, after all he was either going to be executed or at best stay here for the rest of his natural life. For the first time in his life he looked skyward and said a small prayer as he moved the cyanide tablet towards his mouth and with one last glance around and a deep breath, he bit down on the pill.