retired_workingmom77

Brazil vs. Argentina
Sunday 5th July 2015
Confederations Cup Final
Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton

Holland had safely despatched Morocco 3-1 in the 3rd Place Play-off, the remaining match being the showpiece final between ourselves and Argentina. This would be my first encounter against our bitter continental rivals, however I knew a lot about them having managed a few of their star players at club level. Sergio Fernandez and Pablo Correa, two players I knew all about from my days at Hermann Aichinger, both would start this game. Pablo was still at Hermann Aichinger but Sergio had sinced moved back to Argentina to play for River Plate. I was also aware of the presence of Real Madrid midfielder Hernan Figueroa. The 24 year old was a dynamic player and was capable of anything on his day. Raphael missed the final through suspension after picking up a red card against Holland, Robinho took his place.

Argentina were first to create an opportunity, a corner taken by Mascherano was headed narrowly over the bar by Pablo Correa. We broke into a counter-attack with a quickly taken goal kick. Kerlon found himself one-on-one with the keeper and he didn’t hesitate in slotting the ball beyond the reach of the keeper. 1-0 after just five minutes it was dream start but we were mindful of an Argentine comeback. After a furious opening few minutes, the first half tailed off into a rather dull exercise in retaining possession with neither side looking especially dangerous. The ball stayed glued to the midfield for the rest of the half and it meant that we went in at the break with our 1-0 lead still intact.

But the pace of the game was to change once more at the start of the second half. Argentina came out all guns blazing and Gabriel Rodriguez was carelessly tripped in the area by Itaqui. The referee pointed to the spot and Sergio Fernandez of all people stepped up to blast the ball in the back of the net and make it 1-1. We responded well to the equaliser and forced a couple of very good saves from Leo Franco. Not long after that we went one better, a cross from Robinho was chested down and volleyed into the net by Kerlon who celebrated his second of the day putting us 2-1 in front with 20 minutes to go. Barely five minutes later, Robinho was once more the architect as he provided a neat flick for Ramon to latch on to and smash the ball home for 3-1. With 15 minutes remaining it looked as though we had wrapped up the tournament.

However in stoppage time, Pablo Correa set up a nervy finish with a stunning strike to make it 3-2. Both former players of mine netting for Argentina. We held on though and after two incredibly tough matches against Holland and the Argentines we had finally sealed the trophy and it was my first as Brazil manager, hopefully it wouldn’t be the last.

Starting XI: Barbosa, Rafinha, Felipe, Castan, Jorge, Itaqui, Anderson, Agnaldo, Ramon, Robinho, Kerlon
Used Subs: Moises, Tcho, Wellington

Final Score: Brazil 3-2 Argentina

retired_workingmom77

Victory in the Confederations Cup was a huge relief for the Brazilian public, who had seen their national side go trophyless for so many years. And it hadn't just been anyone Brazil had beaten. Victories against the reigning World, European and South American champions signalled that Brazil were once again back in business and they had a perfect chance to continue their good form with the upcoming Copa America in Paraguay. Sam had a couple of months to take a break and ponder over the squad to take to the tournament, but as ever it wasn't just football that was dominating his life.

Yet again, an unexpected visitor arrived at Sam's island retreat in Ilha da Santa Catarina. Sam answered the door to a tall and fair haired man dressed in an expensive looking suit. He looked uncomfortable in the searing summer heat. Sam was eager to get rid of this stranger as soon as possible.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can actually. My name is Michael Berg and I represent one of the defendants from the NPD case. I wondered if I could have a quick word?"

Sam didn't invite the man in. If it was just a 'quick' word he wanted, he could stand at the doorstep and deliver whatever rehearsed story he had prepared.

"Do the German police know you're here talking to me?"

Berg didn't answer, instead impatiently looked at his watch and sighed heavily.

"I'll cut to the chase, don't testify against my client".

"Who is your client?"

"You know who I am speaking of. Your silence will be rewarded."

"He's locked up for life anyway and besides, there are plenty of other people who can give a lot better evidence against him than I can. Why is this all resting on me?"

"Because you are all they have at the moment and it could prove crucial, they could sentence him to death."

"With all due respect, people like him deserve to die. Now get the **** off my property."

Sam slammed the door in Berg's face, the lawyer turned and pulled out his mobile phone and dialled an number.

"Yeah, it's me. I think he's gonna need some persuasion"

retired_workingmom77

retired_workingmom77

Brazil vs. Ecuador
Thursday 16th July 2015
Copa America Group B
Rio Parapiti, Pedro Juan Caballero

We arrived in Paraguay for our Copa America campaign in buoyant mood after convincingly claiming the Confederations Cup trophy. Aside from in the final of that tournament, I had yet to pit my team against any of our South American rivals. It became apparant to me that due to the intense rivalry on the continent, anything could happen in these games. Whilst we were favourites on paper in our first match against Ecuador, we would still have to be wary. Raphael was unavailable for this game as he was serving a suspension for the red card he picked up in the final of the Confederations Cup. Robinho replaced him.

It was plain to see right from kick off that we would dominate the majority of this match. Ecuador were slow off the blocks and their keeper Daniel Viteri was forced to make a few early saves. Middlesbrough attacking midfielder Luis Antonio Valencia went close from 20 yards but aside from that Ecuador's opportunities were limited in the first half. It took just 11 minutes for the breakthrough. Fabio breaking forward from left back on his debut and providing a terrific cross for Robinho who couldn't miss the header. 1-0 up and we were looking comfortable. 10 minutes later a ball lofted forward by Leandro Castan was flicked on by Robinho, Ramon gathered and beared down on goal. As Quinonez came to close him down, he tried to play in Kerlon but the ball re-bounded off Quinonez straight to Robinho who fired in for 2-0, getting his second of the game. Barely a minute later and it was 3-0, Fabio getting another assist, this time crossing for Ramon who took it on the volley and smashed it past Viteri. That made it 3-0 at half time.

The pace in the second half slowed right down as we aimed to control possession and close out the victory. We forced a couple of saves out of Viteri but on the whole it was a fairly scrappy second half, with neither side creating much. We restricted Ecuador to just one shot on goal, Valencia forcing a good save out of Barbosa. Anderson maybe should have made it 4-0 but in the end it was a comfortable win and a great start to our Copa America campaign.

Starting XI: Barbosa, Rafinha, Fabio, Castan(c), Jorge, Arouca, Anderson, Agnaldo, Ramon, Kerlon, Robinho
Used Subs: Mendoza, Itaqui

Final Score: Brazil 3-0 Ecuador

retired_workingmom77

The Munich prison had not experienced such a buzz of expectancy in its walls, as it was doing now. The trial of the NPD members was drawing near and many were expecting all 12 of the accused members to be serving life sentences by the end of the week. As for Helmut, already a convicted murderer, it could mean a far worse sentence. That was partly the reason behind the highly charged atmosphere in the prison. Helmut ran the place, he was the stereotypical 'boss' figure that dominates most prison movies. He was the man that got you things, the man that protected you and ultimately the man you respected with the fear of god, because if you didn't invest your respect in Helmut, prison life would be a lot more unbearable than it already was. This code of conduct not only applied to prisoners but also the guards, who were all terrified of him. They knew that if they failed to show their respect, a gang of thugs would surely turn up at their house while only their wife and children were at home. The prison guards tried not to imagine the consequences of what Helmut described as "non-compliance". As a result, Helmut was given a plush living quarters that bore no resemblence of a cell. Freshly laundered sheets, good food and digital television, all of course were given to him in return for a monetary token of gratitude. So with the trial imminent, the prison took on the atmosphere of a medieval court, in which all the coutiers knew their King was to be assasinated and were planning their devious claims to the throne. Because of course, with Helmut gone a new man would assume dominance and it was this thought that dominated most of the prisoners lives.

Helmut didn't have to suffer the indignity of going to the visitors room to receive guests. Instead they were brought under heavy guard to his 'cell'. On this occasion his lawyer, fresh from his trip to Brazil, was escorted to Helmut's cell. Helmut motioned for him to take a seat. The guards shut the door behind them on their way out.

"How was Brazil?"

"Unsuccessful, your offer fell on deaf ears I'm afraid. I doubt there is anything else we can do to persuade him, we are just going to have to do the best we can at trial. Unless you have a suggestion?"

Helmut appeared to ponder this for a moment.

"I do have a suggestion..."

He retrieved a small brown package and slid it across the table. Berg opened it and saw it was full of crisp bank-notes, bundles of them.

"What's this?"

"Call it severance pay"

"I don't understand......without me you are done for, you cannot represent yourself. What is it I have done?!"

"It's nothing you have done. I simply don't need you anymore, take the money and take your kids to Disneyland for Christ's sake. There is no point you being here anymore, but I appreciate what you have done for me."

"So what happens when you get to trial?"

Helmut leaned slowly across the table and lowered his voice to almost a whisper.

"Believe me when I say this, it won't get to trial."

retired_workingmom77

Brazil vs. Paraguay
Sunday 19th July 2015
Copa America Group B
Rio Parapiti, Pedro Juan Caballero

Our match against the hosts, Paraguay, would certainly be the toughest of this group. Despite this we were confident of beating the home side as we aimed for qualification into the Quarter-Finals. Raphael was still suffering with a slight knock, so I continued with Robinho up front.

This was a lively match and one that Paraguay started the better of the two sides. Nelson Valdez had a shot saved by Barbosa early on and a minute later he was through on goal one more, this time Barbosa smothering the ball. So it was a frenetic start and to be honest we looked fairly shaky at the back. Roque Santa Cruz should have done better when he capitalised on a mis-placed Jorge header. Three chances in the opening minutes and Paraguay were unlucky not to be in front. Attack is often the best form of defence as we mounted our first raid into the Paraguay half. A through ball from Ramon found Kerlon and he took it round the keeper and slotted it home for a rather undeserved 1-0 lead. Paraguay wasted no time in responding. A cross from Veron was met by the head of Carlos Centurion, the central defender making no mistake in burying the ball past Barbosa to level the match at 1-1. On 20 minutes we were back in front, a flick-on from Kerlon found Ramon with the goal at his mercy. The keeper had little chance as Ramon lashed the ball into the net for 2-1. Fifteen minutes later and we had a two goal cushion, Kerlon breaking free and beating the keeper with a fantastic lob for his second goal, making it 3-1. Just a few minutes later and the match was wrapped up. A beautiful diagonal ball from Kerlon finding Robinho who applied a clinical finish to make it 4-1. Amazingly we would add another just before half time, Robinho's volley was blocked by the Paraguayan keeper only for the ball to fall to Kerlon who sealed his hat-trick with a simple tap in.

Down 5-1 at the break, Paraguay would be excused for being disheartened. However, they came out battling straight from the re-start and were rewarded instantly. Nelson Valdez's header was too powerful for Barbosa and despite getting a touch to it, he couldn't keep it out. This amazing game continued, the score now 5-2. Valdez almost scored again five minutes later, this time Barbosa managed to make a smart save. The match then became rather ill-tempered with several players picking up yellow cards. As a result there were few chances as the match became a bit scrappy. With only a minute to go Carlos Javier Acuna almost got himself a consolation but his volley smashed against the crossbar.

Starting XI: Barbosa, Rafinha, Anderson, Castan(c), Jorge, Arouca, Anderson, Agnaldo, Ramon, Robinho, Kerlon
Used Subs: Mendoza, Hurtado, Mauricio

Final Score: Brazil 5-2 Paraguay

retired_soniawalker

its been a month now! come on, we want more!!!

retired_workingmom77

Sorry guys, my PC has had a few problems and I have been unable to post.

Good news is that I think I've managed to salvage the game and should be able to return to the story soon!

retired_workingmom77

Sorry for the lay-off, pleased (and relieved) to say that this story is now well and truly back in action :thup:

retired_workingmom77

For Sam it was yet another winners medal to put in the trophy cabinet. If things continued like this then he would surely have to think about investing in a new, larger cabinet to accomodate for the medals and trophies that were sure to follow. For the first time he felt truly enthusiastic about the rest of his career. He was still young and he eventually wanted to return to England and pit his managerial skills in the homeland that he had failed to get a job in.

For now though, it was time for a rest after the hard work in Paraguay. These days he was holed up in Rio, he would have liked nothing more than stay in Ilha de Santa Catarina. However work commitments meant that he needed to be located in Rio. In what had become a routine since he felt he had finally mastered the Portuguese language, he bought a local newspaper before heading home to his beach-front apartment. He hadn't looked at the front page until he collapsed on his sofa and began to read about the day's events.

What he saw shocked him: