-Xenon-

Welcome to Part Two of what possibly will become a trilogy of stories. Those who didn't read Part One, may want to take a look otherwise you will find the storyline a bit bewildering! These stories are all that is preventing FM 2006 gathering dust somewhere in my house and for those who crave the knowledge of what leagues I'm running and on what version, it's obviously exactly the same as last time.

Enjoy! :p


Two and a half years later.........

Surrey, England

Sam hated hospitals. They always seemed so dis-organised, as if they would do more harm than good to their patients. Thankfully it was only a brief visit. His consultant had ordered regular check-ups over the last 18 months and today was the final appointment. The gun-shot wound under his left shoulder had taken an age to heal fully. The bullet had torn through tendons, muscle and fragmented into part of the ball and socket. That meant he had trouble extending his arm fully, but apart from that it didn't handicap him too badly. It still hurt like hell every now and then but according to the consultant that was to be expected. The doctor briefly checked the movement in Sam's arms and asked if he had any problems with it, to which the answer was no. That seemed to be all he needed to hear.

"Well Mr. Cox I don't think we'll be needing to see you anymore. Just try not to run into anymore gunmen on your travels!"

"I'll try not to, thank you Doctor"

"I suppose you watched the World Cup?"

Sam grimaced.

"Yeah, unfortunately"

"England could use a coach like you, I dunno losing in the final. It seemed so perfect after we thrashed the Germans."

Sam smiled, Wolfgang had been furious and it wasn't as if he could switch allegiances to Brazil as they had been dumped out in the group stage, finishing behind Ghana and Romania.

"I can't get a job in League 1, let alone the national team. No-one here seems to watch South American football, I'm a hero in Santa Catarina!"

"I've heard about what you've done out there. Bit of anti climax to your career, losing to those Mexicans."

"So I'm constantly reminded, anyway my career is not over yet. I've just come home for a break. I best be off, thanks for everything"

"Not to worry, let us know if you have any problems"

***

At this point we best fill the gaps regarding what has happened since that almost fatal night in Yokohama. Sam went on to have treatment for the best part of a month after the shooting. Juninho Pernambucano took over First Team affairs in his absence after Ronaldo decided to move on from the club. He did a great job, delivering another Santa Catarina state title. Juninho decided against taking the vacant Assistant role, opting to go back to coaching the Under 20's who he had led to a national championship title. Sam hired recently retired player Ronaldinho to be his assistant, the former Barcelona and Brazil midfielder proved a popular figure with staff and players alike. On his return Sam guided Hermann Aichinger to a second successive league title and even more impressively another Copa Libertadores trophy. His team then went on to defeat River Plate in the Recopa.

But the season did not end on a high note when Hermann Aichinger returned to Japan to defend their World title. Sam was uneasy returning to the place where his life had almost been extinguished. In some way that uneasiness translated on to the pitch and although they comfortably beat the Orlando Pirates in the Semi Final. They lost 2-1 to the Mexican side, Chivas in the final.

It was a disappointment the side have yet to recover from. They added a third straight state title to their Honours list, but made a disappointing start to the league campaign. Struggling for results and languishing in mid table, the fans were beginning to doubt their heroes. A cruel defeat in the final of the Copa Libertadores to Corinthians was the final straw. Sam handed in his resignation despite having received no unrest from the board. His heart wasn't in it anymore and he needed to go home.

That was two months ago.

***

When Sam got home, he picked up the newspaper that had been dropped on his doorstep. He flipped it over to the back page and saw an article of interest.

Interesting, thought Sam as he noticed a message had been left on his home phone. He prodded the button and listened to the message, it was his dumb blonde of a P.A., Diane.

"Hi Sam, it's me. Just to let you know I've had a phonecall from a Mr........Tez-yeah-ra??, no idea how you pronounce it, I couldn't really understand much on account of him having a thick brazilian accent. Anyway he's in London tomorrow and wants to arrange a meeting with you. I'll call you back later with all the details."

So Ricardo Teixeira had asked for a meeting with him. This was becoming interesting.........

-Xenon-

"Sam! Welcome, please take a seat."

Sam was suspicious at such a warm greeting. He had met Ricardo a couple of times, usually involving the collection of trophies, yet the president of the Brazilian F.A greeted him as if he were an old friend. Oddly it was just him in the room. Sam wasn't stupid, he knew that this 'meeting' was regarding the vacant Brazil job, yet it wasn't exactly your typical interview, he had been expecting several national officials to be present. He sat down slowly, wondering whether his assumptions had been accurate. Ricardo went on to explain.

"Now, I know you have probably seen the reports in the newspaper. We are actively seeking a replacement for Mano"

"Yes, I've also seen that you are set to offer the job to Roberto Carlos. So why am I here?"

"Well, Roberto may have support based on his playing days. But he lacks the managerial credentials we need, credentials that you possess. He's already managed at three different clubs and acheived nothing. Whereas you were loyal to your club for 8 years and look at what you have acheived. You brought the World Club Championship back to Brazil, now we want you bring the World Cup."

Sam pondered this for a second.

"What makes you think I'd want to return to Brazil?"

"Because I know you crave more success. I also know that nobody in England will give you a chance."

"So are you offering me the job?"

Ricardo opened a silver briefcase, retrieving a piece of paper and a pen.

"This is a four year contract, to take charge of the Brazilian national team"

He clicked the top of the pen and held it out. Sam hesitated but then reached out and took the pen. He found the part of the contract he was looking for and signed his name on the dotted line. So it was back to Brazil, but this time to prove himself on the world stage.

-Xenon-

The press conferences were seemingly endless. Sam had flown out to Rio the day after his meeting with Ricardo Teixeira and he emerged from the airport terminal amidst hordes of people cheering and clapping. It was funny, thought Sam, a few days ago the public had demanded that Roberto Carlos be the next man in charge of the national team. Now they were bestowing praise upon Sam as if it had not occured to them before that he may be the perfect candidate.

He may not be a Brazilian national but 2 league titles, 2 Copa Libertadores titles and a World Club Championship spoke for itself. He had certainly proved his managerial ability, but then again these people would have settled for anyone given the length of time this proud nation had gone without a trophy. Sam answered the last question of the day (one involving the roles of Kaka and Adriano, who were approaching retirement. Sam said he would be 'looking elsewhere' for these friendlies) and made a hasty retreat. He had rented an apartment in the capital and wanted to get home as soon as possible and begin to start thinking about who would make up his squad to challenge the World Champions. He was just about to get into his car when he heard a familiar voice.

"So, you're back then!"

Sam turned round and grinned.

"How's things Wolfgang?"

"Not bad, not bad. Position in the league is recovering."

"Yeah, I saw you gave Dida the job."

"Well he was the best qualified guy available. But anyway, look at you! Soon you'll be parading the World Cup through the streets of Rio. I wish you luck, as long as you steer clear of Germany that is!"

"Listen, I'm thinking of making Ronaldinho my assitant. Can he handle the workload?"

"You'll have to ask him, it's fine with me. Sure you wouldn't rather have Juninho working with you?"

"Well I was thinking about letting him take over the Under 20's"

Wolfgang chuckled.

"Well try not to steal all of our staff"

"OK, well I best be off. I've got a squad to name."

-Xenon-

-Xenon-

Brazil vs. Holland

Saturday 30th August 2014
Friendly
Olimpico Regional, Cascavel (PR)

We welcomed the World Champions to a hot and humid Cascavel that would be difficult for the players to bear. The Dutch had come here looking for a first win as champions of the World and they picked a very strong squad. The likes of Van Persie, Sneijder, Robben and Ton Seedorf would be a tough test for a largely untested side, but I was confident.

Itaqui wasn't 100% for the match and it meant that I was forced to play João Leonardo at defensive midfield. Kerlon and Robinho started as the two forwards while new caps were handed to Ramon and Agnaldo.

It was somewhat of a dream start for us, with the first foray into the Dutch half resulting in a goal. A corner taken by Robinho eventually found itself at the feet of Anderson who was then tripped by Mark Brouwers. Referee Hector Baldassi didn't hesitate to give a penalty and the Dutch defender could have few complaints. Kerlon opted to take the kick and he calmly slotted the ball in the corner, sending the Holland keeper, Maarten Stekelenburg completely the wrong way.

But Holland showed their class and immediately hit back forcing two excellent saves from Barbosa. The pressure finally told when talented young midfielder Ton seedorf skipped past Aganldo and played a lovely through ball that found Robin van Persie. The Villareal forward then lobbed Barbosa with an audacious finish to make it 1-1 and we had still only played 8 minutes. After that the game really opened up nicely and it became a cracking spectacle. Barbosa and Stekelenburg were both kept busy as both sides poured forward in an up and down game.

Both sides looked capable of netting the next goal, but it was us that struck once more. Ramon taking opportunity of Stekelenburg being off his line and lobbing him suberbly from 25 yards. Not bad for a debut goal.

In the second half, Holland came out all guns blazing and were rewarded for their hard work. Robin van Persie in a man of the match performance breaking clean through and hitting the post, unfortunately the rebound fell straight back to him and he was able to finish levelling the scores at 2-2. After that both sides seemed to take their foot of the gas and there were few chances. Juliano Pacheco came on and almost scored with a late volley but the end result was an entertaining 2-2 draw. Not a bad way to start my reign as Brazil manager.

Starting XI: Barbosa, Rafinha, Castan, Jorge, Felipe (c), João Leonardo, Anderson, Agnaldo, Ramon, Robinho, Kerlon
Used Subs: Moises, Diego, Pacheco

Final Score: Brazil 2-2 Holland

Peacemaker7

A trilogy in four parts perhaps?

-Xenon-

A quartet eh? We shall see :p

Wolfgang was a guest of honour at the Holland and was enjoying the game from one of the corporate boxes. After the game, he and some other club associates including the new manager Dida, invited Sam up for a glass of wine. Sam will forever be remembered as a hero at Hermann Aichinger and they were keen to keep relations between Sam and the club healthy. Wolfgang was no fool, Sam was still a relatively young manager and they may have to call upon him at some point.

Sam made his way up to the box after having just finished de-briefing his team. Although the game ended in a draw he was delighted as he was sure a few months ago, this would have been a game that they would have lost, possibly heavily. Wolfgang got to his feet and clapped the new arrival.

"Congratulations! Not quite a win but it had us on the edge of our seats"

Sam grinned and sat down at the table amidst warm greetings from his former colleagues and employers.

"Yeah, but now I have to worry about Spain in November. I don't think this is the squad to get a result. I'll make two or three changes, that's for sure."

"So who are the condemned men then?"

"Robinho was awful today, did you notice the change in our attacking play when I replaced him for Juliano Pacheco? Instant improvement. I just gave him his 100th cap, it could be his last."

There was a surprised silence. Sure, Robinho had not played well at all, but he was the most high profile member of the squad. How could Sam drop him when he had already disposed of Kaka and Adriano? Sam could sense their concern, but he knew a fresh change was needed. It was a gamble, but he'd rather take the gamble whilst the World Cup was a good 4 years away.

"So you'll bring Porcellis or Adriano back?"

"Neither, I have a proven consistent goalscorer that isn't over the hill. You know him actually."

Wolfgang grinned. He cursed himself for not seeing this coming.

"I'm going to give Wellington a start against Spain"

-Xenon-

-Xenon-

Brazil vs. Spain

Wednesday 12th November
Friendly
Estadio Castelão, São Luis (MA)

Perennial under-acheivers Spain were our next visitors in what was proving a tough opening few fixtures with my international management career in its infancy. Their squad was packed with stars, new and old but I was counting on the São Luis crowd to provide extra support for the team.

I could see from kick off that this would be a similar game to the one against Holland, from a entertainment value perspective. Both sides had early ventures into each other's halves and a few fizzing shots were sent wide of the goals. The first chance of the game fell to one of the newcomers. Arouca played a wonderful one-two with Rafinha before chipping it Wellington. The striker hit it on the half volley, but it sailed a few feet wide.

Wellington would be left kicking himself, as just a few minutes later he was shown how its done. A great cross from Ruben Cruz found Borja Santamaria unmarked on the far side. The Villareal striker connecting with a crisp half volley that swerved past Barbosa and gave the Europeans a 1-0 lead. That goal made quite an odd statistic, all the goals we have conceded at this point have come from Villareal players as Robin van Persie had netted twice in the last game.

We knew we had to respond quickly and we did just that. Not long before the break, Kerlon managed to wriggle free of the last defender and found himself one on one with Jose Reina. The Corinthians striker dummied the Liverpool keeper and slotted home for 1-1, that made it two from two for the striker. Then came the half time whistle and it was hard to predict which way this game was going to go. Wellington was still yet to make an impact.

The game opened up as legs began to tire on both sides and it was us in the ascendency. Kerlon went close a few times but it was Ramon with the breakthrough with about 20 minutes remaining. The attacking midfielder capitalised on a poor clearance and volleyed home his second goal in a Brazil shirt, justifiying his selection. We then sat back trying to defend this 2-1 lead and it was definately a mistake. An Iniesta corner was thumped home by defender Aythami and the Spaniards were level. It looked as though we were heading for another 2-2 draw.

But then in stoppage time, it was dream ending for Wellington. I had let him play the full ninety minutes believing he could create something and I was right. Ramon pinged a 50 yard ball into his path, Wellington flicked the ball past the last defender and beared down on goal. This was were he was at his most lethal, but what he did next I hadn't seen often from him. With Reina approaching he delicately lobbed the keeper and the ball nestled in the net. Spain had no time to look for an equaliser and it was a first win as manager of Brazil.

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

Final Score: Brazil 3-2 Spain

-Xenon-

The win against Spain had done a lot towards re-assuring the Brazilian public that their national team was back in safe hands. Sam himself was impressed because this team was only the foundations of the squad he heoped to be able to create for the World Cup in 2018. Already they looked very capable of working together as a unit and it was encouraging. With that victory came the end of international activity for Brazil in 2014, now they could look forward to next year and hope to build even further.

Sam had appointed Juninho Pernambucano as coach of the Under 20 squad. He relished his new job and he split his time between the Hermann Aichinger youth team and the national youth team. He also saw to it that a fair few CAHA youngsters got international call ups. On a blustery afternoon in November, Sam and Ronaldinho went to go and see the Brazil Under 20's in action against their Spanish counterparts in the corresponding Under 20 fixture. Juninho has recommended a young striker by the name of Itamar, who was playing his last game for the Under 20's as he was due to turn 21. At half time, the Spanish team were 1-0 up and Itamar had yet to come off the bench. It seemed that Juninho was wasting their time on this rare instance as they had seen little to encourage them from the Under 20's play.

While the half time team talks went on (which most probably involved Juninho telling his players who was sat in the stands), it gave Ronaldinho an ideal opportunity to inform his manager of the draws in the three major competitions that Brazil would be competing in, in 2015.

"So, I went to the draws for the Gold Cup, Confederations Cup and Copa America and found out who we've got."

"Ok, let's hear it."

"In the Gold Cup we are in Group A with Saint Martin..."

"Wait, wait, wait.......who?"

"Saint Martin, they are a small island in the Caribbean."

"Is someone taking the pÃ*ss here? I have never heard of them, where are they in the World Rankings?"

"Well strictly speaking they are not a member of FIFA, in fact the Gold Cup is the only competition they can compete in."

"Right, who else? Oh no wait, let me guess.........'The Island' from 'Lost'?"

Ronaldinho chuckled to himself, that show was now in about its ninth season, it wouldn't have surprised him if they hadn't formed their own team by now.

"El Salvador."

"Well at least I've heard of them."

"Confederations Cup, which we only qualify for as holders of the Gold Cup before you insult the competition any further, is a little more tricky. Portugal, Morocco and the Cook Islands."

"Ok, what about the Copa America?"

"Group B, Ecuador, Paraguay and Honduras"

"A busy year then?"

"Indeed"

The second half began and Itamar was thrown on to help his beleaguered team-mates. But there was dramatic team-wide improvement. Juninho's recommendation bagging two goals in a 2-1 victory, he looked impressive.

"He's banging them in for Atletico Paranaense aswell"

Said a pleased looking Juninho.

"So what do you reckon, worth a gamble?"

Sam contemplated this. It was a tough decision, he had about 10 strikers that could do a job for him and only 4-5 places in the squad.

"We'll see how well he starts the season. If he does well, we'll see about taking him to the Confederations Cup."