retired_workingmom77

July 2011

After a perfect month with three wins from three games, the team were understandably on cloud nine. A visit from an in form Santos side was ideal if we were to continue our rich vain of form. It seemed to be geared up that way, as after a half hour of dominance we were given a penalty as Peruvian defender Eduardo Uribe brought Whoshington down in the box. Whoshington picked himself up to net the opening goal of the game. However just four minutes later Santos were level. Former Cruzeiro striker and with 5 international caps to his name, Jonathas blasted home the equaliser. Boasting a healthy scoring record since his £7,000,000 move to Santos in 2009, he continued to turn a few heads and the press were raising the inevitable question of a European move for the 23 year old. He was a fine player but the only real star in a Santos team that was on the slide to mid table obscurity these days. That said Santos performed very well in the second half and went close a few times. Both teams were looking for the winner, and it was us that looked most likely to get it. But football is a cruel game at the best of times, and it was Santos that stole three points. Carlinhos needed a second attempt to get the ball past Barbosa but he eventually scored after the ball bobbed around the 6 yard box. A cruel defeat but the perfomance was encouraging enough.

We picked ourselves up from defeat in style against Palmeiras a we made a mockery of the high flying side. It started out a fairly tight game and João Paulo’s well taken effort remained the only goal of the first half. The definite turning point in the match was the sending off of Palmeiras central defender Mauricio, the 20 year old showing his lack of experience. Huge gaps of space started to appear in the Palmeiras defence and we were able to exploit it. Pablo Correa eventually doubled the lead after an hour had been played. Five minutes later Maycon increased the score to 3-0. A comfortable win was eventually sealed by a last minute penalty from youngster Jorge Gimenez. In all honesty we would have had no problems had the teams been even.

Such emphatic wins were usually followed by disappointing performances and that was true of our next match against Botafogo. Somewhat of a bogey side for us, the Rio side profited from an uninspiring display from our team and promptly went 2-0 up within first hour of play. Danilo and a Ze Roberto penalty putting the home side in control. Juliano bagged a trademark free kick to get it back to 2-1. However Botafogo soon increased their lead through Felipe Adão. It was a game played in not the best of spirits, each side having a player sent off, Para for us and Bruno Octavio for the home side. A demoralising 3-1 defeat for us.

We were to bounce back against Sport Recife, who were currently rooted to the bottom of the league. It was not a great day for Sport as not only was Giuseppe sent off but Carlão missed two crucial penalties. The game’s scoring was wrapped up in the first ten minutes as João Paulo and Whoshington were on target as we won 2-0. It could have been disastrous had Barbosa not pulled off two fine penalty saves.

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Santos 1-2 H First Division WhoshingtonPalmeiras 4-0 H First Division João Paulo, Correa, Maycon, GimenezBotafogo 1-3 A TV First Division JulianoSport Recife 2-0 A TV First Division João Paulo, Whoshington*************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** *</pre>

retired_workingmom77

Note: The content of this update is loosely based on an article from today's issue of a well known newspaper that I stumbled across. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read it, it is so startlingly relevant to not only the plot of my story itself but also it fits in perfectly with the future storyline. The "NPD" were intended as a fictional political party, I only chose that name as it seemed logical given my fairly decent grasp of the German language. Little did I know that they actually exist and especially with some of the imagery in the article, they are quite similar as to how I have described them. Purely co-incidental I assure you!


As the three mercenaries boarded their flight to Brazil, the question of their employers was raised and finally it appeared as though Vladimir was willing to relinquish some information. Sergey was particularly keen to know who was behind this odd mission.

"Vladimir, do we get to know who we are working for yet?

Without speaking Vladimir handed him a crumpled newspaper that was in English, yet Sergey had no trouble understanding it. It was open somewhere near the middle, amongst the dull stories that it was unlikely anyone cared about. But Sergey was immediately interested when he began to read the article. He called Nikolai over and the both began to read.

Nikolai looked disgusted.

"We are working for the fascists?"

"Money is money my friend"

***

Thousands of miles away Sam was sat reading the exact same article and he read it was the same uneasiness that the men sent to kill him had. He always had the English papers delievered to him to keep track of what was going on back home and he had literally stumbled across this story. The NPD were clearly growing in strength and support, but for the time being it remained almost impossible for them to gain any real support. Himself and Wolfgang had been wined and dined and made to feel like old friends by the new man in charge, but he still did not trust them. A familiar feeling began to creep up on him, he began to fear as though more deadly trouble was heading his way. And things were going so well.......

retired_milla0225

the truth is stranger than fiction, no?

retired_workingmom77

It would certainly seem so

August 2011

Our good run of form up to this point saw us still competing near the top of the table. The media were questioning exactly when our run would come to an end, but our performances in August would still leave them wondering as we approached the half way point of the season. Our first game was a tough trip to Vitoria, a team that were also enjoying their "suprise package" status. Unfortunately we got off to a pretty dreadful start and after a few minutes we were behind due to a goal from Chrystiano. As ever we never let our heads drop and were soon back on level terms. I am constantly reminded of the fact that we posess two central midfielders that are exceptionally gifted at shooting from range and it the more experienced of the pair, Fagner Galvão that netted a sweet strike from 25 yards for the equaliser. Despite a renewed vigour about the side, we were unable to create any more chances that would yield a goal and in the end we settled for a valuable point.

Another week, another big game and curiously enough another one in which all the goals came in the first half. The visit of Vasco was eagerly anticipated and it did not disappoint its TV coverage status. An action packed first ten minutes saw us 2-1 down, Anderson had breached our defence within the first minute. Wellington had equalised with barely five minutes on the clock, only to see Anderson grab his second in the ninth minute. Coming from behind was beginning to be something we were accustomed to, this time a penalty yielding the equaliser, Para converting for 2-2. Despite the action packed first half, the second 45 minutes was almost a totally different spectacle. Both sides failed to create anything, and we settled for another draw.

The win we so desperately craved finally came away to Bahia, though at one point it seemed we were heading for another draw. Some excellent work from Whoshington had resulted in a brace for the young striker and at 2-0 we seemed to be cruising. But the home side mounted a second half comeback, first Barrocal scoring and then with barely ten minutes remaining Fabio Bala made it 2-2. However we finally grabbed the three points through a magnificent solo effort from Wellington. We have had no problem scoring goals so far, it is the defensive perfomances that leave a lot to be desired.

Next up was Cruzeiro, a team that had undergone massive changes this season. They had spent a staggering £16,500,000 this season, the most notable newcomer, Brazil Under 20 and São Paulo star João Pedro for the grand sum of £9,000,000. At the start of the season I had failed to see past Cruzeiro with regards to title challengers, given the strength of their squad but it hadn't really happened for them so far. They put in a poor perfomance here, former Raposa man Whoshington giving us an early lead which we held until two minutes from time. João Pedro was on hand to rescue an undeserved point for Cruzeiro.

Corinthians were aiming for a 3rd successive title, yet many pundits were still scratching their heads as to how they stole the title from under Fluminense and Paranaense's noses last season. This year they had a new look, youthful side, that was led by hard man veteran Javier Mascherano. Yet this season appeared to be one of re-building and Alan Hansen's famous line "you can't win anything with kids" looked at last to be accurate. I recognised some of their players as previous transfer targets of ours including Diego Rossello, who at the age of just 19 had cemented his place as Uruguay's first choice left back. However it was a Timão old boy that stole the show, Wellington grabbing the only goal of the game in a priceless away win.

However we struggled in our next game at Fluminense. Somehow we managed to battle from 2-0 down with 10 men and rescue a point. Wellington and Pablo Correa on target to preserve our now month old unbeaten record.

We reached the half way point of the season in emphatic style, young right winger Juan Guillermo Pinzon playing an absolute blinder against Internacional. First he scored a wonder goal after cutting inside and beating two members of the static Inter defence. Then he found Wellington with an inch perfect cross, from which the striker headed home for 2-0. A comfortable afternoon was rounded off by a penalty which was converted by young right back Jorge Gimenez. Half way through the season and 3rd place in the table. Dare we dream of a title challenge?

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Vitoria 1-1 A First Division GalvãoVasco 2-2 H TV First Division Para, WellingtonBahia 3-2 A First Division Whoshington(2), WellingtonCruzeiro 1-1 H TV First Division WhoshingtonCorinthians 1-0 A First Division WellingtonFluminense 2-2 A TV First Division Correa, WellingtonInternacional 3-0 H First Division Pinzon, Wellington, Gimenez******************************************* ************************************************** ***********************************************</pre>

retired_yolanda

Still enjoying this, KUTGW!

retired_workingmom77

Cheers Gil

retired_redchyna

:thup: this is brillian xenon. i just read all of it. please continue.

retired_workingmom77

Thanks a lot manu legend

September 2011

Before the hugely anticipated match against São Paulo, we first had to travel to one of their local rivals, Portuguesa. The São Paulo side were not having a great season, and at the half way point they were rooted at the bottom of the table. Despite their league position they played fairly well. It was us that found the break-through though, Wellington netting just before half time. But Portuguesa hit back barely five minutes into the second half, Fabricio heading home from a corner. We tried in vain to look for the winner, it just never came and we had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Finally it was time for the big one against São Paulo, attendance was reported at 15,727, not bad at all. Victory would see us jump up to 1st place in the league as Corinthians had now been beaten in their last two games, plus São Paulo had come into this on the back of two draws. Although we had incentive enough to win the game. The crowd were fantastic and there was finally a real atmosphere about the place, most fans expected São Paulo to trample all over us but nonetheless they showed their support and it was very much appreciated. It was a dream start for us as Pablo Correa found a way through the defence and emphatically smashed the ball home after just ten minutes. São Paulo pressurised right the way through the match but were unable to come up with the goods. In the second half Fagner Gãlvao doubled the lead totally against the run of play with a trademark drive. That was the way it stayed, the huge crowd treated to a 2-0 win against the league leaders. That put us top after 22 games, you couldn’t deny we were well in the title race, elsewhere Corinthians lost again and it was looking more and more like a two horse race between us and São Paulo.

Next up was Coritiba, always an eventful fixture and that was the case again. It was a high tempo and aggressive game with both teams reduced to 10 men, Junior for Coritiba and Maycon from our team both receiving red cards within the first half hour. Despite that we raced into a 2-0 lead. A rare start for Diego Morais was rewarded with a goal from the striker, who was playing wide right as Pinzon and Ale were both injured. Another goal from Wellington saw us take a comfortable 2-0 lead. However in the second half Coritiba fought back and two quick fire goals from Quirino made it 2-2. Pablo Correa restored the lead a few minutes later, but Quirino sealed a hat trick from the penalty spot to make it 3-3. Pablo Correa was the hero of the hour as he got his second and the winner in stoppage time, the game ending 4-3. That victory saw us stay in 1st place, but how long could it last?

Despite Atletico Paranaense never having achieved great league success, it was always one of the toughest games. The reigning Copa Libertadores champions boasted a talented squad and it would be difficult when they visited the Baixada. They took the lead early on through prodigious talent Juliano Pacheco, but we immediately pegged them back from the penalty spot, 19 year old right back Jorge Gimenez blasting the spot kick home for 1-1. Whoshington gave us the lead a few minutes later and it looked as though we were heading for our third straight win. But late on Netinho grabbed an equaliser and the game ended 2-2. We retained first place in the league but São Paulo were just one point behind.

Finally we played an out of sorts São Caetano side who were finding themselves in a relegation battle. All the goals came in the first half, Whoshington giving us the lead before Paulo Ramos equalised for the home team. João Paulo scored a wonder goal that turned out to be the winner, 2-1 the final score. With a little over two months of football to go we were still top and the subject of a title win was beginning to creep into the back of the minds of players, staff and fans.

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Portuguesa 1-1 A TV First Division WellingtonSão Paulo 2-0 H First Division Correa, GalvãoCoritiba 4-3 A TV First Division Diego Morais, Correa(2), WellingtonAtletico Paranaense 2-2 H First Division Gimenez, WhoshingtonSão Caetano 2-1 A TV First Division João Paulo, Whoshington*************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** *</pre>

retired_workingmom77

Ibirama, the home town of Hermann Aichinger was small and generally quiet. However on this particular day the town centre was bustling and noisy. The town locals were busy milling around and going about their business. On this particular day a local celebrity was in their midst. Sam was enjoying a quiet drink in one of the local pubs, however much he protested he was never allowed to buy a drink in what had become his regular place to relax after a tough day's work at the Baixada. He liked to be amongst the fans even if they had criticisms of his work, which due to the ferocity of the support for football in Brazil, there was always someone that had a bone to pick with him. He felt it neccesary to have a good relationship with the fans and be seen to be conscious of their worries, not that the team's current performances were cause for concern. Upon seeing that there was a large queue to buy him drinks, he felt he better retreat as at this rate he would surely become intoxicated and with a gruelling training session planned for early next morning, a hangover was the last thing he needed. He drained the last of his beer and thanked Pepe, the cheerful barman and made an exit. A few autograph signing delayed his retreat but he was all too happy to sign them.

Across the street, on a top floor balcony, Vladimir observed his target through a pair of binoculars. He touched his ear piece and radioed Sergey.

"Target is leaving the bar, place the tracker"

"Da"

Vladimir glanced at his wristwatch, he wondered where on earth Nikolai was. He was supposed to be obtaining the weapons and he was at least two hours late. He hadn't taken to the mission very well, as he was wary of his employers. Unlike Sergey, Vladimir had never served with Nikolai before. He had been a KGB operative during the Cold War, undercover in the States. Like many of his kind he was forced to enter into a world of merecenary black bag operations since the fall of the wall. He was a quiet and sombre man but was clearly cold and calculated and he had impressed Vladimir at first. But now his suspicions were beginning to mount.

***

Down at street level Sergey glided towards his target. Walking at a quick pace he deliberately moved into the path of the target and shoved into him. The target regained his balance and began to apolgise in Portuguese.

"So sorry, didn't see you at all"

Sergey responded in a flawless American accent.

"Didn't understand a goddamn word of that, but that was my fault, are you OK?"

Sam was relieved to hear someone else apart from Wolfgang speaking English for once.

"That's quite alright mate, I think I need to lay off the beer!"

"Ha! Hang on a sec, aren't you that soccer coach guy? I'm a big fan."

"Yeah that's me although I'd call myself a football manager, "soccer" isn't in my vocabulary I'm afraid, I didn't realise we had a fan-base in the States"

"Yeah well I'm a die hard socc...I mean football fan, I came to see the game tomorrow. I'm probably one of very few that follows the Brazilian game back home though."

"Well enjoy the game, I'd like to promise you a win but if I could do that I'd be on a lot better pay than I am now. Nice to meet you."

They shook hands, as they did Sergey transferred an ultra thin and practically invisible sensor that stuck to the surface of the skin onto Sam's palm. They both walked away and Sergey then radioed back to Vladimir.

"Done"

Vladimir observed the screen of his laptop, a red dot began blipping on a map of the town.

retired_workingmom77

October 2011

Sitting top of the table with 14 games left to play was a position no-one at the club could have predicted, and that taking nothing away from the players and staff's level of confidence. We had to keep up our impressive record to fend off São Paulo for as long as we could, us it now boiled down to a direct title race between the two of us. We started in emphatic style grabbing a priceless away win against Flamengo. The Rio side were directly alongside Corinthians and Internacional in the pack desperately trying to close down the top two. Midfield dynamo João Paulo put in another superb performance and his efforts led to the opening goal, another long range blast from the ex-Cruzeiro player. After the break Whoshington added to the lead with a well placed shot. Diego Morais who was enjoying a short spell in the team, got the third. This will surely be Diego's last season with us, his destination Europe to play for Austrian side Pasching, a deal is due to be negotiated at the end of the year. A comprehensive 3-0 win for us and it consolidated our grip on first place.

Our next match had pretty much everything, plenty of goals and no less than three red cards. Atletico Mineiro visited us needing three points to at least try and salvage something from their disappointing season so far, mid table obscurity beckoned for them. After just 4 minutes we were reduced to 10 men after Lucas Rocha comitted a proffesional foul. A huge blow but it turned out that we would take the lead through Pablo Correa, the teenage sensation beginning to turn a few heads. Then it was the turn of a Mineiro player to see red. Brazilian international Arouca made a rash challenge and was immediately sent off for serious foul play. It evened up the teams, yet just ten minutes later Mineiro were level, Rafael Lopes capitalising on slack defending to slide it past Barbosa for 1-1. Then the odds were tipped firmly in our favour as young right back Everson was sent off for violent conduct. The Mineiro response to losing a man seemed to involve sticking the ball in the back of the net which they did, once again through Rafael Lopes. That sent us in at the break 2-1 down. Yet the huge pockets of space meant that it was a foregone conclusion that we would equalise. It came through João Paulo as he netted a superb low driven shot from outside the box. 2-2 and we were back in control. Pablo Correa soon gave us the lead with his second of the game, before Wellington killed off the game and we had won 4-2.

Gremio had gone through more managers than I had ever conceived was possible. From the time my career at Hermann Aichinger began to the present day, they had gone through seven different managers! Marco Aurelio was the latest to pit the Gremio side against us and he was the latest to get beaten by us. A brace from Wellington plus a wonder strike from Moises cancelled out two goals from Tacio in a narrow 3-2 win.

The games kept on coming and Palmeiras were highly fancied to end our winning streak. For a while it looked as though it would be a close game as a goal apiece made it 1-1 early on, Wellington netting for us only to see Claudio equalise. But then it all went very wrong for Palmeiras. First para converted a penalty to make it 2-1 at half time. Then in the second half, another goal from Wellington plus efforts from Correa and Moises wrapped up a 5-1 demolition, an amazing five straight wins.

It was beginning to get a little surreal as we then made it a sixth straight win against Botafogo. Yet another strike from in form João Paulo had given us an early lead. However Felipe Adão equalised just before the break and it looked to have been heading for a draw until Wellington popped up in stoppage time to score the winner in a deserved 2-1 victory.

We were bound to receive our come-uppance sooner or later, and we certainly did against Santos. Our record against them was good and maybve it was that fact that spurred them on against us. Chilean, Ivan Vasquez gave them the lead early on and it was soon doubled as Wendell scored from the penalty spot. After the break Samuel increased the lead to 3-0. However not long after Wellington scored what would turn out to be no more than a consolation goal. Jonathas sealed an emphatic 4-1 win for the home side as we suffered our first heavy defeat in a while. Despite that result we still topped the league by two points going into the final 8 games.

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Flamengo 3-0 A First Division João Paulo, Whoshington, Diego MoraisAtletico Mineiro 4-2 H TV First Division João Paulo, Wellington, Correa(2)Gremio 3-2 H First Division Moises, Wellington(2)Palmeiras 5-1 A First Division Para, Moises, Wellington(2), CorreaBotafogo 2-1 H TV First Division João Paulo, WellingtonSantos 1-4 A TV First Division Wellington**************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** </pre>