aragon47
07-29-2006, 02:35 AM
Seeing as I'm largely a "lurker" of the NSS boards, I thought I'd share my most recent NSS3 World Cup experience. Inspired by Fry Crayola's Faroese Cup qualifying campaign and again inspired by how stunning and exciting my recent World Cup tourney was in NSS3, I put together a little story. Sorry, mods: this is a long-a$$ post. Hope you enjoy.
World Cup 2014.
Role-playing "Canada" on Pro difficulty, we're up against it being drawn with Netherlands, Germany and Senegal. Perhaps a "Group of Death"? Game on...
Game 1: Germany 1 - Canada 1
We play a largely defensive game; an abundance of to and fro action in the midfield as long range pass after long range pass is intercepted and cleared. But, we open the game on a goal by Ian Hume. I slip a seeing-eye ball through the defenders to Hume; he runs on to it and
blasts one by the 'keeper. We're up 1-0. A wonderful start 6 minutes in.
But, the pressure of a lead is almost unbearable. I'd rather have been down a goal: desperation is easier to handle than the anticipation of the onslaught to come. I play a box to box game, meandering through the midfield; nipping forward when the chances present themselves and dashing back to our 18 yard box to defend. Germany has most of the possession in the 2nd half and they tear down our defenses repeatedly.
They finally break through in the 76th minute. Kehl launches a fireball by our hapless 'keeper and its 1-1. More midfield "tennis" ensues for the final 10 minutes but no one scores and 1-1 seems like the right scoreline at end of it all. 1 point in the Group and that'll do for now.
Game 2: Senegal 2 - Canada 3
Both Senegal and us Canadians throw caution to the wind as far as our defensive responsibilities are concerned: when each team has possession, they're gunning for goal. Torrid runs up each flank produce heart-stopping goal-mouth crosses and some find glory.
Senegal tallys first through Papa Waigo. A low screamer from 20 yards zooms by our 'keeper and, 18 minutes in, the pressure is mounting: we know we have to win this with the formidable Dutch waiting in the wings. I equalize after some dazzling midfield domination by my squad-mates: a 25 yard rocket mystifies the 'keeper. Unfazed, Senegal nets again after a great cross from the left wing. 2 - 1 to Senegal at the half.
As the second half begins, tragedy strikes: I'm taken down outside the Senegal 18 yard box and am injured. I'm in anguish: do I revert to the previous save, rename the .BAK to .NSS and fake a replay? No. It wouldn't sit right: I accept my fate and await the end of the game to see how much time I miss.
Still 2 - 1 down, I see my strike partner and my subbed striker embark on numerous give-and-go's; they're playing magical football. We're inside the final 10 minutes now, the clock counts down and our lads are staring at defeat. Just then, my replacement teammate fires one home as the game reaches 82 minute mark! Yes!!! 2 - 2. Wonderful stuff! I'm watching the game at max speed, enthralled by what might happen next. We've likely scrounged a valuable point but we need the win as I don't foresee taking 3 points off of the Dutch.
However, our squad finds game-winning glory. In the 89th minute, my sub bulges the twine yet again!! We're miraculously up 3 - 2 with under a minute to go! Wow!! My national hero status has been usurped by my teammate -- and I don't care. In fact, I love it!! The ref blows his whistle, my injury forgotten: we steal a huge win from the jaws of defeat and register a full 3 points for the match. I'm pumping my fist in the air! What a win!
I'm told I'll miss one week which is so-so news: I'll be injured and regain stamina at only 3% per day but I will at least get to kit up with my team.
Game 3: Netherlands 4 - Canada 1
Ugly, ugly stuff. Since I was injured in the previous match, I started the game at 43% fitness and, as a result, was barely an influence. The Dutch terrorized our inept defense. Kuyt scored twice early at 13 and 26 minutes and was on a hat trick and hungry for more.
Our midfielders were perpetually out-run and muscled off the ball and we couldn't generate any momentum. Each surge forward by the Oranje left us reeling. The Dutch fired home two more in the 2nd half but not before I blasted in a 40 yard cannon to at least get us on the board - and get us a much needed boost in goal-differential.
With the loss, we needed the Germans to lose or tie the Senegalese. Needless to say, the load time after the game was agony.
The results hit the screen and -- Holy cow! -- another miracle has occurred as I'm greeted by amazing news: Germany 1 - Senegal 1! Our World Cup campaign is saved!! Glorious stuff!! We're through by the skin of our teeth.
The Dutch are undefeated and go through with ease and we sneak in on 4 points in the Group with much thanks to 2 timely second-half goals by our super-sub!
Round of 16:
We draw Argentina. They spanked us fiercely in the 2010 World Cup by a count of 5 to 1 and knew we were in tough pairing up against tons of speed and skill in all 3 general positions.
Argentina conjure chance after chance in the first half but can't capitalize. Undaunted and looking to take advantage of any break, my strike partner and I charge up the pitch, we gain the 18 yard area with ease with only the keeper to beat. Hume slides it to me, half-expecting him to shoot. Surprised, I react and tap it home. Great start with a 1-0 lead 23 minutes in.
Moments later and Argentina are not to be denied. They Argentines march up the field and tie the game. 1-1 at the half. An acceptable half-time score but I wonder what we can do to pull this out.
The second half is all "Red" as we craft opportunities galore: slick passing, pin-point crossing, well-timed runs but each time, I fire the ball wide or high. I couldn't score to save my life. Argentina, realizing its "do or die", press ahead in the 76th minute. 2-1 down and a plethora of missed opportunities clouding my confidence, I start to panic. Can we really get out of this?
We do...
88 minutes gone and I have the ball at midfield. I attack knowing that this is likely the last gasp. I position my player and fire the ball with a touch of "English". My aim is true and our Cup dream is still alive!! A 90th minute game-tying goal. I need a stiff drink at this point.
Sadly, as soon as the whistle is blown, I'm subbed out as my stamina has ebbed completely away. I must now watch my teammates fend for themselves in the extra time. Our fate hangs in the balance.
Extra time is all Argentina. They strike the cross bar twice in the 2nd extra period and my nerves are shattered. Mercifully, the 120th minute approaches and into the PK's. Did I say mercifully??
On their first attempt, Argentina fires one home sending our 'keeper the wrong way. Ugh. Our future looking grim, our guys then rise to the occasion and we score our first 3 spot-kicks!! I watch my guys play an incredible round of penalty kicks! Argentina misses their second and third! Wild, wild stuff!! We're up 3-1 in PK's with Argentina needing badly to slot home their fourth attempt. The alternative is catching the next flight to Buenos Aires.
Fourth attempt: the player throws the dice and the 'keeper saves it! He leaps straight up and snatches the high-shot! We're through! Our
guys have come up large once again! We've booked a spot in the round of 16.
The Quarters: France v Canada
A 6-3 thrashing of France in the last World Cup fills us with confidence. Despite their obvious skills, I feel we'll win this. And we do win in a shoot-out as its 5 - 3 after regulation time.
Ian Hume, my strike partner, opens his goal-scoring account with a nifty low strike to the right side. 1 - 0 after 5 minutes. I double our lead after 10 minutes on a header. Hume pots again and we're up a seemingly insurmountable 3 - nil after 22 minutes!!
With time on their side and not dissuaded, France nets twice in 8 minutes and our large gap has been nearly erased. Panicking a
smidge, I hover deep up the field and await service from my midfielders. Realizing I'm taking chances, France's midfield is
having difficulty with our hard-charging midfielders: they're playing smart and passing wonderfully and our risks start to pay dividends.
Hume and I score to make it 5 - 2 at 60 and 75 minutes, respectively, and we're through to the semis. This story doesn't end here, however, as I'm yet again struck by tragedy! I'm viciously tackled from behind and injured again!! Having missed only 1 game in my entire 8 year career to this point (400+ games), I'm absolutely livid. Dumbstruck and stretchered off the pitch, I await the final ten minutes to count down to once again see if I'm unlucky enough to miss our next round due to injury.
France refuse to go down lightly as they snatch a goal back but its 5 - 3 at the final whistle and I'm hurting and anxious.
The prognosis is delivered: I'm out two weeks with a "head injury". I'll be missing the next round for sure against Cameroon. Saddened and fearing being dismissed from the tourney, I elect to skip "watching" the match and go right to the result. Have mercy, dear Lord, because we edge Cameroon 2 - 1!! Down but not out, I'm handed yet another reprieve as our guys live to fight another day. With my injury healing and the final match two weeks away, I'll definitely be fit enough for our Final Showdown against the Portuguese. Thrilling stuff!!!
And so, the final game:
The opening 45 minutes is furious: our midfielders dash about tackling hard, pass crisply and running well; the Portuguese, too, are exploiting our weak defense and are firing the ball at our keeper from all angles. I get us going with a hard-earned header at the 21 minute mark. What relief to open the scoring but I know first blood will only strengthen the
Portuguese resolve.
Their diamond attack formation is bringing our sluggish and sad defence to its knees, firing shot after shot around them and over them. Our goalie is standing on his proverbial head and having the game of his life. He repels every strike! The half approaches and we're up 1 - nil. We're in good shape but our defence is getting worked over.
The second frame starts well for us. We foray up the wings time and again and I've slotted myself in an attacking midfield role to urge the play forward, trying to make smart passes and position myself to ward off any counter-attacks. Ian Hume makes it 2 - nil to the good with a 60th minute blast: a low drive from beyond the box finds the target. The Cup could be ours.
The final half hour is tense with the Portuguese taking chances with a 4-2-4 formation and leaving the middle of the park ours to exploit to hopefully pull some strings. With 4 forward, Portugal is creating chances and missing with shots soaring over the bar. What relief with each missed target.
Suddenly, our team gets fired up and discipline goes out the window as we take 3 successive yellow cards no more than 7 minutes apart. The Portuguese surging runs are stretching our midfield and defence thin and they're taking desperate chances and being thusly punished. Hard tackle after hard tackle slow Portugal down but their on 65% possession with 15 minutes left.
As has been the theme for this World Cup experience, fortune smiles on us again as Paul Stalteri lets loose a sizzling drive that eludes the keeper at 80 minutes. Surely, the Cup is ours now!
After 10 final minutes in which we applied the screws, the whistle blows. Ecstacy follows: we've won our second successive World Cup. Canada are the champions of 2010 and 2014. These past two hours have been among the most exciting video gaming hours of my life. What a ton of fun this has been with all the ups and downs, injuries and defensive miscues, last minute tallys topped off with a victory on penalties. Can't wait for 2018!
Thanks all for letting me indulge, all.
World Cup 2014.
Role-playing "Canada" on Pro difficulty, we're up against it being drawn with Netherlands, Germany and Senegal. Perhaps a "Group of Death"? Game on...
Game 1: Germany 1 - Canada 1
We play a largely defensive game; an abundance of to and fro action in the midfield as long range pass after long range pass is intercepted and cleared. But, we open the game on a goal by Ian Hume. I slip a seeing-eye ball through the defenders to Hume; he runs on to it and
blasts one by the 'keeper. We're up 1-0. A wonderful start 6 minutes in.
But, the pressure of a lead is almost unbearable. I'd rather have been down a goal: desperation is easier to handle than the anticipation of the onslaught to come. I play a box to box game, meandering through the midfield; nipping forward when the chances present themselves and dashing back to our 18 yard box to defend. Germany has most of the possession in the 2nd half and they tear down our defenses repeatedly.
They finally break through in the 76th minute. Kehl launches a fireball by our hapless 'keeper and its 1-1. More midfield "tennis" ensues for the final 10 minutes but no one scores and 1-1 seems like the right scoreline at end of it all. 1 point in the Group and that'll do for now.
Game 2: Senegal 2 - Canada 3
Both Senegal and us Canadians throw caution to the wind as far as our defensive responsibilities are concerned: when each team has possession, they're gunning for goal. Torrid runs up each flank produce heart-stopping goal-mouth crosses and some find glory.
Senegal tallys first through Papa Waigo. A low screamer from 20 yards zooms by our 'keeper and, 18 minutes in, the pressure is mounting: we know we have to win this with the formidable Dutch waiting in the wings. I equalize after some dazzling midfield domination by my squad-mates: a 25 yard rocket mystifies the 'keeper. Unfazed, Senegal nets again after a great cross from the left wing. 2 - 1 to Senegal at the half.
As the second half begins, tragedy strikes: I'm taken down outside the Senegal 18 yard box and am injured. I'm in anguish: do I revert to the previous save, rename the .BAK to .NSS and fake a replay? No. It wouldn't sit right: I accept my fate and await the end of the game to see how much time I miss.
Still 2 - 1 down, I see my strike partner and my subbed striker embark on numerous give-and-go's; they're playing magical football. We're inside the final 10 minutes now, the clock counts down and our lads are staring at defeat. Just then, my replacement teammate fires one home as the game reaches 82 minute mark! Yes!!! 2 - 2. Wonderful stuff! I'm watching the game at max speed, enthralled by what might happen next. We've likely scrounged a valuable point but we need the win as I don't foresee taking 3 points off of the Dutch.
However, our squad finds game-winning glory. In the 89th minute, my sub bulges the twine yet again!! We're miraculously up 3 - 2 with under a minute to go! Wow!! My national hero status has been usurped by my teammate -- and I don't care. In fact, I love it!! The ref blows his whistle, my injury forgotten: we steal a huge win from the jaws of defeat and register a full 3 points for the match. I'm pumping my fist in the air! What a win!
I'm told I'll miss one week which is so-so news: I'll be injured and regain stamina at only 3% per day but I will at least get to kit up with my team.
Game 3: Netherlands 4 - Canada 1
Ugly, ugly stuff. Since I was injured in the previous match, I started the game at 43% fitness and, as a result, was barely an influence. The Dutch terrorized our inept defense. Kuyt scored twice early at 13 and 26 minutes and was on a hat trick and hungry for more.
Our midfielders were perpetually out-run and muscled off the ball and we couldn't generate any momentum. Each surge forward by the Oranje left us reeling. The Dutch fired home two more in the 2nd half but not before I blasted in a 40 yard cannon to at least get us on the board - and get us a much needed boost in goal-differential.
With the loss, we needed the Germans to lose or tie the Senegalese. Needless to say, the load time after the game was agony.
The results hit the screen and -- Holy cow! -- another miracle has occurred as I'm greeted by amazing news: Germany 1 - Senegal 1! Our World Cup campaign is saved!! Glorious stuff!! We're through by the skin of our teeth.
The Dutch are undefeated and go through with ease and we sneak in on 4 points in the Group with much thanks to 2 timely second-half goals by our super-sub!
Round of 16:
We draw Argentina. They spanked us fiercely in the 2010 World Cup by a count of 5 to 1 and knew we were in tough pairing up against tons of speed and skill in all 3 general positions.
Argentina conjure chance after chance in the first half but can't capitalize. Undaunted and looking to take advantage of any break, my strike partner and I charge up the pitch, we gain the 18 yard area with ease with only the keeper to beat. Hume slides it to me, half-expecting him to shoot. Surprised, I react and tap it home. Great start with a 1-0 lead 23 minutes in.
Moments later and Argentina are not to be denied. They Argentines march up the field and tie the game. 1-1 at the half. An acceptable half-time score but I wonder what we can do to pull this out.
The second half is all "Red" as we craft opportunities galore: slick passing, pin-point crossing, well-timed runs but each time, I fire the ball wide or high. I couldn't score to save my life. Argentina, realizing its "do or die", press ahead in the 76th minute. 2-1 down and a plethora of missed opportunities clouding my confidence, I start to panic. Can we really get out of this?
We do...
88 minutes gone and I have the ball at midfield. I attack knowing that this is likely the last gasp. I position my player and fire the ball with a touch of "English". My aim is true and our Cup dream is still alive!! A 90th minute game-tying goal. I need a stiff drink at this point.
Sadly, as soon as the whistle is blown, I'm subbed out as my stamina has ebbed completely away. I must now watch my teammates fend for themselves in the extra time. Our fate hangs in the balance.
Extra time is all Argentina. They strike the cross bar twice in the 2nd extra period and my nerves are shattered. Mercifully, the 120th minute approaches and into the PK's. Did I say mercifully??
On their first attempt, Argentina fires one home sending our 'keeper the wrong way. Ugh. Our future looking grim, our guys then rise to the occasion and we score our first 3 spot-kicks!! I watch my guys play an incredible round of penalty kicks! Argentina misses their second and third! Wild, wild stuff!! We're up 3-1 in PK's with Argentina needing badly to slot home their fourth attempt. The alternative is catching the next flight to Buenos Aires.
Fourth attempt: the player throws the dice and the 'keeper saves it! He leaps straight up and snatches the high-shot! We're through! Our
guys have come up large once again! We've booked a spot in the round of 16.
The Quarters: France v Canada
A 6-3 thrashing of France in the last World Cup fills us with confidence. Despite their obvious skills, I feel we'll win this. And we do win in a shoot-out as its 5 - 3 after regulation time.
Ian Hume, my strike partner, opens his goal-scoring account with a nifty low strike to the right side. 1 - 0 after 5 minutes. I double our lead after 10 minutes on a header. Hume pots again and we're up a seemingly insurmountable 3 - nil after 22 minutes!!
With time on their side and not dissuaded, France nets twice in 8 minutes and our large gap has been nearly erased. Panicking a
smidge, I hover deep up the field and await service from my midfielders. Realizing I'm taking chances, France's midfield is
having difficulty with our hard-charging midfielders: they're playing smart and passing wonderfully and our risks start to pay dividends.
Hume and I score to make it 5 - 2 at 60 and 75 minutes, respectively, and we're through to the semis. This story doesn't end here, however, as I'm yet again struck by tragedy! I'm viciously tackled from behind and injured again!! Having missed only 1 game in my entire 8 year career to this point (400+ games), I'm absolutely livid. Dumbstruck and stretchered off the pitch, I await the final ten minutes to count down to once again see if I'm unlucky enough to miss our next round due to injury.
France refuse to go down lightly as they snatch a goal back but its 5 - 3 at the final whistle and I'm hurting and anxious.
The prognosis is delivered: I'm out two weeks with a "head injury". I'll be missing the next round for sure against Cameroon. Saddened and fearing being dismissed from the tourney, I elect to skip "watching" the match and go right to the result. Have mercy, dear Lord, because we edge Cameroon 2 - 1!! Down but not out, I'm handed yet another reprieve as our guys live to fight another day. With my injury healing and the final match two weeks away, I'll definitely be fit enough for our Final Showdown against the Portuguese. Thrilling stuff!!!
And so, the final game:
The opening 45 minutes is furious: our midfielders dash about tackling hard, pass crisply and running well; the Portuguese, too, are exploiting our weak defense and are firing the ball at our keeper from all angles. I get us going with a hard-earned header at the 21 minute mark. What relief to open the scoring but I know first blood will only strengthen the
Portuguese resolve.
Their diamond attack formation is bringing our sluggish and sad defence to its knees, firing shot after shot around them and over them. Our goalie is standing on his proverbial head and having the game of his life. He repels every strike! The half approaches and we're up 1 - nil. We're in good shape but our defence is getting worked over.
The second frame starts well for us. We foray up the wings time and again and I've slotted myself in an attacking midfield role to urge the play forward, trying to make smart passes and position myself to ward off any counter-attacks. Ian Hume makes it 2 - nil to the good with a 60th minute blast: a low drive from beyond the box finds the target. The Cup could be ours.
The final half hour is tense with the Portuguese taking chances with a 4-2-4 formation and leaving the middle of the park ours to exploit to hopefully pull some strings. With 4 forward, Portugal is creating chances and missing with shots soaring over the bar. What relief with each missed target.
Suddenly, our team gets fired up and discipline goes out the window as we take 3 successive yellow cards no more than 7 minutes apart. The Portuguese surging runs are stretching our midfield and defence thin and they're taking desperate chances and being thusly punished. Hard tackle after hard tackle slow Portugal down but their on 65% possession with 15 minutes left.
As has been the theme for this World Cup experience, fortune smiles on us again as Paul Stalteri lets loose a sizzling drive that eludes the keeper at 80 minutes. Surely, the Cup is ours now!
After 10 final minutes in which we applied the screws, the whistle blows. Ecstacy follows: we've won our second successive World Cup. Canada are the champions of 2010 and 2014. These past two hours have been among the most exciting video gaming hours of my life. What a ton of fun this has been with all the ups and downs, injuries and defensive miscues, last minute tallys topped off with a victory on penalties. Can't wait for 2018!
Thanks all for letting me indulge, all.