Alternate WC : Continental Cups are Qualifiers (1962-?). A Football TL
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To be fair, Wales had an easier group ^^
The question is : Can Wales go further than the Quarters ? The answer to this question will be revealed tomorrow.
Pictures of Group Stages 1978
Group A : Poland's Lato in action against Mexico
Group A : Netherland's Jansen scores against the Soviet Union in the opening game of WC 1978
Group B : Haitian defenders struggle against Spain
Group B : Czech defenders in action against Spain
Group C : English players celebrate their equalizer against Yugoslavia.
Group C : Cubillas outruns the Belgian defense
Group D : Müller scores his third goal against Iran
Group D : Welsh players celebrate their draw against West Germany and their passage to the Quarter-Finals
Quarter-Finals 1978
The first Quarter-Final saw Group A winners Poland go up against the Spanish squad. As expected, the Spanish team paled in comparaison to the Polish and couldn't offer any real resistance. The Spanish therefore had to concede the win to Poland, who advanced to the Quarter-Finals fairly easily.
No one expected Wales to do this well at the World Cup. But no one expected them to do that well against Peru either. Indeed they had had the better of the four first seeds in Peru, but the Peruvian squad was very strong compared to the Welsh squad. Indeed it was the Welsh who started this Quarter-Finals on the right foot. Quickly, Wales found the back of the Peruvian net and soared ahead of Peru after the first half. The Welsh didn't fare well in the second half however, as Cubillas saved the Peruvian team from a strong upset, as he landed two quick goals. It was a difficult exit for Wales, but they could leave the tournament with their heads high.
While one side of the bracket seems to be quite empty, the other one is packed with four of the best teams of the tournament, and the third game could as well be a contender for the final, as titleholders the Netherlands faced against European champions Czechoslovakia. The Czech side came off with a strong start, scoring only two minutes after the start of the game. Nehoda then proceeded to make it two before Rep answered with a goal of his own, with the scoreline showing 2-1 at half-time. It was not long after that Cruyff finally awoke, giving Van der Kerkhof a ball to equalize. However, the Dutch captain failed to be decisive, and the Dutch nearly lost in regular time, as the Czechs were awared a penalty, taken by Masny, who sent it flying over the bar. This wouldn't come back to haunt him however, as he would be the author of the pass that won the game. Indeed Masny sent a long ball in extra time to Nehoda, who made it three for the Czechs. This would prove to be the game-winning goal, as the Dutch sank shortly afterwards. Cruyff well past his prime couldn't stop the Czechs from blocking all of his attempts to get in the box, and the titleholders were eliminated at the Quarter-Final stage.
The last Quarter-final opposed West Germany and Belgium. Everyone expected it to be a German win, albeit not a walk in the park, but that in the end it would come in regular time. But the Belgians proved to be much stronger than anticipated. It is them, who with Martens scored first, and it is them once again, who with Lambert equalized in the second half. The Belgians played the 90 minutes of regular time valiantly, pushing West Germany to extra time. However, Belgium would prove too exhausted to play much more, as they finally crumbled against the West German squad, and sent the future hosts to a revenge match for the Euro 1976 final.
No one expected Wales to do this well at the World Cup. But no one expected them to do that well against Peru either. Indeed they had had the better of the four first seeds in Peru, but the Peruvian squad was very strong compared to the Welsh squad. Indeed it was the Welsh who started this Quarter-Finals on the right foot. Quickly, Wales found the back of the Peruvian net and soared ahead of Peru after the first half. The Welsh didn't fare well in the second half however, as Cubillas saved the Peruvian team from a strong upset, as he landed two quick goals. It was a difficult exit for Wales, but they could leave the tournament with their heads high.
While one side of the bracket seems to be quite empty, the other one is packed with four of the best teams of the tournament, and the third game could as well be a contender for the final, as titleholders the Netherlands faced against European champions Czechoslovakia. The Czech side came off with a strong start, scoring only two minutes after the start of the game. Nehoda then proceeded to make it two before Rep answered with a goal of his own, with the scoreline showing 2-1 at half-time. It was not long after that Cruyff finally awoke, giving Van der Kerkhof a ball to equalize. However, the Dutch captain failed to be decisive, and the Dutch nearly lost in regular time, as the Czechs were awared a penalty, taken by Masny, who sent it flying over the bar. This wouldn't come back to haunt him however, as he would be the author of the pass that won the game. Indeed Masny sent a long ball in extra time to Nehoda, who made it three for the Czechs. This would prove to be the game-winning goal, as the Dutch sank shortly afterwards. Cruyff well past his prime couldn't stop the Czechs from blocking all of his attempts to get in the box, and the titleholders were eliminated at the Quarter-Final stage.
The last Quarter-final opposed West Germany and Belgium. Everyone expected it to be a German win, albeit not a walk in the park, but that in the end it would come in regular time. But the Belgians proved to be much stronger than anticipated. It is them, who with Martens scored first, and it is them once again, who with Lambert equalized in the second half. The Belgians played the 90 minutes of regular time valiantly, pushing West Germany to extra time. However, Belgium would prove too exhausted to play much more, as they finally crumbled against the West German squad, and sent the future hosts to a revenge match for the Euro 1976 final.
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My goodness, looks like the Germans will win this one, but do not rule out Poland.
Semi-Finals 1978
Here we are, the Semi-Finals of the 1978 World Cup ! It starts in Guadalajara as Poland faces off against Peru. However, this was not really that enjoyable of a game, considering it consisted in 90 minutes of Peruvians getting absolutely ransacked by the Polish squad. Laton, Deyna and Szarmach wreacked havoc in the Peruvian defense, while Peru's star player Cubillas could not pierce alone through the Polish defense. In the end, it was a 4-0 victory for Poland, as they headed towards their first ever final.
The second semi-final was expected to be much more evenly matched, as Czechoslovakia and West Germany faced off in a remake of the Euro 1976 final. Czechoslovakia had won that one, but could West Germany take revenge ? The West German squad got onto a good star, dominating the first half and opening up the score with a shot from Bonhof early on. Rummenigge would then go on to hit the post a few minutes later. However, after the first half, Czechoslovakia started to open up. At the 61st minute, a cross by Panenka found Nehoda who equalized. Ten minutes later, Nehoda once again dribbled through the German defense and was brought down in the box. A penalty was given, and was taken by Panenka. However this time Sepp Maier did not get fooled and stopped the penalty. Extra time was looming and both teams knew the first team to score would get the decisive edge. Müller proved to be the catalyst for German success yet again, as the slammed the ball into the next before the end of the first half of extra time. From then on Czechoslovakia couldn't get past Sepp Maier, as West Germany advanced to their first final since 1954.
The second semi-final was expected to be much more evenly matched, as Czechoslovakia and West Germany faced off in a remake of the Euro 1976 final. Czechoslovakia had won that one, but could West Germany take revenge ? The West German squad got onto a good star, dominating the first half and opening up the score with a shot from Bonhof early on. Rummenigge would then go on to hit the post a few minutes later. However, after the first half, Czechoslovakia started to open up. At the 61st minute, a cross by Panenka found Nehoda who equalized. Ten minutes later, Nehoda once again dribbled through the German defense and was brought down in the box. A penalty was given, and was taken by Panenka. However this time Sepp Maier did not get fooled and stopped the penalty. Extra time was looming and both teams knew the first team to score would get the decisive edge. Müller proved to be the catalyst for German success yet again, as the slammed the ball into the next before the end of the first half of extra time. From then on Czechoslovakia couldn't get past Sepp Maier, as West Germany advanced to their first final since 1954.
Pictures QF/SF 1978
Poland celebrates as the knock out Spain in the first Quarter-Final
Cubillas equalizes against Wales
Nehoda scores the winning goal against the Dutch titleholders, ousting them from the tournament
Germans press the attack on Belgium during the early stages of extra time
Lato and Poland outclass Peru in the first semi-final
Gerd Müller celebrates after the German qualification for the final.The German striker's goal immensely helped the German qualification.
3rd Place & Final 1978
Here is the final episode of the 1978 World Cup ! But before we take to the final, there is the third place match between Peru and Czechoslovakia, both wanting to secure their best result in this competition since the end of WW2. Both teams played forward and aggressively and looked evenly matched. We had to go to extra time to see Czechoslovakia finally come out on top of Peru.
The Grand final finally arrived ! Poland and West Germany were to face each other in an Estadio Azteca boiling with anticipation considering the rivalry between the two sides. The game got onto a quick start, Rummenigge finding his way around the Polish defense to score a goal after only 9 minutes of play. With that, the Polish started to counter-attack. A shot by Deyna was saved by Maier at the 11th minute, but Lato managed to find the way of the net by scoring a goal less than ten minutes later. Poland could have gotten the advantage, if not for a huge save by Maier on Szarmach shortly afterwards. The Germans were beaten but not broken, as a long shot by Overath comically rebounds in front of polish goalkeeper Tomaszewski, hits his head and goes straight into goal. In the second half, Sepp Maier proved once again to be decisive, stopping an inbound free kick from Lato, and a header from Nawalka. Finally, Müller sealed the deal at the 85th minute, scoring a direct header and winning West Germany their second World Cup.
The Grand final finally arrived ! Poland and West Germany were to face each other in an Estadio Azteca boiling with anticipation considering the rivalry between the two sides. The game got onto a quick start, Rummenigge finding his way around the Polish defense to score a goal after only 9 minutes of play. With that, the Polish started to counter-attack. A shot by Deyna was saved by Maier at the 11th minute, but Lato managed to find the way of the net by scoring a goal less than ten minutes later. Poland could have gotten the advantage, if not for a huge save by Maier on Szarmach shortly afterwards. The Germans were beaten but not broken, as a long shot by Overath comically rebounds in front of polish goalkeeper Tomaszewski, hits his head and goes straight into goal. In the second half, Sepp Maier proved once again to be decisive, stopping an inbound free kick from Lato, and a header from Nawalka. Finally, Müller sealed the deal at the 85th minute, scoring a direct header and winning West Germany their second World Cup.
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Pictures of 3rd Place + Final 1978
Cubillas proved an unstoppable thread for the Czech defense during the 3rd place match
Panenka heads for goal during the first minutes of extra time
Germany and Poland battle for possession on the wet field of Estadio Azteca
Hoeness is stopped by Nawalka during the first minutes of the second half
Müller celebrates his last goal with the German national team by bringing them the World Cup trophy on a silver platter
Beckenbauer hoists up the World Cup trophy for the second time in German history. This would be, as with most German players on the field that day, to be one of his last caps with the West German team, retiring soon after.
WC 1978 Stats
Top Goalscorers :
1. Lato (POL), Müller (FRG) & Nehoda (CZE) - 7 goals
2. Cubillas (PER) - 6 goals
3. James (WAL) - 4 goals
Best Attacks :
1. Czechoslovakia & West Germany - 16 goals
2. Poland - 15 goals
3. Peru & Wales - 8 goals
Best Defenses :
1. Colombia - 3 goals conceded
2. England & USSR - 4 goals conceded
3. Spain & Yugoslavia - 5 goals conceded
Worst Attacks :
1. Iran, Mexico & Haiti - 2 goals
2. Colombia, Yugoslavia, England & Ghana - 3 goals
3. Spain & Belgium - 4 goals scored
Worst Defenses :
1. Ghana, Peru & Mexico - 9 goals conceded
2. West Germany & Iran - 8 goals conceded
3. Haiti, Wales & Netherlands - 7 goals conceded
All-Time Goalscorers as of 1978 :
1. Fontaine (FRA) - 21 goals - 2 WC (1958, 1962)
2. Pelé (BRA) - 19 goals - 4 WC (1958, 1962, 1966, 1974)
3. Müller (FRG) - 15 goals - 2 WC (1974, 1978)
Qualified Teams for West Germany 1982
West Germany (hosts & titleholders) are qualified automatically
Via Euro 1980 :
Belgium (2nd)
Czechoslovakia (3rd)
Italy (4th)
England (5-6th)
Netherlands (5-6th)
Greece (7-8th)
Spain (7-8th)
France (Group 2nd)
Poland (Group 2nd)
Austria (Group 2nd)
Northern Ireland (Group 2nd)
Yugoslavia (Group 2nd)
Turkey (Group 2nd - Beat Hungary in European Playoff)
Via Copa America 1979 :
Paraguay (1st)
Chile (2nd)
Brazil (3rd)
Via Gold Cup 1981 :
Honduras (1st)
El Salvador (2nd)
Via African Cup 1982 :
Ghana (1st)
Libya (2nd)
Via Asian Cup 1980 :
Kuwait (1st)
South Korea (2nd - Beat Tahiti in Intercontinental Playoff)
Via Oceania Cup 1980 :
Australia (1st)
Group A 1982
The first group isn't really a great one : Czechoslovakia, 3rd in 1978, gets an easy group consisting of Greece, Australia and Libya, literally the three easiest teams to get. However, Czechoslovakia is on the decline, so will they confirm their status as one of the favorites and reach the Round of 16 ?
The first game seems to confirm it indeed, as they take down Greece, in a difficult game. But the Czech squad pulls off a narrow victory and give themselves an edge on everyone.
Australia start off their world cup campaign with a solid performance against Libya, beating the weak African squad 3-0.
Australia then went on to shock Czechoslovakia, managing to hold a tie, and nearly get a win, Gary Cole's shot hitting the post at the last minute.
Again, Libya prove themselves to be an incredibly weak squad, leaving a 0-6 mark on the scoreboard at the end of the 90 minutes. Greece are happy to take that win as they head towards their confrontation with Australia.
Greece cannot pull off the same performance against Australia, as the Aussies prove to be really solid, taking the Greeks to a draw and qualifying for the Round of 16. Greece might also past provided no more than 3 teams do better than them at 3rd place.
Libya will end their World Cup run with exactly zero goals as Czechoslovakia power through the Libyan squad, ending with a 4-0 victory
Note : The 3rd isn't out yet, there will be 4 best 3rd teams which will be calculated after all groups are finished
The first game seems to confirm it indeed, as they take down Greece, in a difficult game. But the Czech squad pulls off a narrow victory and give themselves an edge on everyone.
Australia start off their world cup campaign with a solid performance against Libya, beating the weak African squad 3-0.
Australia then went on to shock Czechoslovakia, managing to hold a tie, and nearly get a win, Gary Cole's shot hitting the post at the last minute.
Again, Libya prove themselves to be an incredibly weak squad, leaving a 0-6 mark on the scoreboard at the end of the 90 minutes. Greece are happy to take that win as they head towards their confrontation with Australia.
Greece cannot pull off the same performance against Australia, as the Aussies prove to be really solid, taking the Greeks to a draw and qualifying for the Round of 16. Greece might also past provided no more than 3 teams do better than them at 3rd place.
Libya will end their World Cup run with exactly zero goals as Czechoslovakia power through the Libyan squad, ending with a 4-0 victory
Note : The 3rd isn't out yet, there will be 4 best 3rd teams which will be calculated after all groups are finished
Group B 1982
Group B is night and day from Group A. While Group A was a slugfest, with four of the weakest teams out there, Group B comprised of four of the best teams in the world : Italy, one of the favorites of the tournament, along with Brazil, another favorite. The Netherlands complete this group with the African champions Ghana.
In the first game, Italy confirmed their status as favorites, beating the weak Ghanean squad by three goals and taking a big step forward in the road to qualification
Brazil take a big step forward in qualifying as well, as they beat a Dutch squad struggling with the loss of their golden generation.
Italy continue rolling over the opposition, placing Brazil in a bad spot as they take a win off the Brazilian squad, proven to be one of the favorites of the tournament. italy therefore place themselves as one of the best teams in the world and one of the top contenders with this win.
Ghana are close to definetly eliminated from the tournament as the Dutch squad beat them 2-0. With one game to go against Brazil, the odds are against Ghana to qualify.
At least the Ghaneans won't leave without scoring any goals. However, they will have to face the wrath of Brazil, taking in 6 goals.
Italy didn't have to force during their last game. Their B squad holds on to a draw with the Dutch as they take first seed from Group B
In the first game, Italy confirmed their status as favorites, beating the weak Ghanean squad by three goals and taking a big step forward in the road to qualification
Brazil take a big step forward in qualifying as well, as they beat a Dutch squad struggling with the loss of their golden generation.
Italy continue rolling over the opposition, placing Brazil in a bad spot as they take a win off the Brazilian squad, proven to be one of the favorites of the tournament. italy therefore place themselves as one of the best teams in the world and one of the top contenders with this win.
Ghana are close to definetly eliminated from the tournament as the Dutch squad beat them 2-0. With one game to go against Brazil, the odds are against Ghana to qualify.
At least the Ghaneans won't leave without scoring any goals. However, they will have to face the wrath of Brazil, taking in 6 goals.
Italy didn't have to force during their last game. Their B squad holds on to a draw with the Dutch as they take first seed from Group B
Group C 1982
Paraguay, the weakest first seed, would find themselves in a relatively doable group consisting of rising France, a decent Spain and a weak Honduras. Although the first seed might be difficult to take for the South American squad, the second and third could still be on the horizon.
Indeed Paraguay found themselves outmatched by France, who was competing in its first World Cup since 1970, and her rising generation proved to be too much for Paraguay, who was forced to concede the win.
Like in OTL, Spain has a rough start, drawing to Honduras in their first game.
Spain would suffer yet another setback, as they draw once again, this time to Paraguay.
Honduras wouldn't be able to reenact the exploit draw to Spain, as they faced a determined French squad, who once again had no difficulty in beating their American counterparts, albeit less severely than Paraguay.
Spain would however prove to be much more effective against France, but only narrowly get their victory against what was basically the French B team. The French squad still snatched first place due to their two wins and superior goal average. Spain will have to be happy with a second seed.
Finally, Honduras and Paraguay would have to battle to get 3rd place and a possibility to be reinstated into the tournament. However, as everyone expected Paraguay to win, Honduras surprised everyone by winning the game and therefore placing themselves in a good spot to actually advance. Their weak goal average however placed them 3rd out of 3 provisional 3rd place teams and automatically qualifies Greece for the Round of 16.
Indeed Paraguay found themselves outmatched by France, who was competing in its first World Cup since 1970, and her rising generation proved to be too much for Paraguay, who was forced to concede the win.
Like in OTL, Spain has a rough start, drawing to Honduras in their first game.
Spain would suffer yet another setback, as they draw once again, this time to Paraguay.
Honduras wouldn't be able to reenact the exploit draw to Spain, as they faced a determined French squad, who once again had no difficulty in beating their American counterparts, albeit less severely than Paraguay.
Spain would however prove to be much more effective against France, but only narrowly get their victory against what was basically the French B team. The French squad still snatched first place due to their two wins and superior goal average. Spain will have to be happy with a second seed.
Finally, Honduras and Paraguay would have to battle to get 3rd place and a possibility to be reinstated into the tournament. However, as everyone expected Paraguay to win, Honduras surprised everyone by winning the game and therefore placing themselves in a good spot to actually advance. Their weak goal average however placed them 3rd out of 3 provisional 3rd place teams and automatically qualifies Greece for the Round of 16.
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Group D 1982
Group D was a heavyweight in terms of European teams participating. Indeed Belgium, Northern Ireland and England were all a part of Group D. Unlucky for Kuwait, who would have to pull off a legitimate miracle to get out of group stage.
The first game was already a shocker, as Northern Ireland managed to pull off a win against one of the group favorites Belgium.
England had little problems brushing off Kuwait, but didn't manage to secure that many goals in the end, only winning by a 2-0 margin.
Both Belgium and England wanted to win this game, one to play their tournament lives, the other for the first place in the group. Both teams ended up neutralising each other, resulting in a draw.
After a tremendous start, Northern Ireland found themselves completely clueless against Kuwait. The Irish couldn't pierce through the Kuwaiti defense and only managed to hold a draw.
The Irish also managed to pull off a draw against England, showing off an incredible resistance to the English and holding a draw against the English attacks. Northern Ireland showed a strong showing versus England, completely contrasting with the game against Kuwait, and securing them first seed on the coin toss.
With another draw against Kuwait, Belgium place themselves in a tough spot concerning the best 3rd placed teams race and qualifying the Netherlands for the Round of 16
The first game was already a shocker, as Northern Ireland managed to pull off a win against one of the group favorites Belgium.
England had little problems brushing off Kuwait, but didn't manage to secure that many goals in the end, only winning by a 2-0 margin.
Both Belgium and England wanted to win this game, one to play their tournament lives, the other for the first place in the group. Both teams ended up neutralising each other, resulting in a draw.
After a tremendous start, Northern Ireland found themselves completely clueless against Kuwait. The Irish couldn't pierce through the Kuwaiti defense and only managed to hold a draw.
The Irish also managed to pull off a draw against England, showing off an incredible resistance to the English and holding a draw against the English attacks. Northern Ireland showed a strong showing versus England, completely contrasting with the game against Kuwait, and securing them first seed on the coin toss.
With another draw against Kuwait, Belgium place themselves in a tough spot concerning the best 3rd placed teams race and qualifying the Netherlands for the Round of 16
Group E 1982
West Germany are at home and placed in Group E. The West German squad will recieve their neighbours Austria, declining Yugoslavia and central american squad Salvador.
The opening game will pit hosts and titleholders West Germany against the Salvadoran squad. It wasn't really much of a debate as to whom was to win this game, as West Germany plowed through Salvador, but in the end scored only two goals.
Yugoslavia take 2 crucial points in a rather disappointing game where both Austria and Yugoslavia neutralized each other
Another easy win for West Germany, as they power through Yugoslavia, winning by two goals and sending Yugoslavia back to square one. West Germany shouldn't have any problems qualifying as the first seed as the Austrian squad looks terribly weak at the moment.
Indeed Austria looks especially weak, as they lose a golden chance to take an option on the qualification for the Round of 16 as they drop a point to El Salvador.
Yugoslavia had no problem dismantling the El Salvadorian squad as after their shocker, El Salvador crumbled against Yugoslavia, securing Yugoslavia's spot in the Round of 16
No problems for Germany, who qualified easily. However, they also kicked out their Austrian friends from the competition, but also qualified Honduras as the 3rd best 3rd ranked team for the Round of 16. (aka, no delicate situation for the FRG = no Disgrace of Gijon, instead its more of a "Massacre at Gelsenkrichen" as the Austrians are completely destroyed)
The opening game will pit hosts and titleholders West Germany against the Salvadoran squad. It wasn't really much of a debate as to whom was to win this game, as West Germany plowed through Salvador, but in the end scored only two goals.
Yugoslavia take 2 crucial points in a rather disappointing game where both Austria and Yugoslavia neutralized each other
Another easy win for West Germany, as they power through Yugoslavia, winning by two goals and sending Yugoslavia back to square one. West Germany shouldn't have any problems qualifying as the first seed as the Austrian squad looks terribly weak at the moment.
Indeed Austria looks especially weak, as they lose a golden chance to take an option on the qualification for the Round of 16 as they drop a point to El Salvador.
Yugoslavia had no problem dismantling the El Salvadorian squad as after their shocker, El Salvador crumbled against Yugoslavia, securing Yugoslavia's spot in the Round of 16
No problems for Germany, who qualified easily. However, they also kicked out their Austrian friends from the competition, but also qualified Honduras as the 3rd best 3rd ranked team for the Round of 16. (aka, no delicate situation for the FRG = no Disgrace of Gijon, instead its more of a "Massacre at Gelsenkrichen" as the Austrians are completely destroyed)
No surprises : For Independence.One question, what was the result of the 1974 Scottish referendum? Wonder if we'll see more political butterflies take place during this TL? Look forward for whatever comes next here!