A New Dawn: FIFA 15 is here

After probably the most turbulent period in the history of the FPA and its teams, we can finally say the chaos is over.

This time last year Fifa 14 was unveiled to much fanfare, and with good cause. A great product, for players, teams and the fans. Then came to most eagerly awaited update of our time - PlayStation 4 was welcomed into our world with open arms. But then came the disappointment. A standoff between the FPA, Fifa and EA sports meant there would be no official League season during FIFA 14.
And while the Batalla De Titans Super League filled the gap, and proved a great success amongst players and fans - it certainly does not compare to the feeling of playing a League season, and certainly not Champions League football.

And so here we are - all agreements in place - we stand united in welcoming back what our hearts have so sorely missed for over 10 months.

But where exactly does that leave our main contenders SB and JM? Where do they stand after a 2014 which brought very contrasting outcomes for our two heroes?
The competition's greatest ever champion SB has had a turbulent time. No doubt these were his darkest days, but has he recovered? Whether he failed to adjust to a new system, whether his team was simply not good enough, or whether his competitor was just far too good - whatever the reason, he seemed a shadow of the player who had only weeks prior to PS4 won the 'Double' - The La Liga and Copa Del Rey crowns.

JM on the hand has grown another leg in the new system. Dominating the Super League's two seasons with ease - but how much can we really read into this.

With FPA's introduction of the official rankings system, here is where we stand.
1   SB  (700 points)
2.  JM  (600 points)

SB can hang his hat on a very good World Cup and a surprise Easter Cup victory which extraordinarily still puts him in front of JM in the rankings. Though clearly it is JM with all the momentum.

So just who will be favourite for the new season - well this writer will need to some action before he makes a decision, its just too close to call.

Welcome back boys!

 

FPA Rankings Update: SB back on top

SB's recent performance with Argentina at the World Cup has returned him to No. 1 spot on FPA's official rankings.

Argentina's runner up display rewards SB with 500 points - giving him a new total of 700.
JM's Brazil failed to finish third therefore leaving Brazil with no points to show. He remains on 600.

Congratulations SB. A return to the top. Great way to silence those critics.

Current FPA Rankings:
1   SB  (700 points)
2.  JM  (600 points)

Argentina heartbreak as Germany wins memorable World Cup

It finished the way it began. A thoroughly exciting tournament from start to finish.

After working their way through the group stages, our big guns Argentina (SB) and Brazil (JM) had to manoeuvre themselves past difficult opposition in both the Round of 16 and then Quarter Finals to take a seat in the Semi Finals respectively.

Brazil somewhat controversially moved past World Champions Spain in the Round of 16 before making light work of Italy in the QF's. While Argentina did it tough against Switzerland, and then also Portugal, winning both games only by a single goal.

The semi finals pitted Brazil against Germany, and it was the Germans who after a titanic struggle for 70 mins or so found a way through Brazil and then finishing it off with a second before full time - knocking the home favourites out the World Cup.

While arch rivals Argentina had it all to do against Holland. Once again it would be just a single goal in extra time which would move the Argies through - Holland desperately unlucky not to find a way through to the final.

The third place play off preceded the final - Brazil still emotionally drained from the semi final defeat never looked quite ready for this encounter. Holland ran away winners and taking 3rd place with honours.

The final played at the Maracana in Rio, brought together Argentina and Germany. The surprise packets against the favourites. And it was the surprise packets who took an early lead and controlled things throughout a frantic first half. It took until mid way through the 2nd period for Germany to find a way in and level the contest at 1 a piece. They then held on through a dramatic extra time period before the dreaded penalty shoot-out loomed.

The exact penalty takers and the order in which they took the kicks will of course be forgotten in time. I actually have already.

This penalty shootout will be remembered like this. Messi steps up. Messi's penalty is saved. Germany win the World Cup.

SB cries.

Argentina disappointment as Germany lift the trophy



 

Germany - World Champions Brazil 2014

Golden Boot: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Golden Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Golden Glove: Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Manuel Neuer of Germany receives the Golden Glove trophy and Lionel Messi of Argentina receives the Golden Ball and Boot during the award ceremony after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match.

 

World Cup 2014 - Who will win it?

World Cup 2014 in Brazil has begun and with so much anticipation also comes pressure.

For SB and JM, 2 men very familiar to pressure - this scenario is perhaps like nothing they have dealt with before.

SB takes charge of Argentina. With his main man Messi in his line up, he knows he has a team that can go all the way. But can he get them to perform and gel. Friendlies pre-tournament showed he had a lot still to do. For the people of Argentina, nothing but bringing the trophy back home will be acceptable.

And playing in their own back yard in Brazil - the expectation is even more intense. To add to the pressure, SB's recent results in club land caused much debate in Argentina whether he was the right man to take charge at this time. However his pedigree and list of achievements won him the job. Now he must perform once more.



"I love pressure" SB talks to media pre game in Brazil

For JM, well he couldn't have a tougher assignment. Taking control of Brazil - at home - with the weight of a nations support - it can only be described as intense. However, the most successful manager in PS4 history was an obvious choice for a country who could not afford to take any chances this summer.

As we kick off - this is so much more than just a rivalry between men - this is a rivalry of nations.
Who will lift the trophy - Argentina or Brazil?

#Daretodreambig

"I feel like we can go all the way" JM talks up his chances with the home nation Brazil

 

Super League Title Stays in Madrid

Well with as little fanfare and attention as possible, Real Madrid managed to secure their second straight Super League title.

It must also be noted that this was achieved with 3 games remaining. In truth, it was actually achieved even earlier, however due to the introduction of the new FPA rankings, Barcelona were still in contention for some points from this disastrous season - so teams were forced to play on until that was also decided.

And so as it stands - Real won a total of 23 games, 1 draw and only 6 losses out of 35 games. Bringing a whopping season total to 75 (with games in hand).

For Barcelona, there is no hiding the fact this season, as impossible as it sounds, was even worse than the season previous. Barca, managed only 13 wins, 9 draws and 12 losses from 35 games - a poor total of 48.

To make matters worse for Barcelona, Real Madrid secured all 500 FPA points on offer - taking JM's total to 600 and making him the new No. 1 player in PS4 Fifa.

Barcelona managed no points, therefore SB has 200 points from his Easter Tournament win - and is now relegated to 2nd spot. Not something he could say he's felt before in FIFA.

The once dominate professional, SB only late last year won the double in Spain with Barcelona, however he has since clearly struggled to adapt to a new system of play.

With a World Cup upon us - one can only hope SB takes the time away from club football as a positive and return to Barcelona again next season with renewed vigour.

For JM, his past 2 seasons could not have gone any better. With recruitment a big focus for Real in the off season - JM is now taking charge of his chosen country and attempt to continue his astonishing run of form and maybe even win the whole damn thing!

JM is flung to the air by his team after winning the Super League for a 2nd time

Title race all but over as Barca hit new low

The Super League title race appears all but over after Barcelona suffered their 4th loss in row, going down to a resilient Monaco side overnight.

For the 2nd consecutive season rivals Real Madrid have run away with the trophy - with their most recent big victories against English giants Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, all but wrapping up the title.

Although Barca have a game in hand, they are currently 18 points adrift the league leaders, and with only 8 games remaining would need a miracle and a complete collapse from JM and his squad to claw back into contention at this point.

Helping the Barcelona cause is the recent injury to Madrid star Ronaldo, with early diagnosis of a knee strain being 3 weeks on the sideline, and with games against Bayern Munich and the Clasico ahead - just how Madrid handle the loss of their main man could prove pivotal in the title race.

It is not completely inconceivable that Real Madrid lose several of these remaining games, which gives Barcelona hope - however it is more of a concern of how exactly Barcelona is going to win any of their remaining fixtures after suffering their worst slump in recent memory.

SB has his reputation on the line now and more importantly the world number 1 ranking at stake.
Remembering the winner of this competition takes home 500 FPA ranking points.
If Barcelona can finish within 6 points of their rivals SB and his team still receive 400 ranking points, and within 12 points they receive 250 for effort - however if they fall more than 12 points behind at completion of the season, as they currently sit, they receive a big fat zero.

A stress out SB struggles for answers against Monaco last night

 

Super League Resumes - Barcelona suffer 3 straight losses

With the re-commencement of the Super League season following the Easter break - Barcelona fans would be hoping that it didn't. Once again we find a team struggling to find momentum despite possessing a player in incredible scoring form as Messi is - a further 3 losses on the trot will do nothing to quieten rumours of a rift between players and manager.

SB is now certainly under pressure to keep his position - 12 points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid, who themselves are guilty of not capitalising on an opportunity to even further widen the gap after 2 draws and a loss.

However, with a little more than half of round 2 remaining, it is looking more and more unlikely Barcelona will claw this lead back.

"It's amazing that for 2 seasons in a row now they have struggled to match it with Real Madrid in this competition format." an FPA official commented today.

"It appears that SB and his team either struggle with this format of competition - or maybe it is with the new PS4 systems. Technically this is the same team that won a double on FIFA 14 (PS3 system) late last year. But they have looked a shadow of themselves since the change."

"But in saying that - I would admit Real Madrid also seem a better side since the old PS3 days - this also plays a part."

Barcelona now have little time to make up for lost points - their next match is MUST WIN you might say!

Messi reacts to his teams recent disappointments

SB arrives back in Barcelona for a press conference in surprisingly high spirts despite claims of a 'rift' at the club