Subject: [U21] World Cup XVIII Guide

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…………………………U21 World Cup Guide

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U21 World Cup History

U21 World Cup I
Winner: Italia ( Mr_Newton )
Runner-up: Česká republika
Final: 2:0
Guide:

U21 World Cup II
Winner: España ( Braña )
Runner-up: Italia
Final: 3:2

U21 World Cup III
Winner: Polska ( borkos007 )
Runner-up: Norge
Final: 4:0

U21 World Cup IV
Winner: France ( PhiPhi )
Runner-up: Suomi
Final: 1:0

U21 World Cup V
Winner: Italia ( Barros )
Runner-up: Deutschland
Final: 1:0

U21 World Cup VI
Winner: Türkiye ( DjebeL )
Runner-up: România
Final: 4:3

U21 World Cup VII
Winner: Polska ( pazdzierz84 )
Runner-up: România
Final: 2:2 (P.K. - 3:2)

U21 World Cup VIII
Winner: Polska ( pazdzierz84 )
Runner-up: Eesti
Final: 4:0
Guide:

U21 World Cup IX
Winner: România ( vacarul )
Runner-up: Suomi
Final: 3:1
Guide:

U21 World Cup X
Winner: România ( cristidinu )
Runner-up: Polska
Final: 4:1
Guide:

U21 World Cup XI
Winner: België ( Pavoniana )
Runner-up: Schweiz
Final: 1:1 (P.K. - 2:1)
Guide:

U21 World Cup XII
Winner: België ( Ford Kuga )
Runner-up: România
Final: 2:2 (P.K. - 3:2)
Guide:

U21 World Cup XIII
Winner: Polska ( Woody )
Runner-up: Česká republika
Final: 2:1
Guide:

U21 World Cup XIV
Winner: Česká republika ( ostulc )
Runner-up: România
Final: 3:0
Guide:

U21 World Cup XV
Winner: Česká republika ( ostulc )
Runner-up: Deutschland
Final: 4:2
Guide:

U21 World Cup XVI
Winner: Polska ( crisr )
Runner-up: România
Final: 3:2
Guide:

U21 World Cup XVII
Winner: Suomi ( westbrom )
Runner-up: France
Final: 1:1 (P.K. - 1:0)
Guide:

Groups

Group A

Norge
Magyarország
Suomi
Schweiz

Group B

Česká republika
Italia
Bosna i Hercegovina
Brasil

Group C

France
Deutschland
Andorra
Azərbaycan

Group D

Cuba
Hrvatska
België
Slovensko

Group E

Bulgaria
Hellas
Danmark
Portugal

Group F

Türkiye
Uruguay
Crna Gora
Nederland

Group G

España
România
Eesti
Chile

Group H

Polska
Srbija
Argentina
Zhōngguó

Prologue:

For you who do not know anything about the U21 World Cup or what happened in previous editions, with this prologue you will know all the details possible to take advantage of this great competition, here we show the characters that will be part of this story.

2020... the 1st U21WC happen in 2009, many years have passed since then...

We seen kings, cowboys, moles, racoons sitting in the gold throne during this years...

But now the world has a new owner, Finland for the first time sits on the throne of the winners with his leader westbrom.

But they have new and old faces that want to change that.

Like Poland with tiesto_86 and România with Morpheus.

But also old faces coming back, like Bone Fletcher with Czech Republic,also even the returns of kings, cowboys is happen this time...

Maybe westbrom will needs a special pomade... maybe Lapommade made in France for made he sit down of his current throne.

There are billions of people in the world, but only 32 people are chosen, only 32 have the chance to become U21 World Champions in the 18th Edition of the U21 World Cup in sokker. Dear reader, in the coming weeks you will follow the segment of this story and how it will end, let the games begin!

[URL=https://info.flagcounter.com/pQXC][/URL]

Group A


NORGE
Rank: # 34
Previous appearances: 8
Best result: runner-up
U21 World Cup XVII result: -
Trophies: 1 Trophy at total (1 Silver Trophy)

Coach: slamtam
6th U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Hello everybody! I am the slamam from beautiful Switzerland and coach of triple divine striker! Slowly I will be in my late 30s, but I've been playing this game for ages! I think I practically grew up with Sokker!

This will be your 6th participation on U21WC, but now is different since is for other country, why choose Norge now to be a coach? Since you do not be part as coach in WCQ, do you think this could be a problem or your experience as coach already help to see the important things about the team?

I have already forgotten that it is already my 6th participation in the world championship! Wicked! Probably 5 times with Austria's U21 and now I could be elected as the new U21 coach in Norway in an extreme emergency. The fact that I didn't participate in the qualification is surely a disadvantage for me, because I wasn't allowed to get to know the U20 back then and now I have so little time and matches to get to know my new team. That's why my experience plays an even bigger role here and thank God I know how this works!

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

From the Norwegian point of view we got a hammer group, even though we were in pot 1, but I think at the World Cup there are no easy opponents left (except Andorra :P) . So, we're playing against Switzerland, a team I know very well and is already more easily favoured against Norway. Against Finland, the world champion, Norway showed in the qualification how it could work, but Finland is also more easily favoured and Hungary is also more easily favoured against us.

Switzerland and Hungary probably have the better players, then come the Finns and then us. Actually, this is a pretty balanced group.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

We will not set a limit. With me, that is, with a little luck and above all clever tactics, we can reach the final and even win it. As I already mentioned under 3), we are easy outsiders, but with a little luck we can get through the group stage and then we'll look further. Until the final it is also possible.

Our team has some good players who are really talented and probably have a good range of players. That's what surprised me the most, because my predecessor only had one season and probably tried to build everything up. I think he succeeded!

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

Many teams are favourites for this World Cup. I can't see a clear one, but Romania must win in terms of players. I'm taking Poland and Germany out of the favourites' role, as they are no longer tournament teams in Sokker.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I admire the work of tsolias. The way he interprets his role as U21 coach is wonderful! The U21 coach is not only responsible for creating matches and tactics, but also for scouting and promoting the next generations. You can literally feel how the German users enjoy him and there is a high level of participation and above all a strong identification with the U21 and the NT. This is probably tsolia's merit!

But what surprises me most about tsolias is that although he watches many games and tactics, he still hasn't managed to win a world cup, he was of course very close, but there is something missing about him!

Another coach I admire is from Switzerland (vacarul). The way he deals with the Swiss managers is wonderful. His calm personality allows the U21 to continue without riots, as we have some trouble spots among us too. His tactics are also well thought out and not easy to crack.

One that I hate? He's not even in this World Cup! Laughter

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I think I would choose Bosnia-Herzegovina spontaneously, although Bosnia is in the right death group and otherwise Norway U21 will be a surprise! :P

Any words you want to tell the community?

Does a team with a 3-5-2 formation dare to play there?


MAGYARORSZÁG
Rank: # 7
Previous appearances: 16
Best result: semifinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: quarterfinals
Trophies: 4 Trophies at total (4 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: rohamkacsa
7th U21WC as coach
2 Bronze trophy as coach (Edition X and XIII)



SUOMI
Rank: # 8
Previous appearances: 15
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: champions
Trophies: 3 Trophies at total (1 Gold Trophy and 2 Silver Trophies)

Coach: westbrom
6th U21WC as coach
1 Time U21 World Champion (Edition XVII)
1 U21WC final as coach
Current U21 World Champion

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

My name is Kai, I'm 53 years old and I live in Vaasa, Finland with my wife and seven cats. I graduated as a engineer, but I work in the finance department in an industrial company. My hobby used to be chess, but nowadays I mainly like raising cats (we have our own cattery), photography and music. This is my 14th season with Suomi U21.

You are the current U21 World Champion and this season you are again here, but now to defend your title... having this legacy makes you have some pressure this time? How do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

It's really special to defend World Champion title as a small country (71 user) manager. I don't have any pressure at all but mainly enjoy the situation. At WCQ we played 12 games, 9 of which we won and three times a draw. It didn't go bad, but it could have been better because we didn't win the group.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

I think this is a pretty good group for us. In advance Magyarország is the favorite of the group and we are the second favorite. Schweiz and Norge have a surprise role in the group.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

In the last WC we had strong defence, decent midfield and weak attackers. Now we have weak defence and decent midfield and attack. The situation is very different now. I learned from last WC that when all the pieces fall into place, so only the sky is the limit.

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

I think big ones (România, Polska, Česká republika, Italia and France) are favorites, but the last World Cup was very surprising, so anything is possible.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

Tolis6520 did a very good job as Norge's U21 coach last season. Really impressive work.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I don't know if this is a small country, but Hellas can surprise and can even win the World Cup. Tolis6520 is now a Hellas coach and the players are now better than last season in Norway.

Any words you want to tell the community?

I hope that as many managers as possible will follow the very interesting upcoming U21 World Cup.


SCHWEIZ
Rank: # 23
Previous appearances: 14
Best result: runner-up
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: 2 Trophies at total (1 Silver Trophy and 1 Bronze Trophy)

Coach: vacarul
6th U21WC as coach
1 Bronze trophy as coach (Edition XVI)
1 Silver trophy as coach (Edition XII)
1 Time U21 World Champion (Edition IX)
2 U21WC finals as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

My name is Daniel, I am commercial Lawyer in Craiova. 48 yo, I like sports, especially football, rugby and handball, and my favorite football team are Fenerbahce and Nantes.

Are you one of the great legends in this universe of U21 teams, do you have all the trophies possible to win, have a tremendous experience... so what makes you still want to continue? Do you want to win more titles? Or is because you love so much this game that you cannot retite? Tell us... And how do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

Thank you, but I am just a simple user who like sokker. I am not playing another game, I have no time for that, so a small part of my extrajuridicall time spent with this game. I dream to help Schweiz U21 to win a title in U21, but, honestlly, that thing become day by day, with users who left this game, imposible.
Last season was difficult one, but we are at the World Cup. Friendly is not relevant, after me. :)

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

Opponents are very strong. First, Hungary. We ve meet in stage group, they win twice. Suomi is always strong, and Norge is trained by a schweiz user, slamtam, who is very strong tactician. I see Schweiz have the 4-th chance in this group, but is place for a lot of surprises.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

Already, to be in World Cup is a performance for every team with small number of users. Also, I want to play well and have a good results, and the limit in this competitions can be the title. :)

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

Favorites are Romania, Czech Republic and Polska, of course. Always strong is Italy, but something is happening and they do not have performance. Belgium, Hungary and Suomi also, another teams with quality.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

No doubt, skyland1. That man make something historical, Andorra U21 is the greatest surprise for all time in sokker.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

As I said, Andorra surprise me for the rest of that World Cup U21, and every game of this team is a surprise.

Any words you want to tell the community?

As always said, enjoy this game and have a nice World Cup U21!

Group B


ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA
Rank: # 3
Previous appearances: 17
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: eightfinals
Trophies: 6 Trophies at total (2 Gold Trophies, 2 Silver Trophies and 2 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: Bone_Fletcher
3rd U21WC as coach


ITALIA
Rank: # 4
Previous appearances: 17
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: quarterfinals
Trophies: 3 Trophies at total (2 Gold Trophies and 1 Silver Trophy)

Coach: Behmen
2nd U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Hello everyone, I'm Behmen and I'm 32 years old.
I have been playing here for 8 years, from that day a real love for this game was born.
I am always active and have spent a lot of time with the national teams. I have trained 13 national teams and now I finally find myself in my country to represent him in the world championship. A great honour for me.

Italia in the past have a great legacy in U21WC, but it’s been a long time since Italy won a U21WC or reached a final even with great teams or great coaches in his NT year by year... so the question is... do you feel pressure to make the Italian community become the biggest U21 power in this game again? How do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

Italy has always been among the strongest national teams in this game. I think that the two trophies are excellent because the other big ones are also equal in trophies.
An important note is that two Italians have won two trophies with Belgium for example.
The cup has been missing for many years now and this is not a very good figure.
Normally, being in a big team one feels the pressure since the goal for such a national team is the final.
My season was excellent for me, I faced in top national friendlies and I won, including finland.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

It is the strongest group of all, maximum difficulty for a coach, 3 out of 3 finals
it will be a war

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

It's a top team but we also have 3 top players injured and it may be that they won't play any games.
As said the roster is good so are the opponents and it will take as much luck as ever

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

In my opinion Poland and Romania first, then the Czech Republic, Italy and Finland.
I faced Finland and I won but I am speechless ..... because it is very strong, complete in everything plus tactically has a good manager

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I appreciate Michele79, an Italian user.
For the great job and experience, I like the Finland coach.
For the rest I don't know anyone, they must know me.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

Montenegro e Finland

Any words you want to tell the community?

First of all, never abandon Sokker because it's still the best game of his kind.
I hope we will have fun from this world championship together and see a lot of goals.


BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA
Rank: #25
Previous appearances: 15
Best result: semifinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: eightfinals
Trophies: 1 Trophy at total (1 Bronze Trophy)

Coach: bloodyczech
1st U21WC as coach


BRASIL
Rank: # 9
Previous appearances: 17
Best result: semifinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: semifinals
Trophies: 3 Trophies at total (3 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: Fabbrogas
5th U21WC as coach
2 Bronze trophy as coach (Edition VIII and XVII)

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

I'm getting old, both inside and outside of Sokker. There's not much to add LOL

Your 5th U21WC as coach, 2 times semifinalist... how important is the experience for another season? How do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

2 times semifinalist, if we all agreed, it's time for you all to let me win... Please.
All jokes aside, last season was not th ebest, and this season will be a tough one as well. We had a couple of unfortunate years for youngster players.

Actually, we would have lots of good players, if only they were trained properly, whops. So in the end, we have players that will be useless in U21 but they will be probably great for the major NT in the future.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

I see them strong. On paper, Italy and Czech Rep will have their triumphal march over us and Bosnia unfortunately.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

Unfortunately, this season I evaluate the team poorly. We are filled with the so-called monoskilled players. We probably have the brightest and smartest mid, with the best ideas but with the worst feet at the same time LOL

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

I'll go with something different from the big 4, I'll say Finland.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I admire Woody because he asks thousands of questions every year before the WC and he works a lot just to put out there a WC guide for everyone to enjoy and talk and I hate Woody because he makes us all spending time to write and read tons of answers.

I don't hate anyone, except the one that will eliminate us from the tournament (I will hate 2 if we don't get to the final phase).

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I'll say Hellas.

Any words you want to tell the community?

Have fun y'all. Always remember that it's a game based on random events, so remember to always pay the taxes to the game devs so they can let you win!

Group C


FRANCE
Rank: # 5
Previous appearances: 15
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: runner-up
Trophies: 5 Trophies at total (1 Gold Trophy, 1 Silver Trophy and 3 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: Lapommade
3rd U21WC as coach
1 Silver trophy as coach (Edition XVII)
1 U21WC final as coach



DEUTSCHLAND
Rank: # 12
Previous appearances: 16
Best result: runner-up
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: 4 Trophies at total (2 Silver Trophies and 2 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: tsolias
6th U21WC as coach
1 Silver trophy as coach (Edition XV)
1 U21WC final as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

I was born 1972 in central Greece. I grew up in Germany. Now, I live in Athens.
In the past seasons I offered following elements to the german community: Entertainment, knowledge about training and strong emotions, especially when the german U21 gets eliminated in the group stage!

Your 6th U21WC as coach, you reach a U21WC finals some time ago... how important is the experience for another season? But also a funny question, the only time you pass to elimination stage, you reach the finals, why you have so many eliminations on group stage? Lack of luck? Only play in strong groups? Tell us... and also how do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

On my first 2 participations, it was lack of experience. It is very important to recognize bad decissions and be able to adopt a new point of view.
The rest was the fullfillment of my promise to the community, about strong emotions.
You also asked me to evaluate my last season: For some people it was a thrilling qualification with very strong emotions (like 1-1 with sokker underdog Island). However, I tested new tactical approaches and I will present them in the worldcup.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

# France, I will answer about France on the end of this interview.
# Azərbaycan, can be a tough obstacle for every team, so I must be very careful.
# Finally, a word about Andorra, the team from a country with just 3 users. They are qualified in the worldcup and they are already the big winners of this competition. Big respet to Andorra and Andorra´s coach skyland1, who made this miracle happen!



How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

It isn't the strongest squad I have ever had. It has weaknesses and it has also strengths. It´s my job to get profit from the strengths and break the limits, so at the end everybody things that Tsolias is lucky!

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

Polska, Romania and France are the first teams I thought of, when I read your question. But I can also immagine many smaller teams to make a surprise, like Suomi did, in the last competition.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I just praised skyland and I admit, there is a person I hate desperately... his tactics are piece of bullshit and he is the worst manager ever! Ha ha haaaa!

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

Everybody who is willing to get out of his comfort zone can make big surprises happen. The limit is not the sky, our belief system is the limit.

Any words you want to tell the community?

Yes, my answer on your 3rd question, about France follows by the next pic and after it I have a shill-song for you to hear, while you read the rest of the interviews. :)




https://www.youtube.com/v/2ndfnpNsC8w&list=RD2ndfnpNsC8w&start_radio=1


ANDORRA
Rank: # 47
Previous appearances: -
Best result: -
U21 World Cup XVII result: -
Trophies: -

Coach: skyland1
1st U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Hmm, 38 springs already on my neck. Traditional family model :) The same wife for 9 years plus a 6-year-old daughter Maja and Adam joined us seven months ago.
I live in Warsaw, I am a chemist and I work in a laboratory as a team leader.
In my free time, I sail and conquer the crown of Polish mountain hills

This will be your 1st participation on U21WC, are you feeling anxious to participate in this competition? And since you are one of the most talked about names during the end of last season because you put a country like Andorra that never play before a U21WC to participate this season, tell to us... depending on how this season is, do you think about do the next step and coaching your country of birth Polska or other big country?

I will be honest, at the moment I do not think about the Polish team - it is nice to read about myself in the context of taking this honorable function, and I am surprised myself that the soda did not hit my head;)

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

I have very strong opponents: Germany and France are the strongest opponents, I'll try to take the rivalry with Azerbaijan

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

the key players left my team, so I don't have so strong team as the previous season so goal number one for me is definitely not to be a whipping boy.
I am a moderate dreamer, therefore:
- plan to lose as few goals as possible in the group stage from of all teams
- dream plan: have a point at the end
- unrealistic plan: leaving the group

And I really want to show that Andorra is no longer Cinderella invited to the ball, but a team under which the opponent will set individual tactics, :)

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

It's hard to say, but I would bet on Poland. We have a good coach with a big experience, but he should be careful because of Romania or Argentina can make a surprise.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I am by nature a calm man instead of focusing on troubles, I prefer to work for Andorra :) and in addition, I know some of the coaches from the forum so I won't provide any controversy

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I think that Denmark made big progress so their coach can make a good result

Any words you want to tell the community?

Andora is coming, so beware !!!!


AZƏRBAYCAN
Rank: # 27
Previous appearances: 10
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: -

Coach: panter
4th U21WC as coach


Group D


CUBA
Rank: # 19
Previous appearances: 6
Best result: eightfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: -
Trophies: -

Coach: Ronaldo
1st U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Hello fellows I'm Ronaldo from Cuba and I'm coaching since 2014, in my opinion my style is aggressive and I like so much to use the strategies in my games. I have never trained a national team before and this is my 3th and last season in charge of Cuban U21 NT . From my view this will be an exciting tournament.

This will be your 1st participation on U21WC, are you feeling anxious to participate in this competition? How do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

Yes this will be my 1st and I can not wait. Our last season was impressive in general but we are now testing new players and this is starting from the bottom.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

It's an acceptable group for us. Of course in WC any opponent is difficult and we are gonna try to do our best.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

Our team has been growing and we are now capable to give a good spectacle, of course we are playing for winning.

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

As I said before any team is difficult and this tournament doesn't admit mistakes, Even stronger teams need to be very careful if they want to reach final phases.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I don't know them, sorry. The last tournament Finland was amazing.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

Nederland is not small but they are playing good. They are surprising already and their group will be very interesting.

Any words you want to tell the community?

All of us good luck in this tournament. Keep working for rising up our level and bringing new users to this amazing world calls Sokker! Enoy it and best regards all of you. Thanks.


HRVATSKA
Rank: # 24
Previous appearances: 15
Best result: semifinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: -
Trophies: 1 Trophy at total (1 Bronze Trophy)

Coach: djimi
6th U21WC as coach


BELGIË
Rank: # 17
Previous appearances: 15
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: -
Trophies: 6 Trophies at total (2 Gold Trophies and 4 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: extreme-zombie
1st U21WC as coach


SLOVENSKO
Rank: # 18
Previous appearances: 13
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: -
Trophies: -

Coach: matatcorp
1st U21WC as coach


(edited)

Group E


BULGARIA
Rank: # 6
Previous appearances: 13
Best result: semifinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: eightfinals
Trophies: 1 Trophy at total (1 Bronze Trophy)

Coach: bluepower89
2nd U21WC as coach


HELLAS
Rank: # 13
Previous appearances: 13
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: quarterfinals
Trophies: -

Coach: Tolis6520
2nd U21WC as coach.

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Not much to say,i like the tactical part of this game,is unique in its kind,
and is the ''soul'' of the football.Thats why i'm here and still playing it.

Last season you are coaching Norge and make Norge could be able to participate on U21WC this season, but now you prefer to do not continue and now coaching Hellas, why choose Hellas now to be a coach instead of continue with Norge? Since you do not be part as coach for Hellas in WCQ, do you think this could be a problem or your experience as coach already help to see the important things about the team?

I'm pround i was coaching U21 Norway the last season.I found a
good team and together we win a not so easy Qualification Group.
I help Norway as best i can,but i want to reach the Final match (as we all want)
and win the Cup,and Hellas give me an opportunity this season to try.
So i choose to run this Final WC season with Hellas.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

It's going to be a ''fight'',i think Bulgaria-Hellas-Portugal are 3 strong teams,
Danmark is the outsider,everything is possible ..i don't know!

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

With a little luck we can reach the final.

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

Poland is for me always the favorite to win the Cup.
Many users,lot of Academies,lot of talents to use,not count injuries or forms,
they can have many good players as substitutes.
Italy ofc a good team,Romania too.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I don't admire or hate anyone ))

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

Hmm..small team,France could be once more surprise i think,
Hellas could be a surprise team too,i hope.And Deutschland.

Any words you want to tell the community?

I want to say for you,keep up the good work,and good luck to all!


DANMARK
Rank: # 32
Previous appearances: 10
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: -

Coach: BAFI
1st U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Hi, my name is Krzysztof, I live in Poland. I have a beloved wife and daughter, I am very happy.
I work in commerce.

This will be your 1st participation on U21WC and also since you do not be part as coach in WCQ, do you think this could be a problem for you or you already see the important things about the team and how tactics work on U21?

I am proud to be the manager of Denmark. My friend Arek won the promotion to the World Championships for Denmark, I want to thank him.
I'm well prepared Arek told me everything about the team of Denmark U21.
I want to continue what Arek did, Denmark is constantly making progress.
Arek and Bafi have a lot of experience and skills, it must be successful for Denmark.
I want time in Denmark, I assume 3 years for very good development and successes Denmark U21.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

U21 World Cup - Group E
1. Bulgaria U21
2. Hellas U21 0
3. Danmark U21
4. Portugal U21
Real and fair looking Portugal and Greece are the favorites of our group. Very strong teams. Denmark will fight with Bulgaria for 3rd place.
Of course I dream of getting a promotion for Denmark U21.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

Denmark went to a very nice group, but there are no weak teams in the Championships.
We have to prepare well, we have to work a lot, every point scored by my team Denmark will be a success.
We really want to win the 3rd place in the group, promotion from the group will be a very big success, but as I wrote earlier we are building the Denmark U21 team, we have 3 years which must bring success for Denmark U21

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

There is only one favorite for me, Poland U21.
Poland U21 has a very good and very experienced tiesto manager, also a strong training staff.
Poland U21 has the greatest potential, the best players, Poland U21, has hunger for success.
Second place for Romania. 3rd place for the Czech Republic.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I really respect the Polish manager U21 tiesto.
Bafi is friendly by nature, so I have no enemies. I like to live in harmony with everyone.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I wish it was Denmark U21.
Denmark is a good team and has a good manager, it can bear fruit. If not now, then in the future.

Any words you want to tell the community?

Sokker is my love, Sokker draws positively.
I invite everyone to play and I am asking for fair play.
My dream is for sokker to grow, for more users. It all depends on us, we must give our best, help and invite new users. Promote the sokker game.

Finally, I want to thank Arek for everything he has done for me in this game and for Denmark. Also to all users in Denmark who trusted me and cast their votes for me.
Thank you all.


PORTUGAL
Rank: # 33
Previous appearances: 13
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: -

Coach: Tony Madeira
4th U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

I have been in this game since 2008 and I have been involved in several competitions with my team and U21NT, with the best results being 3rd place in the Brazilian Cup with my club and 6th place in the Brazil U21NT in U21 World Cup.
As a coach from Portugal I won the 1st place in the penultimate WCQ and 2nd place in this current WCQ.

Your 4th U21WC as coach, tell to us... how important is the experience for another season? How do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

Experience is important, but what really counts is having a team. My last season was one of overcoming, because we didn't have a good generation and I had to use 6-7 U20 players in the team, which weakened a little. However the U20 players for being used early favored in their preparation, so we are stronger for the WC.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

I see that they are good teams and both conditions are similar, which makes us very confident.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

As I said before, my team had to start forming at the beginning of WCQ, which at that time was bad now has become an advantage. In relation to the previous team we lost a great winger and the defense is a little weaker, but we managed to restore it to satisfaction. We will fight to reach the semifinals.

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

Same as always, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy. They are favorites due to their excellent team.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I haven't been following it well lately, but a coach I saw doing a great job is Alfrica.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I see Argentina, the Netherlands and Suomi himself the last champion. They are above average teams and may surprise in this World Cup.

Any words you want to tell the community?

As always I will be working hard to achieve the results.

Group F


TÜRKİYE
Rank: # 10
Previous appearances: 16
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: semifinals
Trophies: 4 Trophies at total (1 Gold Trophy and 3 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: kralcarsı
2nd U21WC as coach
1 Bronze trophy as coach (Edition XVII)


URUGUAY
Rank: # 14
Previous appearances: 15
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: -

Coach: tortuga
1st U21WC as coach



CRNA GORA
Rank: # 16
Previous appearances: 9
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: -

Coach: Michel79
2nd U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Hello, my name is Michele and I am 41 years old. I live in Italy in a city called Dolo, near Venice, and I have two beatiful daughters: Martina and Miriam. I spend my free time writing bullshits on sokker forums or watching football matches on tv lately. My childhood idol is coach Zdenek Zeman known as “Maestro”, creator of miracle Foggia with his magnificent football in the 90’s (tactic 4-3-3)l

This is your 2nd U21WC as coach, in past you participate with Italia, so... what is the difference on coach a team like Italia compared to Crna Gora? And how do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

The difference with Italy is the numbers of players. In Crna Gora I haven't choice, but the little community work for the NT and the users of crna gora are very good managers. With Italy i arrived in quarter of finals , i lost with ceska republica, in 1/8 italy defeated poland for 2-1, it was a big satisfaction for me. Last season was successful: i won many matches and i played with u20 players , the same players will play world cup now.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

The group is very hard. I think that Turkey will win all the matches, i hope in second place. In my opinion Crna Gora, Nederland, Uruguay have the same possibilities.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

With Crna Gora I hope to through the round. The limit of my team is the bad form, especially the two goalkeepers.

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

The favourite are Italy, Poland, Romania and Turkey. No other team is on their level.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I don't know other coach except two italian coaches. Behmen, NT of italy, and Fabbrogas, Nt of Brasil. Behmen is very ugly! :-)

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I hope that Crna Gora will be the surprise!

Any words you want to tell the community?

Yes, sokker is a game, peace and love!


NEDERLAND
Rank: # 22
Previous appearances: 15
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: -

Coach: Woody
8th U21WC as coach
1 Silver trophy as coach (Edition XI)
1 Time U21 World Champion (Edition XIII)
2 U21WC finals as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Hello, my name is Rodrigo Carvalho, i have now 24 years old but in this game i am know as the nickname of Woody, former U21 World Champion, currently divided into the tasks in this game and in the world of simracing as a driver and team boss with my business also in Brazil.

You are the coach with most participations on U21WC in this edition, now with your 8th participation, people think that you plan was retire as a coach, so... why a comeback? Do you feel that something is still missing from your legacy? What made ''The King'' want to comeback? Tell us... And how do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

I made a comeback because i want to show that i can still be a competitive guy and win trophies in this game and also because being a U21 coach... About my 8th participation in this U21WC... Now everything is different, until the other day I was just another newbie who was becoming a coach in a small community and was managing to participate in the U21WC, just another name like many who have already appeared in this competition, but time was passing and the newbie grew ... the newbie achieved achievements that many want and experiences that few can have in this game (like coaching the U21 team of Poland, for example) newbie has created a name and has records that will be hard to break... but the newbie is still a newbie after all... But... I can say that Woody today after participating in 7 U21WC's is a very different Woody, more mature and that learned from his actions done in the past and that every day he learns something new in this game.

My preparation for U21WC was perfect... we managed to make good results against teams like Poland, Czech Rep, Brazil and Germany... I think these matches show that i still competitive for this.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

It is a very difficult group, the 3 opponents are respectable and have a lot of strategic skill and good teams... Montenegro has a good team and I was impressed by the results they got against strong opponents, not to mention that they have the protection of ''THE GOD'', Turkey is still with the coach that last edition manage to reach semifinals after play in a group with current champion Finland and Poland, this is impressive... and Uruguay we face in WCQ... even with our match in WCQ with the U21WC squad that he beat them for a large number of goals, I cannot underestimate it because I believe they will come much more prepared this time, I just disagree with Michel saying that Turkey will win all matches in group stage, as they may end up drawing with the Netherlands ... haha, but i I hope to be able to qualify for the eightfinals and in the 2nd place for obvious reasons.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

The team is not bad but at the same time it is not good, we have a sector in this team that is very limited and this greatly undermines my strategy, despite the results I have achieved lately, I believe that this is the result of my work with the dutch community, that alias ... is a community that I love, I hope to continue with them, but coming back to the question ... I believe that the limit of this team is a quarterfinals, but the limit of the coach is a trophy, I am not being arrogant saying that, I just believe that a U21 coach to be successful in this game needs to be confident in himself, because a match can be decided after he has confidence in using a strategy that sometimes if a little thing goes wrong, he will lose the match horribly.

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

In my opinion the biggest favorite to win the U21WC is Lapommade with France... this guy is ridiculous.. haha, his team is good and he is very good on strategies, Finland is defending the title with westbrom but i will be honest... in the past i never think that westbrom was a world champion material... but it seems that he improved a lot... you know, some people it takes time to reach the peak of something sometimes... probably is his case... and the third choice will be Poland because the team is good, but it will depend on tiesto being able to finally break free of his cocoon and show his full potential as a strategist.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I don't hate anyone in this game, but there are a lot of people who hate me here ... haha, that I can tell you.

People i like and have a huge respect...
-Tsolias - a unique friend in this game.
-vacarul - a king in orthodox strategies.
-rohamkacsa - one of the most underrated coaches i see, just do not be a world champion because of me and ostulc.
-Fabbro - good italian friend.
-slamtam - another underrated coach.
-tiesto - he give his best in Poland, that is a community that i love also.

and...

-skyland1 - people talk with me other weeks that this guy is the ''New Woody'', i think... ''wow... amazing'', specially after what he did with Andorra, and he is a good boy, we already talk about some things, although these friends of mine labeled him that way, if they did it is because they believe he has a huge potential as a coach, so I hope the best of him for the next seasons, now is time to he just gain knowledge before pick a top team to coach.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I think Portugal can be a surprise.

Any words you want to tell the community?

My old catchphrase, luck follows who deserves it!

Group G


ESPAÑA
Rank: # 21
Previous appearances: 16
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: 2 Trophies at total (1 Gold Trophy and 1 Bronze Trophy)

Coach: la bestia
1st U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

I am new to the topic of leading a team since I have only been one season.

This will be your 1st participation on U21WC, are you feeling anxious to participate in this competition? Also, in the past Spain was world champion but a lot of years passed and Spain failed to make the results they made it in past, do you feel a presure to make the Spanish community be a powerful force on U21 teams again? And how do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

This will be the first time I play and the truth is that I am nervous, I feel pressure and I will play with the strongest and I do not know how Spain is at the level, I want to take the selection as high as possible since last season I worked hard to qualify for the world cup.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

My group is difficult because I don't have much experience as a coach.
I have great teams to see.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

The limit I can not tell you because it enters many factors but I hope to go round at least.

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

I think those who can win are romania and poland but I would like the czech republic.

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both ... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I have not had a deal with any of them if I cannot answer this question.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I think that there is no longer that we are all the strongest but who knows, it could be Chile but difficult.

Any words you want to tell the community?

Good luck to all and may the best man win.


ROMÂNIA
Rank: # 1
Previous appearances: 16
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: eightfinals
Trophies: 10 Trophies at total (2 Gold Trophies, 5 Silver Trophies and 3 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: Morpheus
4th U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

I play sokker from 2006 and I think that I can obtain the best results with U21 national teams. I think that in all my mandates (or must of all) USA U21 qualify on World Cup (and in that period USA fave 30-40 users with less than 40% users who have a junior team). I would like to add that USA U21 not loose at high score any matches on World Cup. So yes, I believe that I obtained the best results from USA U21.

România is a big community in sokker, is the country with most trophies in U21WC, and i remember that when you are coaching USA, you ever try to talk as realistically as possible (that the team the most they could do was reach a certain limit due to technical differences and etc). But now that you are coaching a top level team the question is... Is it an obligation for România to be world champion? How do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

Of course, Romania is third community after Polska (with more than 400%) and Italia. The fact that Romania U21 is the country with the most trophies is due to the fact that we have top users from a tactical point of view. Look at all Romania users who manage national teams and you will see good results. So, please let me list some of the top Romanian users: ale70, bunicutza05, DoTheDew, joker25, Lord Legolas, nea` tăgârță, petru, cristidinu, timis bogdan, vacarul. If you want users who can achieve good results for your national teams, it will be a smart choose to pick a Romanian guys (we are hard workers and intelligent). Coming back to your question I am very very disappointed of the current generation of Romania U21 players. For example, right now, first 6 mid players dosen't have playmaker + passing 26 (except one with 3 stamina). In that condition I I think it is unlikely that Romania will get a trophy. That dosen't mean I will not fight for that.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

At the first sight Romania U21 and España U21 will be fight for the first place but this team play against each other in first match. So, the losing team must take a risk. From that point of view Eesti U21 could be a surprise and be the second place at the final.

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

I belive that maximum that Romania U21 can obtain to this WC is 3-4 place.

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

Ohoo, Polska U21 must win this U21WC, any other result is a failure and means that tiesto_86 to "go home". Did you know that Polska have 3304 users and the number of sokker users is 9940 (that mean 50%).

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

I admire the following:
- Mr.Alejandro because is incredible what results did he achieve with Zhōngguó U21 (a country with 29 users.
- vacarul because is smart and tricky users. Follow him this year.
- Michel79 because his results with Crna Gora U21.
- Bone_Fletcher because this match Česká republika U21 - România U21 3:0. I will not accept any rsults like that; it was not acceptable.
- Woody for his heart

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

Schweiz U21 will go far in this competition thanks to vacarul.

Any words you want to tell the community?

If you appreciate a good tactic matches please look after all the matches of Schweiz U21 and Zhōngguó U21.

Best regards,
Morpheus


EESTI
Rank: # 15
Previous appearances: 15
Best result: runner-up
U21 World Cup XVII result: -
Trophies: 3 Trophies at total (1 Silver Trophy and 2 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: u-tropp
1st U21WC as coach


CHILE
Rank: # 30
Previous appearances: 11
Best result: semifinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: -
Trophies: 2 Trophies at total (2 Bronze Trophies)

Coach: Raul87
2nd U21WC as coach
1 Bronze trophy as coach (Edition XIV)

Group H


POLSKA
Rank: # 2
Previous appearances: 17
Best result: champions
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: 6 Trophies at total (5 Gold Trophies and 1 Silver Trophy)

Coach: tiesto_86
2nd U21WC as coach


SRBIJA
Rank: # 11
Previous appearances: 16
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: quarterfinals
Trophies: -

Coach: Jurro
1st U21WC as coach

Hello Coach! Please tell us a few words about yourself!

Hi, My name is Jerzy, Im 29yers and im from Poland but I live and work in London :)I work at the airport as customer service :)

This will be your 1st participation on U21WC, are you feeling anxious to participate in this competition? How do you evaluate your last season in WCQ and friendly matches?

Yes this is my first championship and I am very excited. The qualifications were very successful. We finshed in first place in the group. Friendly matches were different because I tested different tactics and introduced new players.

How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?

We have a very difficult group, especially with the favorite to win the gold medal - Poland...Argentina is also a very strong team ...The last team is china but as it happens in our beloved game, everyone can surprise :)

How do you evaluate your team for this U21WC and in your opinion what is the limit that your team can reach in this competition?

It's hard to tell ... I'll try my best...We have a slightly weaker team than a few top players left in the qualifying rounds ... but I will try to surprise everyone :)

Which teams do you think are the favorites to win this U21WC and why these teams is the favorites in your opinion?

For me Poland is the favorite ... They have a good trainer Tiesto ... who is my good friend ... they have great players and a wide team, They play players for every tactic ...

Of the other 31 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

Andorra's promotion is a surprise. Their manager Skyland deserves respect because it's very difficult work with representation where there are only 4 users.

In this U21WC, do you see any small team that can surprise and get far in the competition? If you see, tell why you think about that.

I will answer as in the previous question...With a bit of luck, Andorra can be a big surprise :)

Any words you want to tell the community?

I would like to wish everyone a successful championship !!!
No injuries or red cards !!!
And players in the highest forms !!!


ARGENTINA
Rank: # 20
Previous appearances: 16
Best result: quarterfinals
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: -

Coach: alfrica
2nd U21WC as coach


中国
Rank: # 56
Previous appearances: 4
Best result: group stage
U21 World Cup XVII result: group stage
Trophies: -

Coach: Mr.Alejandro
2nd U21WC as coach

Expert Previews

We went behind the opinions of coaches and U21 scouts about the 18th edition of U21 World Cup!

theKarsten (Former U21 Coach, win a Silver Trophy with Suomi in edition IX)

What do you hope this edition of the U21 World Cup? Especially in this edition that seems like things are more balanced after everything that happened in the last edition and also in some friendly matches in this and last season.

I hope for an entertaining competition with lots of surprises. Obviously it’s better if the surprises are “earned”, i.e. due to superior tactics instead of winning 1-0 after losing the shots 1-22. I hope for sexy offensive football and lots of goals, even though keepers tend to be much more ready compared to strikers in U21-level. What was there unbalanced in the last edition? Suomi won so it’s very balanced to me. Or if that’s unbalanced, I hope for an as unbalanced WC than last time! ;) Ok, Polska didn’t even make the playoffs, Greece beat Romania in the round of 16, just “smaller” nations in the semi-finals. It was a “weird” edition but let’s see if this is a return to the old times or will the surprises keep happening.

What do you think of the current champion westbrom with Suomi? Do you think he has what it takes to defend his world champion title? What does the finnish community expect about the team and from westbrom for this U21WC?

I didn’t give us much chances last time so it doesn’t really matter what I predict.. :D westbrom has what it takes to defend the title, but his players.. I don’t think so. Last time we had one of the strongest defensive lines in the tournament, this time it’s not as strong. As usual we have a quite strong midfield and maybe a bit better strikers, so I don’t count us out from the beginning. But, to be honest, I don’t see us getting a medal this time. Quarterfinals would be a good achievement. The community doesn’t expect anything, it’s the usual way: if we win, everyone loves westbrom and if we fail everyone wants to cut off his genitalia with shears.

And what about runner-up France with Lapommade? This time he could have his revenge after losing the U21WC on penalty kicks?

France has a strong team again. I think Lapommade has a chance this time to go all the way. They should get to the playoffs quite comfortably from Group C, then it’s up to the draw and luck with injuries etc. He is a good coach, so I give him a chance. Wouldn’t bet on it anyway.

The old favorites that people always mention in all the guides, Polska and România ... what do you expect from these 2 teams? Are they favorites to be champions or has sokker changed?

I expect them to be very hungry this time. Especially tiesto_86 has a lot to prove for everybody after eliminating from the playoffs in the last edition. Both of them have still a big advantage compared to most of the teams when checking the pure quality of the players. They can field a starting eleven with 200k higher average value so they are favourites in every game. But the amount of top players has declined even in the big countries, so even they are hurt if the best players are injured or out of form.

To me the biggest challenge for both Polska and Romania is the ability of their coaches to create winning tactics. So far neither of them has impressed me. Let’s see if they can impress me in the coming weeks. Polska has the strongest team in this edition, in my opinion, so I nevertheless see them as favourites. Romania might be knocked out before the medal games second time in a row.

Is there a team that we don't mention here that is favorite for the title in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

Bulgaria has a strong team and solid tactics, I think they have a chance this time. Czech Republic and Hungary are also strong but somehow I have a feeling they won’t make it to medals in this edition.

And what about surprises? There's some team that will suprise and reach a stage that no ones believe in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

Cuba and Eesti are interesting. I have a feeling Cuba will reach the quarter finals and Eesti might even take a medal. How big a surprise is it, I don’t know. Andorra is the biggest surprise just to be in this edition. Might be even one point is too much to ask from them, but hopefully they make good performances and score a few goals!

On the 32 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

Provocative question. The coaches I truly hate (ok, I don’t hate them, just enjoy mocking them) will be mentioned in question 8. Many of the coaches are not familiar to me. I’m an old fart in this game and don’t look up to anybody. But I have to give the well deserved credits to skyland1, it’s a huge achievement to qualify with Andorra, a country with just four(!!!) users. That’s really impressive. I also admire the work westbrom has done with our U21-team. It’s not a cup of tea to win the World Cup with such a squad. If he repeats the trick, I might look up to him for a few seconds! I also admire your work with the Guides, it’s a nice tradition and a great effort from you, just for the amusement of the community. A bit of brown nosing is always good to secure my position also in the next Guide in two seasons.. ;)

Any words you want to tell the community?

The usual stuff: watch the games, enjoy the excitement, write messages in this topic before, during and after the games, invite a friend to start this great game! And remember: langhe is uber slaby and his weakness can only be compared with the weakest of them all, mrs_gabbage a.k.a. Aluminium. Aluminium is a weak metal. It’s soft and it’s biggest superpower is passivation. So weak. Amen.

Greets, theKarsten

Red3x (Former U21 Coach, King of U20 MWC)

What do you hope this edition of the U21 World Cup? Especially in this edition that seems like things are more balanced after everything that happened in the last edition and also in some friendly matches in this and last season.

When there are balanced groups, the matches are more beautiful.
Because you have the confidence that everyone has a chance to pass the round and not always and only the strongest teams.
So, let's expect everything.

What do you think of the current champion westbrom with Suomi? Do you think he has what it takes to defend his world champion title?

Westbrom's doing very well.
His team is playing the way he wants to, keeping in mind that Suomi is not a national team full of top players.
After 4 seasons of victories and defeats, he has found a way to make all players play well.
You don't win a world championship the first season you coach a national team, it takes time and experience that you acquire over time.
Right now he can defend the title, but you have to be careful because every game is a final, because everyone wants to be protagonists in this balanced world championship.

And what about Italia? What does the italian community expect about the team and the coach for this U21WC?

Italy has a not easy group and every match will be difficult, not only for Italy, but for all the teams in the group.
The community and Behmen know they are the favourites together with Poland, Romania and Czech Republic and they want to have a great season.

The old favorites that people always mention in all the guides, Polska and România ... what do you expect from these 2 teams? Are they favorites to be champions or has sokker changed?

Sokker hasn't changed for years, but many of the old coaches left the game after more than 15 years of play and now there are the new coaches who after years and years of play have had the opportunity to coach many national teams and increase their experience.
Poland and Romania will always be 2 favorite national teams and nominated because of their strength.
Being two very strong national teams and their communities very competitive, they want to win against everyone and their coaches are sometimes put under pressure.
Because of this pressure to win everything makes them two national teams that against much weaker teams are struggling to win, in fact I consider these two national teams as Real Madrid and Barcelona, they have the strength to dominate without problems and then for some strange reason they don't make it.
Obviously everything I just wrote is a personal thought of mine that can be denied immediately, because I haven't had the pleasure to coach these 2 national teams and to know their communities, so take for false everything I just wrote.

Is there a team that we don't mention here that is favorite for the title in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

There are many Nationals that can favorites, France, Bosnia with the new coach, Germany, Holland, Brazil....

And what about surprises? There's some team that will suprise and reach a stage that no ones believe in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

There are many teams that can stand out and have a fantastic season.

On the 32 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

Every coach is good in his own way, I'm not someone who says... "I don't like that coach, he thinks he's superior to the others...", I respect and admire every coach and I consider him stronger than me.
Can I speak ill of Slamtam? A person who in my experience in Switzerland U21 helped me and thanks to him and his community I was able to stay for 3 seasons -
A person who after years and years of Austria U21 now plays for Norway U21 to win?
For me these things are extraordinary and I like them, so good luck Slamtam.
Only one person I don't like in this group, Behmen.
Behmen is considered the special one, he and Mourinho are identical so...
Good luck Behmen in this journey with our Italy and take it to victory like Inter did in 2010!

Any words you want to tell the community?

Guys, good luck on your adventure and remember that if you lose, the important thing is to have put yourself there.

juytt (Former U21 Coach)

What do you hope this edition of the U21 World Cup? Especially in this edition that seems like things are more balanced after everything that happened in the last edition and also in some friendly matches in this and last season.

I always hope for more "surprises" and great tactical victories. Levels are actually becoming more balanced now, larger nations have fewer opportunities to align stratospheric ratings and smaller nations have more opportunities to win if their tactics are well designed.

What do you think of the current champion westbrom with Suomi? Do you think he has what it takes to defend his world champion title?

First, Suomi is impressive in training young players. It must be said, it is difficult to build and coach in the U21 team if there is not a community and training clubs to support their national team.
Westbrom can keep its title of champion because it is on the same bases as the previous seasons. But it can be also a weakness when you are tactically predictable and expected as a winning team.

And what about Lapommade with France? After a Silver Trophy in last edition and also good performances against top teams in this and last season, is he a candidate to be champion in this edition? What does the french community expect about the team and Lapommade for this U21WC?

France is very close to what Finland is doing, both in terms of rating and tactics. It is no coincidence that these teams arrived in the final, and were very close during the final. The French community voted for La Pommade and once again trusts him to lead les Bleus as far as the last world cup.

The old favorites that people always mention in all the guides, Polska and România ... what do you expect from these 2 teams? Are they favorites to be champions or has sokker changed?

Sokker hasn't changed, larger nations will continue to have the best youngsters and ratings. Poland and romania can be favorites as always. But now the gap is smaller as I said, best coaches and tactics can win with any nations. It should obviously be mentioned that Finland and France are now two well-established teams to beat anyone again.

Is there a team that we don't mention here that is favorite for the title in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

Norge U21 finish first in his group stage where Suomi finish second. Even though Norway is not impressive offensively, this team should be hard to defeat. Italia, as always has usually good player ratings and good coaches.

And what about surprises? There's some team that will suprise and reach a stage that no ones believe in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

Baguette

On the 32 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

Croissant

Any words you want to tell the community?

Renault

blackx (Former U21 Coach)

What do you hope this edition of the U21 World Cup? Especially in this edition that seems like things are more balanced after everything that happened in the last edition and also in some friendly matches in this and last season.

Answer is in your question. I can tell right now, that we will see tight matches, less goals and maybe not really dominant positions of traditional participants.

What do you think of the current champion westbrom with Suomi? Do you think he has what it takes to defend his world champion title?

Nothing to be honest. Really don’t know anything about current champion. It was just a lucky upset last edition. I still consider it unfair and it is only a loophole in the match engine. Sadly it can happen again, cause the engine is still the same.

And what about Česká republika? What does the czech community expect about the team and the coach for this U21WC?

Czech community expect a harder fights to be honest. Our team is weaker than last few editions. Even with our strategy to keep our future stars at home, we are hitting the point of a little population, in which less and less star players are taken out of junior schools. As I took over the scouting for our U21, I can say, that many players are ruined by bad training plan and this season it‘s massive.
For a coaching part of the question, I am in a bad position to judge. I am a former coach and owner of one of the players. All I will say that our strategy opinions are very different, but till it works, who am I to judge him?

The old favorites that people always mention in all the guides, Polska and România ... what do you expect from these 2 teams? Are they favorites to be champions or has sokker changed?

Where is the country with two golds in the row? Shame on you, Woody. I will start with the big boy. Poland. Tiesto is playing a mindgames, last loss against FRA is only a lure to entry his trap. Their team is strong as always, only few teams have a raw power to slay them. But raw power will be boosted by the skills of the coach and I don’t think that Tiesto is the same league as that world class like ostulc, del P1ero etc. (no Woody, I don’t want to name you :P)
Romania has the same problem. That match against CZE was a total mess from their coach. Yes, it is possible to mess up one match, but I don’t think that it was the only one. Maybe I am wrong, we will see. But as Lapommade and Bone_Fletcher showed us, there is the way to make them look silly.

Is there a team that we don't mention here that is favorite for the title in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

Yes it is. France has a very good team and very good coach, they are the last runner-up. And one more team that I want to mention.
Czech Republic, small-ish country in the middle of Europe. In real life in the shadow of Germany, on sokker in the shadow of Poland. But good assasins are always in the shadow and then strike hard. My beloved country will strike hard I hope.

And what about surprises? There's some team that will suprise and reach a stage that no ones believe in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

I am not the coach anymore, so it is not my job to watch every potential opponent. I watch only our group opponents and we will miss one great team after the group stage. Real group of death (again, thank you sokker engine and “random” group generator with always better position for Poland.

On the 32 coaches that are participating in this competition, there is a coach that you admire his work or hate for some reason? If you have one of these or both... talk for us, (we want to bring some controversy also to this guide.)

You are not satisfied with my answer in question number 4 four? But on the international level, there is not a person, that I hate. I admire every coach of NT, If he care about his team, loosing time for it. I know how time costly it can be. Let’s celebrate WC as a meeting of people that cares about this game.

Any words you want to tell the community?

Make sokker, not war. Keep this game alive

Great Woody! So awesome and thank you very much for this amazing work!

vacarul (Schweiz)
How do you see the opponents of your group? How do you see your opponents in terms of difficulty for you?
Opponents are very strong. First, Hungary. We ve meet in stage group, they win twice. Suomi is always strong, and Norge is trained by a schweiz user, slamtam, who is very strong tactician

ooh! very strong tactician? Thx u for the flowers!

Woody (Nederlands)

slamtam - another underrated coach.

pssst!! Don't tell them that I'm underrated!!


Red3x (Former U21 Coach, King of U20 MWC)

Can I speak ill of Slamtam? A person who in my experience in Switzerland U21 helped me and thanks to him and his community I was able to stay for 3 seasons -
A person who after years and years of Austria U21 now plays for Norway U21 to win?
For me these things are extraordinary and I like them, so good luck Slamtam.

Red3x! Thx you for these words! I will try to win with Norway now ;) You are extraordinary, too!

juytt (Former U21 Coach)

Is there a team that we don't mention here that is favorite for the title in your opinion? If so, please tell us why you made this choice.

Norge U21 finish first in his group stage where Suomi finish second. Even though Norway is not impressive offensively, this team should be hard to defeat. Italia, as always has usually good player ratings and good coaches.

Oha! Good analysis! We will see! So let start the WC!
(edited)

U21WC Guide udpate

Italia coach answers

Great!

Great job once again!

thekarsten's only expertise is in being weak!

Once again, this world cup competition becomes more interesting, thanks to your guide Woody and thanks to the answers of all participant managers.

I feel honored, especially by Slamtam's words (Slamtam, danke - it's also the german community! Thanks to the people of the german community, I can play this role and I enjoy it to work for these people!

(edited)

a good comedian doesn't ruin the joke, don't ruin it mr. Tsolii

You are right! I just edited.

I forgot to write that I hate Tsolias,
Do I still have time to write it? :P

i think is not more necessary, lol :p

Woody as always great job with this topic. It's awesome! I like the experts view, not cause I am one of the chosen, but we all know that there are guys who watch the whole game :) Tomorrow the fight begins, good luck and no injuries to all :)

Go passivate yourself, I beat you even in weakness!

e: Oh, almost forgot. Thanks again Woody! It's always a pleasure to read this Guide and to set your mind to the World Cup mode. Let's get ready to rummmmmbleeeeee!
(edited)