Well hello there. 32 started, 8 remain. One of these 8 managers will lift the 2022 CM Cup. The reigning champion is joined by two former winners, three debutants and two veterans. It’s the business end alright, but who will advance to the last four?

England vs Italy

Two of those debutants meet in our first quarter final and it’s a heavyweight clash. Tony Jameson’s England have tinkered their way to the last 8 and he’s at it again here, shutting up shop for the tough assignment that is the Italian onslaught. Three centre backs with a fourth helping out might be enough to stifle a rampant Italy.

PES_DNA (Shales to you or I) is sticking with what has worked so far. It’s brought a lot of goals to the yard but Romania proved there was a way to get at them so this will be an intriguing match.

As expected, England’s structure keeps Italy at arm’s length, though an injury to Martin Keown means Southgate dropping back and David Batty taking over marshalling duty. It was going to plan until Sol Campbell sees red for a late tackle. A reshuffle sees Neville and Owen introduced but as penalties loom, the introduction of Negri and Di Matteo eventually sees Roberto Baggio beat Seaman and send Italy through.

The Baggio’s did a great job. England…less so.

The tactic nearly worked but it’s all over for another year for England. Tony can hold his head high on his debut and I like to think his performance lead to him being approached by The Athletic to front the FM Show.

What’s next you ask?

Norway vs Croatia

It’s another El Blogico with the winner facing Italy. Ross Bell’s Norway have an outside chance of making him the first ever two time champion. It’s a trio of Flo’s on the bench again.

Deano was fortunate to get through in the end but he sticks with 4-1-3-2. If the attack gets going they will take some stopping.

Boksic and Ostenstad exchange goals and it looks like we’re in for a barnstormer. A slobberknocker. It turns out that this is the game Croatia come to life, with Boksic completing a first half hat-trick and Suker also netting. 4-1 at half time becomes 5-1. Tore Andre Flo does get a consolation but another former champion bites the dust.

It’s actually quite even on the stats but Deano’s lads were clinical.

Boksic gets man of the match for his hat-trick. Sadly, we won’t get to see Bjorn lift the trophy.

Italy vs Croatia then, what of the next two ties.

Republic of Ireland vs Argentina

The champ is here! Or the champ is Eire. Dave Mathieson’s done better than many defending champs but he’s got a job on his hands here. 5-3-2 remains.

Same old for Stu. The flexible diamond rides again.

As expected the Irish are spirited but once they go behind they’ve got a job on. Batistuta’s second just about finishes the job and Crespo wraps it up. Stu marches on.

Not a bad effort but Batistuta was just too clinical.

Awful lot of sixes in there.

One more to go, have we saved the best for last?

Portugal vs Spain

Rob is now the last former champion in the draw. His Portugal side has purred on occasion so he sticks with 3-2-3-2 for the challenge of Spain.

Andrew is still rocking this 4-2-3-1, he and Rob have some history from a previous CM Cup where ironically Rob’s Spain got the better of Andrew’s Germany in the 2020 final. Revenge?

What a game this is. Guardiola fires Spain into an early lead and Fernando Couto is sent off three minutes later. If you think that’s wild, Jorge Costa then sees red and Portugal are down to 9. Obviously, Rui Costa then equalises. The 9 men are level for nearly 20 minutes before Raul restores Spain’s lead. Andrew senses blood and withdraws Ferrer for Oli and they move to 2-3-1-2-2 in a bid to finish the tie off. Domingos equalises 7 minutes later. Guerrero restores Spain’s lead but Dani equalises. Why won’t you die? asks Andrew. Beto goes off injured – the third Portugese centre half to depart – but it’s penalties.

Both sides miss their opener but Oli is denied by Baia and the next four Portugese penalties are beautifully despatched. The 9 men win. Andrew hangs over the advertising hoardings.

7 out of 26…it’s clear where the problem lies.

I wanted to highlight this – every single one of Andrew’s outfield players had a shot on goal, except Ferrer who was withdrawn at half time. That’s wild.

Guerrero takes man of the match for reasons nobody really understands. He’s some boy admittedly but in a game of 6 goals, 2 red cards and a penalty shootout, I didn’t expect him to get the champagne. He probably doesn’t want it.

Let’s have a look at the draw now that we have our final 4.

Join us tomorrow for Italy vs Croatia and Argentina vs Portugal. There’s a 75% chance of a new name on the trophy, it’s getting exciting. It is, honest.