Well hello there. If you’re still with us, thank you and I hope you’re invested in the outcome of the world’s great cup competition based on a management simulator for 1997. Your 2022 CM Cup semi final line up:

Croatia are probably the biggest surprise but then I suppose they did make the semi finals at France 98. Deano is a fearless leader. Debutant Shales has guided Italy serenely through the groups but Romania showed they could be troubled. Let’s see how it goes…

Italy vs Croatia

The now familiar lineup from PES_DNA, how will they cope with Deano’s many attackers?

Attack is the best form of defence…

Italy have the best of the opening exchanges but just as it looks like the headline will be Ladic denying the Italians, Croatia break and Tacchinardi puts through his own goal. The shock is on!

It’s doubley on when Suker makes it 2-0 with 20 minutes to go. Shales has used Negri as an impact sub all tournament but this time it has no effect and the Italians crash out.

Huge win for Croatia who take their place in the final, it wasn’t smash and grab either.

Some tactical fouls from the Croatian lads but what a result.

Commiserations to Italy who will now compete in the 3rd place playoff, whilst Croatia will await the winner of our next game.

Argentina vs Portugal

Stu has stuck with this winning formation and putting Veron in the hole has been somewhat of a masterstroke. Can they come up with the goods again?

Rob’s Portugal side have been enigmatic to say the least. When they rouse themselves they score goals by the minute. When they’re not on they go 3-0 down to Ghana. It’s just one of those weird teams.

Portugal lead! It takes 20 minutes but Joao Pinto has Rob on his way to his second CM Cup final. Gabriel Batistuta has other ideas though, equalising 7 minutes later. He then wins the penalty which sees Jorge Costa dismissed. I swear he hasn’t compelted a match this tournament without incident. Anyway Batistuta slots the pen and then two more to finish with 4 goals, a good afternoons work. Simeone scores a 5th and no doubt keeps the celebrations low key.

A game too far for the swashbuckling Portugese style but Rob can be proud of his efforts and becoming our first ever two time winner.

Comprehensive in the end.

Here’s what you have to look forward to on Saturday…

Who will win the 2022 CM Cup? Thanks for reading!