The match result is worked out by a very sophisticated program that takes into account all of the factors that are described in this set of rules, plus other factors that are there to simulate `real world’ events over which you can have no effect. Obviously, the main ones are the performance levels of your players and a team that has far higher levels than his opponent will probably win. However, tactics and the other options described in this rulebook can often upset a superior team, and a good manager with a poor team can be a far greater danger than a poor manager with a good one!
Both sides are compared, after all additions and devaluing effects have been calculated, to decide how the `possession’ is likely to be divided up over the game as a whole. This `possession’ is them played out with a team currently in possession of the ball having the chance to turn it into a shot on goal. The factors deciding this are many, but by and large, the greatest weighting comes from two things - the number of men each side has in the area of the ball, and the skill levels of each of those players.
For example, if the ball is in the centre of the park, and TEAM A has possession; his midfield strength is compared to TEAM B’s overall midfield strength. If TEAM A has three players in that part of the pitch, with skill levels at 8, 5 and 11, while TEAM B has four players with levels 10, 12, 9 and 7, it should be evident that TEAM B is perhaps more likely to make the tackle and/or interception at that moment. This is by no means certain, and with all the calculations made on both sides, the result will either be a loss of possession from TEAM A, or a breakthrough and a chance for a shot at goal.
Support from team mates, overall cover and individual talent are all as important as each other in a KICKABOUT match, as they are in real life football. Even if a team’s midfield comprises of two of the most skilful players in the world, they are likely to find things difficult if faced by an opposition which strings even five average players across the middle of the field. Should possession and chances be converted to shots at goal, then this is where the relative skills of the strikers are compared with that of the GK and/or SW of the opposition. The striker’s effort is determined as either being on or off-target, with a good number of chances likely to hit the stands, the woodwork, or just simple stumbled over.
If the ball does go for goal, then it is down to the Sweeper and Keeper to stop it. First of all the Sweeper is checked to see if he is in a position to apply the vital tackle, or block a shot with an outstretched boot. If he is not, then the Keeper has the task of getting behind the shot and stopping it. Should both of these players fail to make the interception, then the ball will go in, and the attacking team will duly celebrate a goal scored!
The whole game is played out in the manner described above, giving a fluid, realistic description of what is happening on the pitch at any given moment.
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