The Outsiders · Nation to Glory
Take Mali to Glory
“youth-tournament conquerors”
The press pack calls Mali the future arrives here first, and files them as youth-tournament conquerors. The bookmakers put them in the outsiders at 250/1 – 500/1.
▶ Play as Mali
- The bookmakers
- The Outsiders — 250/1 – 500/1
- The federation's target
- Get out of the group
- Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, a keeper with the calm of the Niger at dusk. At the back, a mountain relocated from Bamako. Running midfield, Seydou Keita, but argumentative. Up front, Kanouté, but louder.
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far Mali can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as Mali
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting