Saturday 17 August 2019, 09:02

'Nicolas99FC' – Is the Iceman beginning to thaw?

  • Another excellent season from the Argentinian

  • Came up just short once again in the semi-final

  • Nicolas99FC’s season in review

Rarely has anyone seen Nicolas 'Nicolas99FC‘ Villalba, known as "Iceman" for his trademark impassive demeanour, so emotional at a tournament. Despite yet another strong season, it was clear that the Argentinian was feeling the pressure of the FIFA eWorld Cup. Throughout the season, Villalba had shown himself to be _the _class act on the PlayStation side and he once again showed that in the play-offs before the main event. He then put in what was for him a very weak performance in the group stage, recording four wins and three losses, and thus it was that 'Nicolas99fc' only scraped through into the knock-out round in London on 12 points, with goal difference ending up seeing him through.

After a disappointing opening day, he won his two remaining matches in the group stage of the FIFA eWorld Cup 2019 in convincing style. Brazilian 'Zezinho' was swept aside 7-2 over the two legs, while Denmark's 'ustun’ was sent packing after a 9-1 demolition.

This set up a semi-final against 'MoAuba', and it turned out to be one of the most exciting matches in history. Despite previously describing 'Nicolas99FC' as the opponent he feared the most, the German took the opening leg 4-1 in a display of utter skill. As he had shown in other matches however, Villalba turned things around in the second game and had the crowd on their feet with a last-minute equaliser that sent the tie into extra time, which ended up goalless.

The tension-filled penalty shoot-out was won by 'MoAuba', meaning that Villalba’s tournament came to an end at the semi-final stage for the second year in a row, and it was scant consolation for him that his opponent then went on to win the title in the final.

Nevertheless, Villalba can look back on a very successful season:

  • PlayStation FIFA eWorld Cup runner-up

  • FUT Champions Cup – December (winner PlayStation console final)

  • Winner Gfinity FIFA Series January

  • Winner FIFA eClub World Cup

  • Winner Gfinity FIFA Series March

  • Appearance at FIFA eNations Cup

  • Global Series play-offs – PlayStation

He has proven himself to be one of the best and most consistent players over the past two years, and the "Iceman" will likely be a force to be reckoned with over the coming seasons. And who knows – maybe he will tap into his emotions and be better than ever before?