just one question,

will the game produce the same outcome or result, for example, in a match after reloading the savegame and not changing anything before or during the match?

No, not in CM. But it does happen in FA Premier Manager. If u restart the game w/o saving and replay a match, the match will be played in an exact same manner. But, I've only done that once of course

so you're saying that in CM, using the same (unaltered) savegame will produce varying results or consequences in different instances, am i right?

so if i load up a savegame with an upcoming match with, for example, celtics vs. rangers, and not change any tactics or formation before and during the match (just watch them play) til the end, may end up with a 2-3 or a 3-2 (or any other effect like larsson getting an injury)?

exactly:) Thats why I love CM!;)

every player has a 'reliability' which is the amount they produce the quality you see in there stats. Sometimes they play better and sometimes worse depending on a I would guess a random dice roll wighted by the reliability. Thats why no two matches will every play out the same way and its also why a team 3 divisions below you can kick your arse in a cup match.
There are also other factors which wight the dice one way or another but reliability is the biggest.

Dave.

glad to hear that. i love the concept of the simulated "independence" of the players. i thought the occurance of randomness is only on the demo i just downloaded. well, i guess it is really built in the full version. i gotta have the game. thanks for the help, guys!