Euro 2012 – Guide to the Uefa McDonald’s Game
Filed under: Euro 2012 - Posted by: Paul
The countdown to next month’s Euro 2012 kick-off on Friday June 8 edges ever closer and many of us battle-hardened Fantasy managers are bracing ourselves for a busy summer. While plenty are snapping up the option of Fantasy League’s free-to-play Pro auction game, the McDonald’s game run by Uefa remains a popular option.
The vast majority will be more than familiar with its basic principles. Introduced in the summer of 2010 for the World Cup in South Africa, it quickly underwent a number of tweaks before that tournament started and virtually works under the same principles as Uefa’s official Champions League game. Here are some pointers for those Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who might be unfamiliar with its machinations…
Squad Selection
To begin with, you must select a squad of 15 players; similar to FPL this must consist of two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and three forwards. In the group stages, only two players from any given team are allowed but, as the tournament progresses, this increases to four players per team in the Quarter Finals, six in the Semis and eight in the Final.
In terms of formation, the game is more adaptable than FPL. Similar to the Champions League game, it affords Fantasy managers the chance to play as few as two defenders in their starting XI, with a 2-5-3 system, for example, allowing us to get the maximum out of our chosen attacking assets.
Budget-wise, Fantasy managers start with 100 Euros but player values can fluctuate according to their popularity – again, this is very familiar ground for your regular FPL player. After the group stages, Fantasy manager is handed an extra 5.0 Euros to spend.
Substitutions
The McDonald’s game very much favours those who prefer a hands-on approach. If any of your initial starting XI fail to flourish, you can simply bench them and draft in a sub for the next game in the round; those who drop to the bench, however, will score zero points. It’s a stick or twist scenario. It’s also worth noting that we’re likely to get a heads-up on the lineups from the early kick-offs each day, affording Fantasy managers the chance to hold fire until the teams are announced before subbing out any under-performers.
With regards to captains, you could, theoretically, hand four different players the armband in any of the group stage rounds, though by removing the armband from any player, you will lose their double points. The above scenarios only apply if the player in question is not sent off, however; any player who receives a red card cannot be subbed out of your starting XI – the situation can be all the more frustrating if your captain happens to be the man dismissed.
The ability to switch armbands from one day to the next not only makes the matches more entertaining from a viewing perspective, it also underlines the fact that a balance is required by Fantasy managers in order to take advantage of the rule. A strong captain choice from Groups A through to D is an essential part of the planning, then.
Looking at the current ownership levels of each team, it seems Tomas Rosicky and Robert Lewandowski are the main men for the armband for day one; with 21% and 20% respectively, they are the top-owned attacking players from Group A. In Group B, there are three main candidates; Robin Van Persie (34%), Cristiano Ronaldo (32%) and Mesut Ozil (26%), while Group C has two stand-outs, Nikica Jelavic (32%) and Andres Iniesta (27%). Last but not least, Group D’s most popular attacking assets and likely armband contenders are Zlatan Ibrahimovic (27%) and Karim Benzema (15%). With a couple of weeks until the tournament starts, though, there’s plenty of time for others to emerge, as the upcoming friendlies give us more of an indication over various team’s starting line-ups.
Scoring Points
A full list of the rules are here but, rather than labour over each and every one, it’s fair to say that many of the basic principles of the FPL game are applied. Keepers and defenders pick up six points for a clean sheet and more than 60 minutes on the pitch, midfielders receive five points for scoring a goal, while forwards pick up just four – you know how it works..
There are, however, a handful of rules unfamiliar to FPL managers. A player will earn an extra point if he is brought down for a penalty, regardless of whether the spot-kick is converted. Similarly, any player who brings down an opponent and causes a penalty is a point worse off for doing so.
Defenders are likely to prosper from the recovered balls rule; for every five recovered balls (the total of clearances completed and gaining possession tackles) a player earns an extra point. On the whole, centre-halves tend to make far more clearances than full-backs per game – obviously, the more defending a team has to do, the more chance their players have of benefitting from this rule. A viable tactic is to grab a couple of cut-price centre-halves; while they may fail to pick up clean sheets, these players are budget-friendly and can pick up extra points in much the same way as keepers prosper from an extra point per three saves.
The assists rule slightly differs from FPL, though. The quote below is taken directly from the Uefa site, highlighting just how more intricate it is in comparison to the more straightforward FPL rules. Finishing from a cross is advantageous, as opposed to a through ball, for example, if the scorer still has to beat an opponent. Rebounded efforts also don’t count as assists, as a goalkeeper save or strike off the woodwork is deemed as a new passage of play.
An assist is awarded when the goalscorer receives the ball directly from a team-mate (including the goalkeeper) and scores without having to take the ball past an opponent. If the pass takes a small deflection which does not change the direction of the ball, it will still be given. No assists are awarded for own goals or penalties. Live assists are provisional and will be reviewed within 24 hours of the match.
Transfers
Fantasy managers are afforded one transfer at the end of each Group stage round to freshen up their squads – make any more changes and it’ll cost you three points per alteration. Similarly to FPL, you get 50% of any profit made, so if you buy someone for 5.0 and sell for 5.2, you get 5.1 in return.
After the deadline for Round 3 passes, Fantasy managers can then make an unlimited number of changes prior to the Quarter Finals kicking off. A further eight are afforded for the Semi Finals, followed by four more for the Final.
McDonalds have made the game more intriguing by throwing in an extra wildcard, to be played any time during the tournament. Essentially, though, this is best wielded during the Group stages, as we can start our squads from scratch after that point anyway.
This is a nice little twist and, looking at many of the comments on site, people are divided as to when it’s best utilised. Some are intent on using it after Round 1, focusing their initial squad selection on the first batch of fixtures before selecting a more rounded set of players thereafter. In addition, this could also be a good time to monitor any price rises or falls and benefit accordingly.
Others are set on deploying the wildcard prior to Round 3 as, by then, some teams are likely to have already qualified. There’s the theory that those sides that have already made it through may well be more susceptible to rotation than others – many Fantasy managers could transfer out players from those teams and ship in assets from sides who have to go all-out for wins in order to progress, safe in the knowledge they can draft their favourites back in prior to the knock-out stages.
It’s also worth pointing out that as soon as the Round 3 transfer deadline closes, Fantasy managers should immediately focus their thoughts on the unlimited transfers for the Quarter Finals and draft in those players they have in mind for the final eight, in order to avoid being caught out by price hikes. As the top two from each group become clearer, it’s simple enough to restructure your squad on a daily basis, culling those assets who unfortunately miss the cut and are heading for a flight back home.
Budget Signings
As the final 23 man squads start to roll out, a clearer picture begins to emerge of our options for the upcoming tournament. In order to balance the budgets, Fantasy managers are scouring the market for those cut-price alternatives that can afford us the chance to embellish our squads with big-name captaincy picks.
Once all the squads are released over the next few days, we plan to analyse those cheaper squad-fillers in further details but, for now, here’s a look at the top five most popular budget players in the McDonald’s game per position. Goalkeepers and defenders are from 4.5 or under, while midfielders and forwards are priced from 5.5 or less:
Goalkeepers: Lindegaard (DEN) 4.0, 31.9%. Given (IRL) 4.5, 9.8%. Tzorvas (GRE) 4.0, 7.5%. Isaksson (SWE) 4.5, 3.3%. Sorensen (DEN) 4.5, 1.6%.
Defenders: M Olsson (SWE) 4.0, 46.5%. Strinic (CRO) 4.0, 19.3%. K Papadopoulos (GRE) 4.5, 15.9%. Jodlowiec (POL) 4.0, 6.3%. J Olsson (SWE) 4.0, 3.7%.
Midfield: Polanski (POL) 4.0, 34.4%. Andrews (IRL) 4.0, 13.6%. De Jong (HOL) 5.0, 12.4%. M’Vila (FRA) 5.5, 11.5%. McGeady (IRL) 5.5, 4.2%.
Forwards: Jelavic (CRO) 5.0, 32.3%. Pedersen (DEN) 4.0, 7%. Samaras (GRE) 5.0, 2%. Doyle (IRL) 5.5, 1%. Long (IRL) 5.0, 1%.
Scout League
Finally, a reminder that our coverage for the tournament will also feature updates of the official Scout League, as we keep you abreast of the main protagonists as the action unfolds. If you haven’t joined already, the code is 638-996. Good luck to one and all!
About The Author
paul
Commenting is now closed for this post.
Recent Comments
-
Get Giroud then ;) » -
:shock: » -
:) » -
Can someone suggest something sensible for my last free transfer.. Im really struggling with this one Robles (Fab… » -
Not sure about Giroud tbh. I doubt he will even play 2moro. » -
I think next year I might start with a really chuff team and then try and improve it gradually throughout the year so I… » -
if you have him then you start him »
-
3 points ahead of rival. Vital last transfer... Hart (Bunn) Clyne Luiz Dawson (Sagna Harte) Michu Lampard Bale(C… » -
Tevez :arrow: GiROOOOUD » -
Well I think he'd start. »
“I love to attack and I love to go up front...It is a little more difficult than when you are playing centre-back. If you play the way that I want to play, I think my influence is better as a left-back. For the team, it is best that I play as a centre-back. I like to bring the ball out. You need to move the game quickly, and that is one of my qualities as well.”
Jan Vertonghen outlines what he feels is his best position for Andre Villas-Boas
-
Mark @FFScout_Mark
-
Paul @ffscout_paul
-
greek fan @FFScout_Greekf
-
Andy @ffscout_andy
-
G-G-Granville @FFScout_Granny
-
Akers @FFScout_Akers
-
Big Dunc @FFScout_Dunc
May 28 at 9:54 pm
snowy84 says:
So do all Utd fans hope Hazard breaks his leg or just the twitter ones?
May 28 at 9:56 pm
James_Fitz says:
I’m presuming all.
May 28 at 9:59 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Just the bitter twitter ones. I for one am glad he didn’t join united, it will be nice seeing a player of his quality play in the premier league without disrupting the united dressing room. Bring in Kagawa and i’ll be happy.
May 28 at 10:01 pm
jkisthe1 - Dul na hEireann don Euro says:
over the last few weeks, he has struck me as something of a prima donna, who loves to be the centre of attention. He’d fall flat on his face at United.
May 28 at 9:57 pm
The Parmtree- BRING IT ON! says:
Just the twitter ones, would’ve been better if he joined us.
But at least he’s joining Chelsea rather than Citeh.
May 28 at 9:55 pm
Gigging Order says:
Right, I am off for the night, looking forward to ‘applying’ for my place in your Comp tommorrow Parm!
Night all!
May 28 at 9:56 pm
James_Fitz says:
Night
May 28 at 9:57 pm
Gigging Order says:
Night mate!
May 28 at 9:57 pm
Riot - All Welcome to Join Euro League 29877-15064 says:
goodnight
May 28 at 9:59 pm
Gigging Order says:
Night! (Now I am actually off rather than still sitting here replying!)
May 28 at 9:55 pm
WinThe2ndHalf says:
Benzema or Ibra for the captain option on day 4 of gw1?
May 28 at 9:56 pm
James_Fitz says:
Ibra
May 28 at 9:57 pm
Riot - All Welcome to Join Euro League 29877-15064 says:
Ib
May 28 at 9:59 pm
hillbillypete: Don't ya wish your right back was Kieran Lee says:
i doubt u will have to make that decision
May 28 at 10:02 pm
WinThe2ndHalf says:
Fair enough but which would you pick on the team as I cant afford both?
May 28 at 9:56 pm
Manani says:
was just playing fifa, and found a guy called jonathan from inter.
he is really pacey and his stats in crossing, defending and ball control is also pretty decent.
anyone heard of him before?
May 28 at 9:59 pm
The Parmtree- BRING IT ON! says:
No.
May 28 at 10:06 pm
Mull says:
No.
Also since you were asking about decent players to buy earlier, I recommend buying Mayuka.
May 28 at 10:22 pm
Manani says:
he’s pacey, but no skill at all, will he come good at other aspect?
May 28 at 9:59 pm
Sporting ABG says:
Hey Parm, what’s all this I hear about you organising a Euro tournament?
I presume my name is in the hat…..
May 28 at 10:01 pm
The Parmtree- BRING IT ON! says:
Oh i’ll (try)make sure of it.
May 28 at 10:02 pm
hillbillypete: Don't ya wish your right back was Kieran Lee says:
and moi
May 28 at 10:00 pm
jkisthe1 - Dul na hEireann don Euro says:
well folks. It appears that Hazard has, all this time, been stalling to find out who came up with the biggest offer. Ain’t no way Chelsea’s non-existent manager told him he’d be getting more game time than he was told he’d be getting at United. No way Frank would have taken a 4 year deal to sit on the bench, so he’ll be in the middle with Mikel, Mata wide left, Ramires wide right Torres up front. Hazard, enjoy your money and the splinters that come with it.
P.S. I’m not bitter
May 28 at 10:01 pm
Manani says:
lol at this ‘chelsea’ fan
Benjamin Gilmour @Benontheradio
can’t wait to get my new Hazard shirt! Number 10?
@hazardeden10 so glad
May 28 at 10:02 pm
jkisthe1 - Dul na hEireann don Euro says:
doesn’t Mata have 10?
May 28 at 10:03 pm
The Parmtree- BRING IT ON! says:
Haha.
All our Asian fans will be getting Kagawa on the back of their’s when he comes to United.
May 28 at 10:05 pm
snowy84 says:
Utd could get a shock when Arsenal sign him
May 28 at 10:03 pm
DonTheSpecial#1 says:
Good afternoon yall! How are the odds looking for Hulk to end up in CFC, now that Hazard has signed? Presuming Mata – Torres – Hazard will be their attack?
May 28 at 10:05 pm
Kostja says:
One must think that there is still a chance, since Mata is probably better behind the striker, so another winger is needed. Also if you are realistic than and they probably are, they know that they wont win shhht with Torres as the main striker.
May 28 at 10:04 pm
jkisthe1 - Dul na hEireann don Euro says:
ok best defender for 6 million (other than Zhirkov). Thinking of holding off on Debuchy until after the England game.
May 28 at 10:07 pm
The Parmtree- BRING IT ON! says:
The Competition’s out tomorrow BTW.
May 28 at 10:09 pm
jkisthe1 - Dul na hEireann don Euro says:
oh great, I shall look forward to it.
Any thoughts?
Am thinking of swapping Srna for Mandzukci and getting Van Der Wiel for 1 week only.
May 28 at 10:04 pm
The Parmtree- BRING IT ON! says:
Interesting…..
Eden Hazard: 192 apps, 50 goals and 30 assists.
Shinji Kagawa: 198 apps, 86 goals and 45 assists.
May 28 at 10:06 pm
jkisthe1 - Dul na hEireann don Euro says:
unfortunately Parm, stats are not everything.
May 28 at 10:08 pm
snowy84 says:
Are Kagawas stats all for Dortmund?
May 28 at 10:08 pm
The Parmtree- BRING IT ON! says:
Are they not
May 28 at 10:07 pm
Eng-er-land expects...nothing says:
And the German league is a lot better than the French one…
May 28 at 10:10 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
I REALLY hope he comes to united. Some of his passes are sublime, he’s explosive, a workhorse and has decent finish on him! He’s like a quality Japanese version of Park. The Bundeslega isn’t the easiest of leagues either.
May 28 at 10:10 pm
Portsmouth Bubblejet says:
Pointless comparing different leagues – Hazard and Kagawa are both good players.
The German magazine ‘Kicker’ is indicating that the Kagawa deal is as good as done, by the way.
May 28 at 10:12 pm
jkisthe1 - Dul na hEireann don Euro says:
Kagawa to United?
May 28 at 10:15 pm
The Parmtree- BRING IT ON! says:
Yep.
May 28 at 10:15 pm
Portsmouth Bubblejet says:
Weirdly, there’s no mention of the club in their brief dispatch, but yes.
May 28 at 10:11 pm
Archie - Click here for Euro lineups says:
Kagawa is 2 years older and further along in his development, Hazard was put in the team from an earlier age
May 28 at 10:38 pm
FORCA INTER says:
i always prefer kagawa instaed of hazard
1.he is not coocky
2.he play in better league
May 28 at 10:08 pm
ricdan says:
NEW POST
May 28 at 10:08 pm
hillbillypete: Don't ya wish your right back was Kieran Lee says:
oh behave…..
May 28 at 10:08 pm
ricdan says:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....lsea-move/
May 28 at 10:13 pm
teddy - leagues for anyone who wants to join - sky sports league name: "FFS" PIN: 8015469 sun dreamteam 105138, password: miffed says:
The article on the ins and outs of the McDonalds game reminded me of the during the money team line-up we did during the World Cup.
Everyone jumps on an identikit squad of players likely to go up in price to force the market and make up as much cash as possible for the QFs.
May 28 at 10:17 pm
Riot - All Welcome to Join Euro League 29877-15064 says:
Forgive my lack of knowledge, but has Hazard actually signed for CFC?
May 28 at 11:53 pm
benchwarmer says:
anyone trying to keep their W/C for the final ?
May 29 at 2:47 am
GreennRed says:
Planning for it. I reckon I can keep 11 point scoring players using my free transfer for round 2 and 3, get a whole new squad if needed for the Q/Fs so when the final rolls round can pick the best of the finalists.
May 29 at 9:54 am
teddy - leagues for anyone who wants to join - sky sports league name: "FFS" PIN: 8015469 sun dreamteam 105138, password: miffed says:
Quite possibly. Or an injury pileup. Or a suprise star team of Euro 2012…
May 29 at 8:59 am
Sheiny says:
Thoughts? Thinking of maybe downgrading somewhere to upgrade on Andrews/ Peltikosa/Olsson/ Papadopoulos, just dont know where. Advice?
Pletikosa, Tzorvas
M.Olsson, Debuchy, Alba, Willems, K Papadoulos
Ozil, Ribery, Dzagoev, Mandzukic, Andrews
Muller, Lewandowski, RVP/Huntelaar
May 29 at 11:19 am
TheHunter says:
Do you think Tzorvas will start ? The Greeks have Chalkias as well. That’s who I’ve gone for in goal.
May 30 at 11:19 am
Webby_03 says:
I would say to try balancing your squad a bit more,
Muller, RVP, Ozil + Ribery are taking majority of your budget up try downgrading one or 2 and putting money onto Andrews, Papa, Olsson.
May 30 at 11:15 am
Webby_03 says:
Could i ask for peoples thoughts on my team:
Hugo Lloris – A.Lindegaard
Y.Zhirkov – A.Barzagli – M.Debuchy – V.Corluka – J.Boateng
M.Ozil – Xabi Alonso – N.De Jong – R.Shirokov – M.Mandzukic
F.Llorente – A.Cassano – R.Lewandowski
Where to improve? i just swapped:
Shirokov, Alonso + Corluka
Kallstrom, Mata + Anyukov
May 30 at 6:26 pm
brod40 says:
Hey gents,
Thoughts on this lineup?
GRE Starter/ DEN Starter
Zhirkov – M. Olsson – Debuchy – Pique – Papadopoulos
Özil – S.Larsson – Dzagoev – Mandžukić – McClean
Klose – Benzema – Llorente
May 31 at 1:06 am
Atwood says:
I’ve thought about both Klose and Llortente, but are they guaranteed starters?
May 31 at 4:37 am
brod40 says:
Not sure…I think Klose is still Loew’s go-to, but I have no idea what the Spanish plan is.
May 31 at 1:05 am
Atwood says:
Any thoughts?
GK: Akinfeev, Given
DF: Maggio, Ramos, Piszcek, Papadoupolos, Dunne
MF: Elm, Iniesta, Ozil, Mandzukic, Eriksen
FW: Benzema, Muller, Jelavic
May 31 at 4:37 am
brod40 says:
I love the midfield