World Cup 2014 – Scout Notes – Round One, Day One

Neymar bags a brace as Brazil come from behind to defeat Croatia 3-1 in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup. Oscar is also amongst the goals as the hosts’ clean sheet is spoiled by a Marcelo own goal:

Neymar at the Double
Having served up 11 goals and seven assists in the previous 14 friendlies, the Barcelona wide man looked the obvious route into Big Phil Scolari’s side ahead of the kick-off. One of the priciest options across all Fantasy games, Neymar delivered the points in style last night after firing Brazil’s first two strikes against the Croatians. Handed the role in “the hole” behind Fred, with Hulk and Oscar out wide, he netted a long-range strike before slotting home a somewhat contentious spot-kick and, with a share of corners and free-kicks also very much in evidence, he was at the heart of most of Brazil’s attacking moves. Those who handed him the armband for the FantasyiTeam game (where Brazil have a double Gameweek 1) will be delighted with his returns so far, whilst managers who captain Neymar in the FIFA McDonald’s game will be tempted to stick rather than twist to an alternative.

Oscar in the Points
The Chelsea man was the standout midfielder for Scolari’s outfit last night. Despite being fielded on the right wing, he still turned in an impressive attacking performance and chipped in with a goal and assist. In a night where lone striker Fred failed to fire a single shot and the likes of Paulinho and Hulk were withdrawn after the break, Oscar – who played the full 90 minutes – looks the best option for a double-up with Neymar. In games like PlayON, where players earn points for every five minutes on the pitch, Scolari’s second-half tinkering certainly dents Paulinho’s and Hulk’s prospects.

Mandzukic a Miss for Beaten Croatians
Devoid of their star striker through suspension, Nico Kovac’s side had to rely on an own goal from Brazil left-back Marcelo to find a way past Julio Cesar. Luckily for Croatia, Mario Mandzukic is now available for the remaining couple of group games against Cameroon and Mexico – considering the visitors managed just three shots on target all evening, they’ll be desperate for the Bayern striker to lead the line, with Nikica Jelavic dropping to the bench. Looking at last night’s line-up, there was only one selection that raised an eyebrow or two – Kovac’s decision to opt for Simo Vrsaljko at left-back suggest he could be a budget option across the Fantasy games, though last night’s defeat will hardly persuade many to back the Croatia defence. Mateo Kovacic was handed the role in “the hole” behind a lone forward but was replaced by Marcelo Brozovic after 60 minutes, with his security of game time looking a little shaky.

On another note, those playing the McDonald’s game were afforded some insight into the “Recovered Balls” scoring. The Brazil back-four registered at least four apiece, with Luis Gustavo’s seven leading the way in central midfield for Scolari’s side – in the end, the South Americans edged it by 40-39, with the above-mentioned Vrsaljko’s total of eight more than any other player on the pitch.