Euro 2016

Scout Notes – Matchday 3 – Day 4

Group F ended with a bang while Group E had to make do with a whimper or two as the Round of 16 match-ups were finally resolved.

Portugal and Hungary served up a six-goal thriller that kept Cristiano Ronaldo and co. in the tournament, if only just, as Iceland’s unlikely glory continued with a late win over Austria.

The Republic of Ireland booked their knock-out spot with a win against a much-changed Italy but Sweden received their marching orders at the hands of a Belgium outfit that’s building momentum on the back of two straight victories.

Portugal 3 Hungary 3

Cristiano Ronaldo (12.0) finally made a positive mark on Euro 2016 with two goals and an assist against group winners Hungary – just good enough for a draw and qualification for the knock-out stages as a third-placed team.

The Portuguese megastar again hit double figures for attempts (10), but this time there was an end product as well.

He set up Nani’s (7.5) goal just before the break and then brilliantly flicked home a Joao Mario (6.0) cross before finishing the scoring with a trademark leap and header from a fine Ricardo Quaresma (6.0) delivery.

Every Portugal goal was an equaliser, testament to Hungary’s attacking intent, laced with a hefty dose of good fortune.

Coach Bernd Storck made five changes from the draw with Iceland but it didn’t stop Hungary causing Portugal’s ageing backline problems all match.

They took the lead with a superb half volley from Zoltan Gera, went 2-1 up just after the break from a deflected Balazs Dzsudzsak (6.6) free kick and took the lead yet again when another deflected Dzsudzsak attempt flew past the helpless Rui Patricio (5.0).

Only Germany and England have created more chances than Portugal’s 47, and they top the table with 70 attempts. A reliance on Ronaldo is all too obvious, though, and the demands of tournament football seem to be catching up with their defence already.

Joao Moutinho (7.5) only played the first half and still managed to create the most chances (five) and deliver the most crosses (seven) for good DraftKings returns, while Dzsudzsak’s two goals, five crosses and three attempts marked him out as Hungary’s stand-out performer and earned him a price rise overnight.

Finishing third makes Portugal players – including Ronaldo – suddenly less attractive as they will now face Croatia in the Round of 16.

Hungary’s reward for a superb campaign to date is a tough test against Belgium.

Austria 1 Iceland 2

Iceland’s history-making tournament went on after a last-gasp winner secured them second spot and a knock-out clash against England.

Austria, desperately disappointing following such a superb qualification campaign, spent the last 30 minutes of the match encamped in Iceland’s half, out-shooting their rivals 23-11.

Nonetheless, the victors’ now trademark backs-to-the-wall style paid off again, and they even had time to pinch the winner when Arnor Ingvi Traustason (5.5) tucked away an Elmar Bjarnason (4.4) pass on the break.

That was cruel on an Austrian side who only truly came alive when David Alaba was moved into his more customary deeper midfield role.

The Bayern Munich star had already earned a penalty, which Aleksandar Dragovic missed, before he set up Alessandrro Schopf for Austria’s first, and as it turned out only, goal of the tournament.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (8.0) again topped Iceland’s attempts chart, with three, but their opening goalscorer was the unlikely Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (5.5), who broke a 19-match goal drought from a Kari Arnason (5.5) assist.

Iceland’s main selling point is the low cost of most of their players, but that value is offset by their tendency to drop deep and live off scraps on the break.

It’s served them brilliantly thus far – and will surely be employed again against England – making their defenders and goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson (5.0) worth consideration, particularly in DraftKings.

Belgium 1 Sweden 0

A thunderous Radja Nainggolan (6.5) strike was one of the few highlights of a scrappy match that secured Belgium second place in Group E while sending a poor Sweden home.

At least the Swedes finally managed a shot on target, and they’d added two more by the end of a turgid affair in which Belgium were once again all talent and precious little cohesion.

Kevin De Bruyne remains the pick of their players – particularly in DraftKings – and he led the way for his side with six chances created, 14 crosses and four attempts.

Better news for the 16% of managers in the official Uefa game who backed Eden Hazard (9.5) to blossom. He provided the assist for Nainggolan and put in a solid shift out wide, creating five chances and firing three attempts.

The other well-owned (12%) Belgian, Romelu Lukaku (9.0), laboured for much of the match, starved of the quick ball that his pace and power thrive on. He came to the fore as the match opened up in the latter stages, though, with four attempts, two of which were on target.

Belgium, you suspect, would have happily taken a Round of 16 tie with Hungary before the tournament began. Marc Wilmots’ side should have enough quality to see of the Magyars, though it’s fair to say that their man men have yet to justify such lofty valuations across the Fantasy games.

Italy 0 Republic of Ireland 1

A late Robbie Brady (6.0) header sent Ireland into the Round of 16 for a match with the tournament hosts.

Martin O’Neill’s men toiled under the Lille roof to break down a stubborn but otherwise disinterested Italian side that managed just a single shot on target.

Already assured of top spot in Group E, Antonio Conte made eight changes from the side that beat Sweden, and The Azzurri were content to soak up Irish pressure throughout.

The top four players for goal attempts all came from Ireland, as did the top three for chances created and crosses delivered.

Brady dominated in all three categories, with two, three and eight respectively, while Wes Hoolahan (6.0) atoned for a bad miss when clean through by providing the assist for the winning goal.

James McClean (5.5) also caught the eye in DraftKings, with three crosses, a match-leading five tackles won and a shot.

Italy, unusually for them, started the tournament in blistering form. Having tamed a tough group after just two matches, they can feel justifiably aggrieved to end up facing Spain in the Round of 16.

As a result, their players look like risky investments, with Antonio Candreva (7.5) the most attractive, if passed fit.

Ireland have enjoyed some luck to get this far. They failed to despatch a listless Sweden, were outclassed by Belgium and then faced an Italy side with half an eye, at the very least, on the next round.

France should prevail, with Brady the best bet to spoil the home team’s party.

1,059 Comments Post a Comment
  1. kinghenry14
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) evra,kdb,vardy
    B) rami,hazard,gomez
    cheers

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      b

    3. Tmel
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

  2. England's Number 1
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    If you want to make yourself an extra few 0.1s to bulk up your attack...

    Dier 5.1 >> Walker 4.9
    Sommer 5.1 >> Hennessey 5.0
    Schar 5.7 >> Rose 5.4/ Williams 5.5

    1. kinghenry14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      hennessey imo

  3. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Best mid option 6.8 or under?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Dele Alli

  4. ROOTY7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Any glaring mistakes here lads? 0.9 ITB

    Hennessey(1)
    Glik(1) Hector(2) Rami(2)
    Ozil(2) Payet(2) Perisic(1) Ramsey(1)
    Milik(1) Bale(1) Muller(2)

    Neuer(2) Alli(3) Giacherrini(3) Juanfran(3)

    1. JJO
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      dont like Belgium?

      1. ROOTY7
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        might go Toby.

        1. JJO
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah I would have at least 1 Belgian

          1. ROOTY7
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Take out giacherrini or juanfran?

            1. JJO
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Think its gonna be tight game so who knows who is better option
              Maybe Giacherini,better chance of attacking points

  5. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Taking price out the equation...

    a) KDB & Gomez
    b) Ozil & Milik

    1. HamzaKhan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      b

    3. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B but De Bruyne is the best option there

  6. Rossaldinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    My assessment of last 16:

    Swiss v Poland - I expect Poland to win - quite possibly a clean sheet though not by many goals and boring game - prediction 1-0
    Wales v NI - Wales to win comfortably - possibly 3-0 with Ramsey and Bale doing damage
    Croatia v Portugal - On form Croatia has to win probably 2-1 or 3-1. Ronaldo may score but really I cannot see Portugal winning this. I'm tempted by Kalinic but he probably won't keep his place if Mandzukic is fit.
    France v RofI - France should win comfortably with Payet doing damage. Don't know if Giroud will perform. Clean sheet very likely. Prediction 3-0
    Germany v Slovakia - easy win for Germany - hence I've doubled up on attack. I had Hamsik before now but although a superb player he is no Ronaldo! Prediction 2-0
    Hungary v Belgium. Most are predicting easy Belgium win but I'm not so sure. I do think KdB will be good in this game but it wouldn't surprise me if Hungary upset the odds. Prediction 2-0 or 2-1 Belgium.
    Italy v Spain - really difficult to call but I take Spain to edge it - maybe 2-1.
    England v Iceland - tight win for England - possibly 1-0. Not much more to say really!

    Looking forward to your views

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      SWI-POL 0-1
      WAL-NIR 2-0
      CRO-POR 2-1
      FRA-IRL 2-0
      GER-SLO 2-0
      HUN-BEL 0-2
      ITA-SPA 0-0
      ENG-ICE 1-0

      1. Rossaldinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Dusan - nearly spot-on with mine except Spain v Italy. Big question is ignore or double-up?

    2. Thomas M.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I´m really tempted on taking Kalinic myself. Sucks that i won't know the answer to that before deadline

    3. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Swiss v Poland - 0-1
      Wales v NI - 2-0
      Croatia v Portugal - 2-2. Croatia in the penalty shootout
      France v RofI - 3-1
      Germany v Slovakia - 4-0
      Hungary v Belgium. 0-1
      Italy v Spain - 0-0. Spain in the penalty shootout
      England v Iceland - 2-0

      It's been a defensive tournament so far. I'm expecting better returns from defenders from leading sides than attacking players, who have been very unpredictable this tournament.

    4. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      My main doubt about your predictions is that you don't seem to predict any to go to extra-time. I'm quite sure some will.

      1. Rossaldinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Camp No No - no need to predict extra time and penalties - the end result counts not the agony in getting there!

    5. JJO
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Dont think Poland are favourites there
      For me everything could happen there
      But tight game surely
      Same for Cro-Port and Spa-Ita
      But leaning towards Croatia 1-0 and Spain 1-0 or ET/PS wins
      Ger and Belg wins 2-0
      Wales and Fra 1-0
      Or maybe Walse after ET or PS
      Eng 1-0

      1. Rossaldinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        JJO Swiss v Poland - yes a bit difficult to call but I've been really unimpressed with Swiss and although Poland haven't really performed yet I think they could. Croatia v Portugal will not be tight. Portugal showed defensive frailties v Hungary. Croatia overran Spain with their energy and aggression - cannot see Portugal on current form taking anything from this game

  7. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I think I am done with my team. Pretty happy with this, tho it's possible I won't have a player on md 3 (if Hennessey keep CS). Thoughts?

    Hennessey Hart
    Hector Piszczek Rami Taylor Meunier
    Hazard Ozil Payet Perisic Ramsey
    Agueroo (kidding) Bale Lukaku Milik

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Guess that upvote is for Aguero. 😆

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Get a MD 3 player. Alba preferably, need a captaincy option

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Not sure who I would take out.

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Morata over Lukaku

    3. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Good call on Hart for this round, but post likely you'll be playing him against France in the next round. Wales might be against Belgium next round, so same problem. I'd add s Spanish defender too. You don't have many players for the final day.

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers. Not sure instead of who to get Spanish def.

  8. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Different crowd, would appreciate some thoughts.

    Just finished my team - did it without reading anything here so please be gentle. I still have my WC and plan to use it for the next round, so this team is for this round only. Can I get some opinions?

    Hart - Hennessey
    Dier - Rose - Hector - Vermaelen - Taylor
    Payet - KDB - Perisic - Ramsey - Kroos
    Bale - Lukaku - Giroud

    Captains would be Bale, Payet and Dier most probably.

    Thanks!

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I like it a lot. Share a lot of players.

      Dier is a weak enough captain though. Reckon you could get Alba in somehow ?

      1. England's Number 1
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Good captain if England keep a cleanie.

    2. England's Number 1
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Triple England defence could work. Rose >> Walker saves you 0.5 to get Vertonghen for Vermaelen. Verm won't play.

      1. SKENG
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Why won't he play? Didn't know that.

  9. England's Number 1
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    My team

    Hennessey, Hart
    Hector, Jedrzejcyk, Rami, Vertonghen, Dier
    Ozil, Payet, Perisic, Ramsey, Alli
    Bale, Giroud, Ronaldo

    Any improvements? Should I double up on any defence?

  10. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Gru or Morata?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      gru

    2. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Morata

  11. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A). Hazard & Gru/Morata

    OR

    B). Witsel & Muller

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

  12. ihateramsey2
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    do we know if itll be Walker or Clyne starting?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, Walker is first choice

  13. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Hm...
    A) KdB + Lukaku
    B) Kroos + Ronaldo

    1. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I guess it depends how you think Belgium will do. It's very all or nothing!

  14. HamzaKhan
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RMT

    Hennessy Hart
    Hector Meunier Dier Rami Jędrzejczyk
    Perisic KDB Payet Kroos Ramsey
    Muller Bale Giroud

    Convinced with Midfield, even defense.
    Might still change Giroud/Muller to Lukaku/Gomez/Ronaldo

  15. dan_247
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RMT:

    Hennessy (1) De Gea (3)

    Jedrezjcyk (1) Hector (2) Dier (3) Strinic (1) Meunier (2)

    KDB (2) Perisic (1) Ali (3) Ozil (2) Payet (2)

    Bale (1) Muller (2) lukaku (2)

    Thoughts welcome...

  16. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Courtious Hennesey

    Hector Walker Rami Taylor Meunier

    Perisic Payet Kroos KDB (9.2M)

    Milik Bale Lukaku

    Who in midfield and general thoughts?

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Fabregas?

  17. itwaswritten
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which one will be a starter?

    A. Hummels
    B. Höwedes
    C. Mustafi

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A defo
      B 50/50
      C No

  18. George James
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) Morata + Muller

    B) Ronaldo + Gomez

  19. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Welsh defensive asset a good option?

  20. TTIrwin
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else gained 5 million on mcdonalds fantasy game? Whats the point in price rises, if your budget goes up? My brother also gained 5m.

  21. dan_247
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Hi all, what do you think to there below, used my wildcard but think the below is good. Let me know if you think:

    Hennessy (1) De Gea (3)

    Jedrezjcyk (1) Hector (2) Dier (3) Strinic (1) Meunier (2)

    KDB (2) Perisic (1) Ali (3) Ozil (2) Payet (2)

    Bale (1) Muller (2) lukaku (2)

  22. GOONER
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    KDB or Hazard??
    Ozil or Kroos??

  23. GOONER
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Is Gomez a sure starter?

  24. olliejames
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Comments on my team?

    Hennessey - Hart

    Hector - Pique - Rami - Glik - Dier

    Payet - Perisic - Ramsey - Ozil - KDB

    Bale - Gomez - Vardy

    Do we think vardy will start?

    1. olliejames
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      /Will gomez start

  25. SeantheYank
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts:

    Fabianski (1)/ Courtois (2)

    Jedrzejzcyk (1)/ Boateng (2)/ Hector (2)/ Meunier (2)/ Koscielny (2)

    KDB (2)/ Vieirinha (1)/ Payet (2)/ Ramsey (1)/ Kroos (2)

    Bale (1)/ Lukaku (2)/ Morata (3)

    I've got 0.2 available, and also got my wild card going forward. Was thinking of switching Courtois out for Neuer, but I'm thinking both get clean sheets this round and I'd rather have Courtois vs Wales than Neuer vs Spain/Italy. Would like to add a 3rd day defender/mid as well.

  26. chelupi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RMT

    Hart, Subasic

    Dier, Rami, Hector, Meunier, Pazdan

    Ramsey, Hazard, Payet, Perisic, Blacy (polish player)

    Bale, Morata, Muller

    I have tried to distribute players from teams thay I think will advance to quarter finals.

    Any thoughts?

  27. csemis10
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    i am in a legue and i have 38 points form the first player how can i get him? is it this difference big enough to compete???

  28. csemis10
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Hennesey, Nuer

    Hector jed(poland) taylor rami dier

    ramsey payet hazard busquets perisic

    muller ronaldo bale\

    thoughts??????

  29. JamesMilner_FAN123
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Team
    Any opinions welcome -

    Fabianski (1)
    Hector (2) Jedrzejcyk (1) N.Taylor (1)
    Hazard (2) Payet (2) Perisic (1) Ramsey (1)
    Bale (1) Lukaku (2) Milik (1)

    Neur(2) Hummels (2) Walker (3) Lukaku (3)

    Thanks