Slovakia’s shock win over Italy may have seen them through to a last sixteen tie with Holland but it seems likely that this will only prompt heavy Fantasy investment in the men in Orange. While the trophy slipped from the Italian’s grasp following the 3-2 defeat, the Dutch welcomed back a player who considerably strengthens their World Cup ambitions. The introduction of Arjen Robben in the 2-1 win over Cameroon following a hamstring injury was a massive boost for Holland and a clear heads up for us Fantasy Managers…
While Robben will now be preparing to take on Italy’s conquerors, we should recognise the achievements of the Slovakians. Whilst their squad is unlikely to attract much interest, Robert Vittek is the possible exception – his two goals against the Azurri have seen over five thousand managers bring him into their McFIFA squad and he looks due a price rise from his meagre 5.0 value when this evening’s deadline passes. Marek Hamsik came into the tournament much-fancied to make an impact but has so far failed to catch the eye – he has been sold on by thousands in this round but may now pick up a few buyers. Interest in Juraj Kucka is perhaps more likely given that he can be obtained for just 3.0 in the McFIFA game and contributed 3 bonus points in yesterday’s win.
Paraguay were the other side to progress from Group F as expected and interest in thier squad is set to continue with Japan lying in wait for them in the last sixteen. The South Americans will be fancied to win through to the Quarter-Finals, although this is anything but a foregone conclusion. Japan showed more than enough against Denmark to suggest that they will stretch the Paraguayans. Nonetheless investment in Wigan’s Antolin Alcaraz and Enrique Vera will continue to flow – both have been subject to price rises in this round, as has keeper Justo Villar.
Not surprisingly it’s Keisuke Honda who is hoovering up the majority of Fantasy interest within Japan’s ranks. He has been picked up by a huge number of managers off the back of his stunning free-kick against the Danes and can be expected to rise in price once again this evening. Only goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima can get close to him in terms of “transfers in”; he could well be the budget keeper of choice going into the knockout phase with a price tag of just 2.9 right now.
As for the Dutch – confidence in them will have grown substantially as a result of Slovakia’s triumph. The targets will remain predictable enough with many managers adding to their allocation of two Dutchmen over the next couple of days, fully expecting progress to the semi-finals. Wesley Sneijder, Gregory Van Der Wiel (rested against Cameroon due to his previous yellow card), Maarten Stekelenburg and Robin Van Persie are likely to continue to be their most sought coveted assets.
Arjen Robben could be the real gem however. With solo runs such a factor in the McFIFA game, he has the potential to score heavily; the Bayern man showed enough in his cameo role to suggest that he will be a force collecting 2 attacking bonus points in just 17 minutes, as well as striking the post to set up the winner. There are still concerns surrounding his fitness however and for some, that might be enough to shy away and stick with Van Persie as a striker option from their squad.
While Robben himself declared no issues with the troublesome hamstring injury, he did remark that he was yet to feel 100% fit. With three more days to go until Holland meet Slovakia though, it would seem nailed on that Robben will be given every opportunity to start and perhaps provide a huge Fantasy differential for a knock-down price of 9.2 in the McFIFA game. Expect a price rise before the transfer deadline.