634x258 Euro 2012
16 June 2012 4170 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

Danny Welbeck’s sublime back-heel hands England victory and sends Sweden crashing out of Euro 2012. Andy Carroll and Theo Walcott also pick up the plaudits in the five-goal thriller while, in the storm-delayed earlier kick-off, France see off tournament co-hosts Ukraine 2-0, with Karim Benzema setting up both goals for Les Bleus:

France 2 Ukraine 0
Laurent Blanc made two changes from the side that drew against England for last night’s game, with Jeremy Menez and Gael Clichy replacing Florent Malouda and Patrice Evra respectively. The alteration up front allowed France to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Samir Nasri behind Karim Benzema and Menez on the right. Benzema provided the assists for both goals, with Menez notching the opener – the latter’s classification as a forward in the McDonald’s game may cause many Fantasy managers to overlook him, however, despite his 7.4 price tag. Benzema looks the forward of choice but Menez clearly offers a differential option if he can maintain his place in Blanc’s starting XI, with a mere 0.2% ownership.

Benzema has three shots and provided a trio of goalscoring chances, though Nasri and Franck Ribery were rather disappointing in the change of system. Both had just a shot apiece, though the Bayern man was the better creator, laying on four opportunities to find the net for his team mates. Alou Diarra’s role in the double pivot looks under threat after Yann M’Vila returned to action midway through the second half. The latter is a firm favourite of Blanc’s and, with Yohan Cabaye grabbing a goal and hitting the post, the Newcastle man’s starting role also looks assured.

The French now need just a point in their final game against Sweden to progress – indeed, as this handy guide indicates, the only way they can be eliminated is if Ukraine beat England and France lose to the Swedes by a margin that would make their goal difference inferior to that of Roy Hodgson’s side.

The tournament co-hosts fielded the same starting XI that defeated Sweden 2-1 in their opener on Monday evening. Once again, Yevhen Konoplyanka had more attempts than any team mate – after producing five shots against the Swedes, he fired three efforts last night, though has failed to muster a single attempt on target. Andriy Voronin was hauled off at half-time, allowing Marko Devic to line up alongside Andriy Shevchenko up front but Ukraine’s failure to find the net meant that France were one of only two sides – along with Spain – to return a clean sheet for their Fantasy owners in Matchday Two. Given that they now need to beat England to qualify, yesterday’s lack of goal power is a real worry for Oleg Blokhin and he may well consider ringing the changes for Tuesday’s crucial encounter.

England 3 Sweden 2
Roy Hodgson make just one change to the XI that started against France, with Andy Carroll coming in for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The move saw Ashley Young shift out left, with the Liverpool man partnering Danny Welbeck up top – both forwards grabbed a goal apiece in the 3-2 win and, with Wayne Rooney’s suspension now served, the England manager has a selection headache ahead of the final group game against Ukraine. Rooney will surely play and, with a mere 1% ownership, looks a strong differential captaincy choice for the showdown, leaving Carroll and Welbeck to likely battle it out for the other slot.

Theo Walcott’s goal and assist contribution from the bench also makes him one to consider and perhaps places question marks against James Milner’s place on the right flank. Coming in at just 7.9 in the McDonald’s game, the Arsenal man made a more than persuasive case for his first-team inclusion next time round. Steven Gerrard once again picked up the points – the Liverpool skipper has now returned an assist in back-to-back games after Carroll nodded home his cross for the opener.

Erik Hamren made three changes from the side that slumped to defeat against Ukraine in the opener. Johan Elmander started in the lone forward role last night, with Markus Rosenberg dropping to the bench, Jonas Olsson came in at centre-half, which allowed Andreas Granqvist to move to right-back and, in midfield, Anders Svensson was given a start in the centre, with Rasmus Elm moving to the left and Ola Toivonen dropping out.

Olof Mellberg’s goal and assist helped the 5.0 priced centre half to a 10 point haul, while Seb Larsson’s owners picked up a five point return after the Sunderland man provided an assist for Mellberg’s goal. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had six efforts against Hodgson’s side but failed to find the net last night as his side were stunned by a Walcott-inspired comeback. With 22.7% ownership and a game against France up next before he boards the flight home, the Milan man is the most susceptible of Hamren’s men to a price drop over the next day or so, bearing in mind that knockout stage wildcards are available once the final couple of Group A games kick off at 7.30pm tomorrow.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. oxido_76
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys !
    Need advice please !!

    A) Benzema Pirlo

    B) Cassano Ribéry

    Thanks !

    Open Controls
    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      A.

      Open Controls
  2. Derailed Bandwagon
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Cabaye or Pilar??

    Open Controls
    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Cabaye.

      Open Controls
    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Cabaye.

      French, ace, playing Sweden.

      Open Controls
    3. Derailed Bandwagon
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks alot guys.

      Open Controls
  3. blue cheese
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Iniesta to Ozil for a hit?

    Open Controls
    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Noo

      Open Controls
  4. Scroobius Mac
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Fabregas to Kuba?
    Yay or nay?

    Open Controls
    1. Lovzat
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      yay

      Open Controls
  5. jez_wright
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    1) Anderson & Barzagli + 0.9m (maggio??)

    2) Neuer & Limbersky

    3) Buffon and Selassie

    ??

    malafeev is my other keeper

    Open Controls
  6. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    CMon Russia get that team-sheet out.

    Open Controls
    1. Gigging Order
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Who are you waiting on JK?

      Open Controls
      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Gnasher

        Just want to make sure he didn't get injured in the warm-up or sumat, otherwise I know he's nailed on.

        Open Controls
        1. Gigging Order
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Fair enough, not expecting any surprises though, hopefully there wont be any!

          Open Controls
    2. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      This

      Open Controls
    3. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I see myself leaning towards my laptop...it must be that gravatar 🙂

      Open Controls
  7. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    dzagoev in, who's out?
    a) iniesta
    b) young

    Open Controls
    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Young

      Open Controls
      1. Mr Sarcastic
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        yeah, tought so. thanks!

        Open Controls
  8. wimiw
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    where should i use my FT

    a)chalkais –> tyton
    b)cassano–>lewan
    c)young–> kuba

    cheers

    Open Controls
    1. asyrafdanial
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      c

      Open Controls
    2. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      A or C

      Open Controls
  9. asyrafdanial
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone keep Andrews ?

    Open Controls
    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      No Paul Green...

      Open Controls
      1. Eoin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        😆

        Open Controls
  10. pol
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    maggio > barzagli ?? reading that maggio won't start

    Open Controls
    1. asyrafdanial
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      he still injured or not ?

      Open Controls
    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      *Mightn't start.

      Open Controls
  11. PanTanti
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    anyone gonna bring in players they want for quarter finals as soon as group a matches start tonight?

    Open Controls
    1. Mindless Freak
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      You need to know whose playing in the quarter finals first 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. PanTanti
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        well i mean the obvious ones such as germans, spanish......

        Open Controls
    2. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, but it's a bit risky, as Spain may not qualify...

      It's possible.

      Open Controls
      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Unlimited transfers after the Groups into the knockouts. You pick a player who doesn't qualify, you just take him out again.

        Open Controls
        1. PanTanti
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          yea in case of price rises

          Open Controls
          1. GreennRed
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            And end up changing you whol team whn you find out exactly who the 8 quarter finalists are and who's injured, supened, dropdped, aftr bangng in a hat-trick at bring scoreles in hhe gothr games. Sory bout ypng. F*#*+ng tablet!

            Open Controls
    3. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. At HT today I'm gonna start the process by dumping my Greek defender and bringing in Strinic before his price rises tonight. If they the Croatian's don't get through its no biggie but if they do I'm then pretty much guaranteed a double price rise 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. WorldCupDanB
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Am I right in thinking the best thing to do is create a team of players you think will be transferred in the most just after the group A matches start and then you catch the price rises that take place each night. Then close to deadline restructure your team as you want using the extra cash you've gained

        Open Controls
        1. GreennRed
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Not unless they rise 0.2 m in hat time, fairly unlikrly.

          Open Controls
  12. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Time for a new post guys!!

    Over 3,000 comments, get the finger out Mark.

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      a new post will only appear when there is a new topic to discuss. Doesn't matter how many comments appear on a post.

      Open Controls
      1. danielbak1990
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        could u please rate my team?

        GOING TO PLAY MY WILDCARD- RMT

        BUFFON

        ALBA- DEBUCHY- BONUCCI

        DRAGOVNEV - PILAR - KUBA - MANDUZUKIC

        TORRES - BENEZEMA GOMEZ

        Open Controls
    2. heco87
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Behave ... don't need posts for posts sakes.

      Open Controls
  13. Bubbles oOoO
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Afternoon folks,

    For this gameweek only, would you:

    1. Sell Fabs or Iniesta? (Or keep both?)

    2. Buy Kuba, Pirlo/Marchisio, Schweinsteiger (would have to sell Iniesta in this case) or Walcott as the replacement? Currently have no other Polish, Italian, German or English attacking players.

    Thanks for any input, still quite undecided as to what to do.

    Open Controls
    1. Mindless Freak
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Sell Fabregas because after Torres' performance i don't see Fabregas starting and he can't get lucky everytime now can he? I would seel Fab for someone who is playing one of the easier teams, maybe spend on a russian midfielder because you have unlimited transfers next week anyway.

      Open Controls
      1. Bubbles oOoO
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, I have double Russian mids already though. Think I've decided it has to be one of the options I have listed really.

        Open Controls
    2. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Sell Iniesta. Fabs is scoring, he's not.

      Replace him with Schweinsteiger or Pirlo - Denmark's defence didn't look up to Portugal, nevermind the Germans, and, well, Pirlo's versus Ireland. (Sorry).

      Open Controls
      1. Kostja
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Are you serious? Fabs is not even nailed on!

        Open Controls
  14. BPL FOREVER
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Advice please guys (I really don't want to lose to my brother in law):

    Using the WC to change to this team:

    Tyton/Pyatov;
    Hummels, Badstuber, Boenisch, Gebre Selassie, Debuchy;
    Pilar, Dzagoev, Marchisio, Iniesta, Nasri;
    Torres, Cassano, Kerzhakov

    Any opinions?

    Open Controls
  15. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Gonna take a gamble on the (c) today and go with Anyukov. Really fancy a Russian CS and he tries to get forward a lot too. If he fails; then I've Robben, Iniesta/Cassano or Benzema/Nasri to fall back on.

    Open Controls
    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Not a bad pick, Greece are really bad offensively as we know.

      Open Controls
      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        That little fella with the beard keeping getting scrappy goals though...

        Open Controls
    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I am going with Gnasher mate

      Got Gomez, Torres and Benzema to fall back on.

      Open Controls
      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Anyukov goal with an Ignashevich assist + CS..........I can see it now. 😛

        Open Controls
    3. Scroobius Mac
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I know any player could get sent off but a defender is more probable than an attacker - would put me off slightly.

      Plus it goes against your name.

      Open Controls
      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Good points. Might change my name back after the group stages.

        Open Controls
  16. blue cheese
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Iniesta to Ozil for a hit? Thanks!

    Open Controls
    1. Mindless Freak
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Ozil could get rested. Both haven't returned enough fantasy points but iniesta may perform this matchday.

      Open Controls
    2. 3173
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      snejder?

      Open Controls
    3. heco87
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, wouldn't do that for a hit

      Open Controls
    4. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      no

      Open Controls
    5. blue cheese
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers. Thanks, guys 🙂

      Open Controls
    6. Djerbil
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      no...

      Open Controls
  17. Access
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Russian team out yet

    Open Controls
  18. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Tyton probably won't start - line-outs before deadline

    Open Controls
    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Confirmed already.

      Tyton starts.

      Open Controls
    2. Scroobius Mac
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, and he's starting.

      Open Controls
    3. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      No, he's starting.

      Open Controls
  19. danielbak1990
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    alright boys not sure when to use my wildcard?? now of before the final....

    heres my current team..
    casilas, cech
    debuchy, olsoon, abate, zhrikov,strinic
    snejider,ozil,ribery,polanski. shirkov
    jelavic, van p, lewansonski

    Open Controls
    1. Mindless Freak
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Use it now because you get unlimited transfers next week and then 8 after that so enough time to set everything up.

      Open Controls
      1. edm1234
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Yes, but you only get 4 before the final. If you back the two losing semifinalists, you are utterly screwed.

        Open Controls
    2. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      For the final. You've a good team there a wildcard now would be wasted. Don't get pised off seeing other teams with beter points cos most of them have wildcarded already. They'll be dropping points for the final to pick from both semi final winners and you can pick for free.

      Open Controls
  20. Puzzle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Any chance of a rest for Muller against Denmark?

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      none, Germany not qualified.

      Open Controls
    2. Mindless Freak
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe because they only need a draw. If you have him keep him if not don't get him.

      Open Controls
    3. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Possibility. Reus is chomping at the bit to start and stole his place in the Munich team

      Open Controls
  21. emperikal
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Crazy to go with no French coverage? Kuba or Nasri?

    Open Controls
    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yes and Kuba.

      Open Controls
    2. Mindless Freak
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe Nasri because from what i've seen he takes corners and some freekicks, and was unlucky not to get an assist vs Ukraine.

      Open Controls
    3. 3173
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      kuba

      Open Controls
    4. heco87
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think it's crazy, you can't cover them all.

      I'd go Nasri though .. although I'd go Pirlo if you don't already have him

      Open Controls
      1. emperikal
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Have Pirlo already. Thinking of downgrading Nasri to Kuba so I can upgrade Fortounis to Pilar.

        Open Controls
        1. Root
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Do it (like I suggested on page 24)

          Open Controls
          1. emperikal
            • 15 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            Haha pages move quick! Thanks for the reply will check now

            Open Controls
        2. heco87
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Think i'd do that if Fortounis isnt starrting

          Open Controls
  22. ...---...
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Chaps,

    Playing the Sky game in my work and Jeremy Menez is as cheap as chips in that game. Bringing him in now allows me to do all sorts of good things for the final round. Do we reckon he's a shoe-in for the Sweden game though?

    Open Controls
    1. emperikal
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I'd say so after his last performance.

      Open Controls
    2. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Cant be 100% sure, but should be after a very good game against ukraine.

      Open Controls
  23. hellothere23
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Quick one guys, Gomez or RVP? need to confirm cos heading out soon!

    Open Controls
    1. Mindless Freak
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Go with RVP because Holland need to give one really good performance, whereas Germany only need a draw to knock Holland out.

      Open Controls
    2. Puzzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Gomez for me

      Open Controls
    3. Eoin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      RVP this week

      Open Controls
  24. Prospero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you transfer guys, if anyone. Hart, anderson. Boenisch, debuchy, berezutski, strinic, alba. Mandzukic, dzagoev, marchisio, blaszcykowski, pilar. Cassano, gomez, benzema. 1 mill in the bank

    Open Controls
    1. emperikal
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good!

      Open Controls
  25. Sheffield Rules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Whats happening to Italy's defence?, is it worth:

    Bonucci > Chiellini

    Open Controls
    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      If you have the spare cash then definitely

      Open Controls
  26. La Roja
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    who is starting for Boateng? Howedes?

    Open Controls
    1. blue cheese
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Howedes or Bender. Not known yet.

      Open Controls
    2. ludi
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I suspect Bender if Lahm stays on the left and Schmelzer if Lahm moves to the right. Howedes only has an outside chance I believe.

      Open Controls
  27. Portsmouth Bubblejet
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    The Czech journalist Michal Petrák is reporting that Rosický is out of this evening's game with an Achilles problem, and that he should be replaced by Kolář.

    Open Controls
    1. blue cheese
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      4.9!
      The new Pilar? 😛

      Open Controls
      1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Yay! 🙂

        Open Controls
      2. emperikal
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Is this another Fortounis bandwagon? Because I failed miserably on that one last week and now I'm stuck with him and contemplating switching to Pilar lol.

        Open Controls
  28. BPL FOREVER
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Advice please guys (Ireally don’t want to lose to my brother in law):

    Using the WC to change to this team:

    Tyton/Pyatov;
    Hummels, Badstuber, Boenisch, Gebre Selassie, Debuchy;
    Pilar, Dzagoev, Marchisio, Iniesta, Nasri;
    Torres, Cassano, Kerzhakov

    Any opinions?

    Open Controls
    1. Derailed Bandwagon
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldnt double up on german defence. Badstauber > Lescott then upgrade Kerzhakov to benzema.

      Open Controls
  29. Reckoner.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Hart | Andersen
    Debuchy | Lescott | Selassie | Strinic | Maniatis
    Iniesta | Dzagoev | Fabregas | Shirokov | Pilar
    Gomez | Benzema | Lewandowski

    Got 1 free transfer thinking of replacing Fabregas. Maybe to Schweinsteiger or and Italian mid, seem like the best option?

    Open Controls
    1. Messi & fabregas
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      fab will start vs croatia, the coach wont risk torres imo

      Open Controls
      1. GreennRed
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        The same man of the match two goal scorer the last day? He's a certainty to start. But he should try some way to fit Fabregas in there to.

        Open Controls
    2. Bubbles oOoO
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Same midfield as me, trying to make same decision. It's either Kuba, Schwein, an Italian or a punt on Walcott for me. Really can't decide though....

      Open Controls
  30. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    NO ENGLAND NOOO

    Open Controls