[sbu_large_image] World Cup 2014
12 June 2014 1055 comments
Paul Paul
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Finally, the waiting is almost over. As Fantasy managers continue to fine-tune their squads right up until the last possible minute ahead of Brazil’s clash with Croatia, we thought we’d give you a handy, all-in-one recap of our coverage over the last few weeks:

If you’re stuck for ideas, need a couple of cheap punts to consider or just fancy an extra bit of swatting up, we’ve plenty for you to consume. Listed below is our team-by-team analysis for all 32 contenders for the trophy. We also give you a reminder of the four main games we’re covering over the next month or so before casting an eye over some of the standout articles from our brand new community section.

The Games to Play

There are four games which Fantasy Football Scout will be covering over the summer. The first game we looked at was Fantasy iTeam, a free World Cup game available on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch and Android. There’s a £5,000 holiday to be won for the overall winner and a £500 voucher available for the winner of our official Fantasy Football Scout League. Click here for details and here to sign up.

We’ve covered the FantasyiTeam game over a trio of articles. First up was an introduction piece, followed by a Rule Guide and, finally, we took a look at some of the Budget Options available for your starting line-ups.

We are pleased to say we are continuing to support PlayON over the summer. A weekly game that we’ve covered in the previous domestic season, they’ve built a brand new website over at www.playon.co in time for the tournament’s kick-off. We’ve rolled out a trio of pieces – an introduction article and a Rule Guide and a Player Picks piece for Round 1.

The third game we’re looking at is the Fox Sports game. Many managers on site are also involved due to the similarities with the Fantasy Premier League game – little wonder, given that’s it’s made by the same team. We’ve published a Rule Guide and a look at the budget options for this Australian-based game over the last few days.

We’re also covering the official FIFA McDonald’s game. Belatedly launched just a few days ago, it’s been a popular pick around these parts in the previous couple of international tournaments but with the makers still tinkering with the rules, it’s proven to be a somewhat frustrating experience this time around. Nonetheless, the level of interest on site will ensure we keep a keen eye on matters – we’ve rolled out an in-depth Rule Guide and have also taken a look at the Player Price List, offering suggestions for your 23-man squads.

The Scout Leagues

For Fantasy iTeam, the league name is Fantasy Football Scout and the code is 4915.

For the Fox Sports game, the league name is Fantasy Football Scout and the code is 1096-822.

For the official FIFA McDonald’s game, the league name is fantasyfootballscout. Click here to join.

The Articles to Read

Listed below is our guide to every one of the 32 team involved in Brazil 2014, broken down on a group-by-group basis.

Group A – Brazil,Cameroon, Croatia, Mexico

Group B – Australia, Chile, Holland, Spain

Group C – Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

Group D – Costa Rica, England, Italy, Uruguay

Group E – Ecuador, France, Honduras, Switzerland

Group F –Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria,

Group G – Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA

Group H – Algeria, Belgium, Russia, South Korea

The Community Articles

Our newly-launched Community section has been an overwhelming success so far, with a number of impressive articles focussing on the World Cup.

Our very own Jonty has looked at the Predicted Line Ups and formations for all 32 teams, with many of the community helping with our updates over the last few days.

DanielLevy16 has written some extensive articles analysing the Player Prices in the FIFA McDonald’s game. Going through the positions, he’s looked at Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders and Forwards.

Home Run Baker has analysed the Strength of Schedule for all teams over the group stages. Another fine read is The Sarjeant’s Defence and Attack Rating for Group E-H.

One Keano has rolled out an Injuries Round Up and has also hand-picked Five La Liga Stars to Shine over the upcoming tournament.

Balotellis Bib has also been prolific. He’s looked at the Likely Replacements who could benefit from their team-mates’ absence and has also scouted the top four favourites for the tournament. For some extra reading, have a look at his thoughts on Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Germany. For more community articles, click here.

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

  1. isacki: full casual
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Think I just caught up on two weeks of world cup fantasy in 4 hours. Think so.

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    1. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      that's what i'm trying to do

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Go go go TW!

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  2. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Sanchez or Ronaldo? Yes, seriously...
    Chile has quite difficult group, but attacking like hell...

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    1. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Sanchez, cheaper and Portugal has a tough group too

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  3. PKB
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone thinks Neymar would be a flop now that he has been playing in Europe?

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    1. CABAYE4
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I'd expect him to perform similarly to how he has this season.

      Occasional brilliance mixed in with a lot of average play.

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    2. chrisjdgrady
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      No he is very good for Brazil

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  4. Solenya
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    To Vert or To Verm ?

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    1. PKB
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Vert IMO

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      1. Solenya
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Any particular reasons for that

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    2. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      vertong

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  5. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    BRAZIL XI v CROATIA: Júlio César - Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo - Paulinho, Gustavo - Neymar, Oscar, Hulk - Fred.

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    1. PKB
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      As expected

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      1. iCon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Yep 3/3, exciting 😀

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    2. Thomass
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      3/3 lets do it 😀

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      1. iCon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Hola Capitán Espana, so who's playing where?

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        1. Thomass
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Can't tell yet has the Preeser done yet?

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          1. iCon
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Haven't seen it if it has; we announced our lineup this afternoon!

            #OranjeConfidence

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            1. Thomass
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              So have we!

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  6. Ludo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    2 points for blocking a shot, plus recovered balls, seems like centre backs are a better bet than even attacking full backs? i.e. Manolas over Cholevas?

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    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Holebas is on set pieces

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    2. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I agree, others don't as Holebas on some set pieces and is quite attacking; only problem with this is he plays for Greece!

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      1. Ludo
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Think I'll go Manolas - Greece will spend a lot of time defending around their arena and not much time winning corners.

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  7. iCon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Where's all the Spanish boys; want to know who I'm up against!

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    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      *Where're

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  8. Why Always Me
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    fred or neymar captin?

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Alves

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      1. iCon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        This 😀

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      2. Why Always Me
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        i never said alves assjuice

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        1. iCon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          😯

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  9. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Belgian back 4 please???

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    1. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Alderweireld - Kompany - Verm - Vert

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    2. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Alder--Kompany--Verm/Van Buyten/Lombaerts--Vert

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  10. Marouane Fellatio
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Ramos or Pique?

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    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Ramos

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    2. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Pique

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  11. Eden Eden
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Fewer and fewer people going for more defensive mids, I guess due to the rule change... Is it worth getting one to cover? i.e. changing Lulic for Eyong of Cameroon

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    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Eyong not looking likely to start from last few predictions I saw

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      1. Eden Eden
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I saw many that said he would. I'd say its Makoun who's up in the air. Either way, what do you think about the idea?

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  12. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    RMT?

    Team done.

    Cillessen - Karnezis - Arias
    Rojo - Alderweireld - Alba - Kombarov - 1M - 1M - 1.5M
    Di Maria - Kroos - KDB - Valbuena - Oscar - J.Palacious - Bentaleb - 1M
    Fred - Neymar(c) - Messi - Martinez - Lukaku

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Cillessen plays?

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      1. The Enlightener
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        So they say.

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      2. iCon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Nah he's not a regular 😉

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        1. The Enlightener
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          He's supposed to start the first game.

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          1. iCon
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            You seem to have missed my 😉

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            1. The Enlightener
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              Yes indeed. I sure did. 🙁

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    2. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Same as mine 🙂

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      1. Thomass
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Wow! Very chuffed good luck my friend! 🙂

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        1. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Well, slight fib... But similar 😉

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      2. BONZ
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        and mine !!

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  13. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Hows my midfield ?

    (Hazard, Rodriguez, Di Maria, Shaqiri, Valbuena, Bentaleb)

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  14. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    If anyone wants a name change on the Mirror game. I emailed them and they changed it for me in about half an hour.

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    1. tm245
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Pjanic! At the Disco would be mine.

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  15. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Woo hoo, have next 2 and a half weeks off work just to watch the world cup and a heatwave is on the way next week too 😀

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  16. tw
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    france back 4?

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    1. CABAYE4
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Debuchy (if fit), Sakho, Varane, Evra

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      1. tw
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        cheers!

        evra or rodriguez?

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        1. CABAYE4
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          I've got Evra

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        2. crag811901
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          I've gone with Debuchy. Cheap and can attack

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          1. crag811901
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            K,Navas, Alderweireld, T.Silva, Debuchy, D Godin, Xavi, Muller, De Bruyne, Aguero, Messi, Fred

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  17. Demí
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    CROATIA XI: Pletikosa/Srna Corluka Lovren Vrsaijko Brozovic/Olic Modric Rakitic/Perisic/Jelavic

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Looking forward to seeing Rakitic! 🙂

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    2. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Have no Brazilian defenders so a cheeky Croatia goal would go down a treat. Come on Jelly 🙂

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    3. PKB
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Mandzukic?

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      1. Demí
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Suspended

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  18. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Repost
    Can someone help me with this, don't really know what to make of it
    Lloris, filler, filler
    Ramos, Blind, Omeruo, Garay, Manolas, Schar, Sadeghi
    Di Maria, Paulinho, Pogba, Moutinho, Bentaleb, Beikzadeh, palacios, Deldago
    Neymar, Rvp, Benzema, filler, filler

    How to improve? Or is it better than I think?

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  19. jayzico
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    would you gamble on playing a doubtful suarez if you had muller as backup?

    Or play safe with benzema - suarez could pay off nicely?

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  20. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Took me half the day but here we go this is what I came up with for the Maccas one......

    Cesar, Karnezis, Mbohli
    Mena, Manolas, Holebas(Cholevas), Konno, Von Bergen, Rojo, Bouguerra
    Di Maria, Cuadrado, Valbuena, De Bruyne, A Ayew, Lulic, Bedoya, Bentaleb
    Neymar, Sanchez, Drmic, Lukaku, Kokorin

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  21. Tomlette Greggs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Might've been posted before:

    Chiellini could replace De Sciglio at left-back

    There are fears Mattia De Sciglio suffered a calf strain, so Giorgio Chiellini could play left-back against England. The Milan defender pulled up during today’s training session in Mangaratiba and was taken to hospital, where he is currently undergoing tests. Initial reports suggest De Sciglio has a right calf strain, which would certainly rule him out of Saturday’s opening World Cup game against England. If De Sciglio’s injury is serious, he could be ruled out of the entire World Cup, so Cesare Prandelli has the option to bring in a replacement until 24 hours before their opening game.

    http://www.football-italia.net/50428/chiellini-replace-de-sciglio

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    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Whoo hoo..Bye bye De Sciglio..Thanks.

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    2. bdwhite91
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      ugh

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  22. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Nice of FIFA to have the first kick off at Nine O'clock British Wine Time...very nice..

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    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Yes I agree totally, time to get the beers in first, then open the wine for nine 😀

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  23. Mytteristen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Last minute changes!

    A) Boateng, Ronaldo, Lukaku, 1m defender
    B) Evra, Vertonghen, Balotelli, Kokorin

    Is Boateng nailed on? Is it worth dropping Ronaldo to get a fifth decent defender in the squad?

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    1. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      B

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  24. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    God the ITV coverage is awful.

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Just wait until Adrian Chiles takes over.

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      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Amazes me how he gets the job. He can't even string a sentence together.

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    2. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Always been the same, all clowns... Especially the 'anchor' host 😡 !!!!

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    3. Ghost Ship
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      It's shocking they never get better.

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    4. Ghost Ship
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      They are trying to appeal to such a big audience who they think will be out off by boring stuff like insight and tactics. Might as well get ant and dec to do it and be done with it.

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  25. tm245
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Cheers to all who put in their entries for the DZ World Cup Picks Challenge. We are good to go.

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/06/09/world-cup-2014-ones-to-watch-defenders/?hc_page=16#hc_comment_7397858

    I'll hopefully have a spreadsheet going tonight that shows us all what our picks were plus some commentary on countries to watch as far as upsets, favorites, and shockers like my Cameroon at 17.

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  26. Demí
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Brazil XI: Julio César, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo; Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho, Oscar, Hulk; Fred, Neymar

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    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      As expected

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    2. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Exactly as predicted by the site..

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  27. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Last minute decisions...

    a) Blind + Von Bergen

    b) Manolas + Rodriguez (swiss)

    Have also Cillesen, Karnezis, Holebas....

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    1. Live4pool
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      vanmaat and schaer

      von bergen isnt nailed

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      1. Mr Sarcastic
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        since when, tought shaer is not nailed...

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        1. Live4pool
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          maybe i'm wrong..

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  28. Eden Eden
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Okay another dilemma:
    A) Coentrao + Matuidi/Pogba
    B) Ramos + Valbuena

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  29. chrisjdgrady
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else not able to see their leagues in McDs?

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    1. Telpuialion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I dont think anyone is able to. Maybe once we get points, we will be able to.

      If you search by name though, you can see the league as well as all the members in it.

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  30. Telpuialion
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Higuain / Kokorin (4th striker) / Janmaat (5th defender)
    or
    Aguero / Vargas (4th striker) / 1.0m

    Sorry for repost. Not sure if it got lost or no one had anything to say. Anyway, I am leaning towards A.

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    1. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      A

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