634x258 Dugout Discussion
18 June 2014 2465 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

Fantasy managers will be looking for an improvement from this evening’s three fixtures after yesterday’s schedule served up just five goals. The first match on our agenda bodes well for Fantasy returns as Holland square up to Australia on the back of a stunning 5-1 triumph over defending champions Spain last time around:

Holland: Cillessen; Janmaat, Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind; De Jong, De Guzman, Sneijder; Van Persie, Robben

Australia: Ryan; McGowan, Wilkinson, Spiranovic, Davidson; Jedinak, McKay, Bresciano; Leckie, Cahill, Oar

Unsurprisingly, Louis Van Gaal names an unchanged side after last week’s humbling of Spain. Holland are expected to line up in a 5-3-2 formation once again, then, with Daley Blind and Daryl Janmaat handed the wing-back role, while front two Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie will be hoping to maintain the form that saw both score twice in their Group B opener.

Australia make a couple of alterations from the side that lost to Chile. Ivan Franjic is out with a hamstring injury, allowing Ryan McGowan the chance to deputise at right-back, whilst in central midfield, Matt McKay comes in for Mark Milligan. As always, Tim Cahill carries the main threat as the former Everton man looks to get amongst the goals again, having netted in last week’s 3-1 loss.

Following that one, Spain square up to Chile in a must-win Group B match. Their humbling by the Dutch, allied with the South American’s opening win over the Aussies, means Vicente del Bosque’s side have it all to do – if Holland win in the earlier match, a victory for Chile would send the Spaniards tumbling out after just two games. Diego Costa’s starting role looks under threat in light of a poor display against the Dutch, whilst Fantasy managers will be hoping del Bosque’s side can replicate the resilience that made their defence such strong options in the previous couple of international tournaments. Chile will look to Alexis Sanchez to maintain the form that saw him produce a goal and assist in the 3-1 win over Australia, though Jorge Valdivia and Eduardo Vargas are also in form, having served up a goal and assist respectively last time around.

The late 11pm kick-off sees Croatia take on Cameroon as both sides attempt to bounce back from Matchday 1 defeats. Suspended for the loss to Brazil, Mario Mandzukic is available once again and is expected to lead the line – with Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic supplying the guile from midfield, Niko Kovac’s side may well prove too strong for their opponents. The Africans are sweating on the fitness of Samuel Eto’o ahead of tonight’s game – the veteran’s potential absence could afford Vincent Aboubakar his first start of the tournament in a reshuffle up top.

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

  1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    M4ndzukic.

    Open Controls
  2. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Ugh that sinking feeling when you have no Croatian players 😳

    Open Controls
    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      That's a better feeling than having Rakitic

      Open Controls
  3. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Nice. Got Mandzukic in Goalscorer Challenge for this one. Had Robben earlier too.

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I forgot to do it for about 4 days.

      Open Controls
      1. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Am doing really well. On 15 so far.

        Open Controls
        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Aye I noticed. Shame there isn't a prize to aim for.

          Open Controls
          1. teddy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            I was 6th in England fans in the Virtual Sports game after the first round.

            And bloody PDM was one point above me and 5th!

            Open Controls
        2. Shipstontrev
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Wow! Well done.

          Open Controls
          1. teddy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers pal. Been a lot of obvious goalscorers so far. Picking the less obvious players in the latter stages will be a whole other
            challenge.

            Open Controls
            1. Shipstontrev
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              I saved RVP for the last group game, now he's done me a favour by getting the second yellow.

              Open Controls
    2. Shipstontrev
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I had Robben and Olic, saving Mandy for the Mexico game. Got lucky with a punt on Beausejour too!

      Open Controls
  4. Atwood
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    How's everyone doing in the second round so far. Mine's got off to a slow start, I'm just wondering if everyone else has too. Mine so far...

    Cesar 9, Iniesta 6, Neymar 7

    Open Controls
    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Cillessen 4, Oscar 5, Neymar 7, Vargas 10

      Open Controls
    2. Telpuialion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Dani Alves 8, Neymar 7, Vargas 10, Oscar 5, Alba, 5, Cillessen 4.

      Although Oscar, Alba, and Cillessen will go off. So really just 8,7,10 so far.

      Open Controls
    3. Shipstontrev
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Cesar 9, Dani Alves 8. Neymar 9 Blind 5

      Open Controls
      1. Shipstontrev
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Neymar 7. Just thought I'd give myself more random points to replicate the McD game! 😉

        Open Controls
    4. thermogimp
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Ramos 8, Neymar 7.

      Itandje currently has 6, but should be downgraded to a 5. So also a slow start for me.

      Open Controls
    5. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Vargas 10x2, Blind 5, Azpilicueta 5, Neymar 7

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

      Congrats to all of you with your Vargas picks.

      Open Controls
    7. Konig Luther
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Neymar 7, Ramos, 16(c), De Guzman 8 and, Cillessen 4 and ramos c to change

      Open Controls
  5. Sheldon420
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Are people changing or keeping Neymar?

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Depends what my other players get.

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

      changing to JRod, then Gerrard, then the rest of my defenders until we hit double digits.

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

        ah just reread your post, thought you meant captain..

        Open Controls
  6. lifes a pitch
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    what's the consensus on who should play england no. 10??
    and if it's not Rooney, should he be in the team at all??

    Open Controls
    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      De Sciglio

      Open Controls
      1. lifes a pitch
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        If we used the Belgian system of eligibility then maybe

        Open Controls
    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Rooney.

      Open Controls
      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        If not 10, then attack in mid. I'd never have him on the wing, I'd just leave him out.

        Open Controls
        1. lifes a pitch
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          i think if he was out we would be just as good.....take what you will from that

          Open Controls
      2. lifes a pitch
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Hello Major. i found it weird that the tv poll had sterling 51% of the vote..

        Open Controls
  7. Atwood
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Where does this World Cup rank against past tournaments in terms of average goals scored?

    Open Controls
    1. lifes a pitch
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      high

      Open Controls
    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Stratospheric

      Open Controls
    3. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Was 3.14 on Tuesday.
      Average for a whole WC is normally 2-2.5

      Open Controls
  8. SW6
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Someone is already on 109 points for this round, impressive considering there's only been 3 matches

    Open Controls
    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      No way!

      Open Controls
    2. Atwood
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      What's your overall rank mate? You were right near the top spot a few days ago right?

      Open Controls
      1. SW6
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        149 now, no Brazil defence hurt me I think. Hopefully my double Argentine defence helps me out later in the week.

        Open Controls
    3. Telpuialion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      3 brazilians, 3 dutch, 1 spanish def, 2 chileans, 1 aussie, mexican goalie, maybe? 109 already is incredible.

      Open Controls
      1. Shipstontrev
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        It might just be another bug of course...

        Open Controls
        1. Telpuialion
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Oh forgot about that! This is McD after all.

          Open Controls
      2. SW6
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        He's a fair way above everyone else too, would love to see his team

        http://en.mcdonalds.fantasy.fifa.com/match_days/2/rankings

        Open Controls
  9. BONZ
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Rakatic cannot score goals - sitter just missed!

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

      Just the 15 goals this year

      Open Controls
      1. lifes a pitch
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        lol

        Open Controls
  10. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Nice one BAE 😆

    Open Controls
  11. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Shot!

    Open Controls
  12. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    BAE should be banned retrospectively.

    Open Controls
  13. lifes a pitch
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    bye bye Cameroon

    Open Controls
  14. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Dayyyyyyum, check out the puppies on her

    http://a.gifb.in/112013/1387136693_brittany_furlan__check_out_my_puppies.gif

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      She only gets 1 out though. Disappointing.

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

    So we can see our final GW1 scores in the "latest points" tab...

    Open Controls
    1. The Shadow
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Hopefully they're final. They already changed once today.

      Open Controls
      1. Zep
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I think they will be, since they've finally taken off the 2pts for Spain conceding 5... and Sanchez has gained 1 too...

        Overall, I'm down 1pt...

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

          nobody seems to be getting any >80% bonus points though, which is odd.
          either they've scrapped it , or we may see another update soon.

          Open Controls
          1. Telpuialion
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            I noticed that but here's what is happening.
            For Oscar, it says Attempts rate > 80% Points: 0
            For Kombarov, it says Attempts rate > 80% Points: 0
            For JRod, Attempts rate > 80% Points: 0
            Pass rate > 80% Points: 1
            For Vargas, Attempts rate > 80% Points: 1

            So my point is they have given the bonuses where they apply. If a defender had >80% attempts rate, he doesn't get a point but they are still giving it a mention in the breakdown as 0 points.

            I hope that makes sense.

            Open Controls
      2. Gubbins94.
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        How's team USA doing shadow?

        Open Controls
        1. The Shadow
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Sporting 126
          Koneheads 124
          Shadow 123
          BAPS 115
          Little Dancer 92 (apparently wasn't around to do subs 🙁 )

          We're up 2-1 from the scores I know so far.

          Open Controls
  16. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else having a tough time getting GW1 off the ground...7, 5, 4, 8....Hardly setting the world alight at the mo..

    Open Controls
  17. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    wow, the McStatistics page is a whole rabbit hole of information,
    stats, heat maps, tables and graph pdf's for each player.
    not for the faint hearted thats for sure

    Open Controls
  18. rk007
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hi. Does anyone know how many points thiago silva, luiz, and xabi alonso got in round 2?

    Open Controls
  19. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Will Ramos play the dead rubber against Australia ?..or are we likely to see a second Xl (!) get the nod

    Open Controls
    1. lifes a pitch
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      second Xl will be better

      Open Controls
      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Probably..Shame Ramos was with such a crap team.. I put him in as one of the few reliable (c) picks pre tournament..One CS in any game and his points would have been the same as a double goal striker.

        Open Controls
  20. Sheldon420
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    How's Both Teams To Score look at the England game today?

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

      Just noticed. Quite upsetting. Dropped from 11th to 19th OR. Even worse that I dropped Isla for him and he ended up getting a CS 🙁

      Open Controls
    2. alkac
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Whaaaaat. Why would it not be an assist? Last passer to Robben.

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

    Team Japan please submit you scores ASAP! 😉

    Open Controls
  22. One time...
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    cheeky punt on manduzic captain in mirror game might pay off 🙂 whats yhe chances of a messi blank

    Open Controls
    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      slimish..chances of him scoring a brace ?..not as good..could do though.

      Open Controls
      1. One time...
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        if he only manages 1 its a win

        Open Controls
        1. Dr Dream
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          yep..nice punt..lovely..

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

      chances are slim argentina will lose, but their team's got lots of goal scorers like aguero and higuian.

      Open Controls
  23. mikess
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone care to share their bets for tomorrow?

    Got Rooney anytime at the moment

    Open Controls
  24. MachuMichu
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    How good do you think Suarez will be tomorrow? Do you think the Uruguay team is as weak as they showed against Costa Rica, or did they just underestimate their opposition heavily? Perhaps could the Suarez attitude, his determinate will to win, be a major factor for the outcome?

    Open Controls
    1. One time...
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      England will win suarez could score but hes not fully fit or would have come on against Costa Rica

      Open Controls
  25. Keno
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    For Mcdonalds Fantasy Iniesta got me 6, will it eventually get bumped to 7? Another point for 80% PA or did he not achieve this?

    Open Controls
  26. Scoredelario
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Wow, captained pranjic (Croatia defender) last night just because he was my only player in the game. He got 13. Should I keep or switch the captaincy?

    Open Controls
    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I'd keep that.

      Open Controls
  27. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    England managed 18 attacks from the left hand side in their opening game compared to 35 from the right hand side..Take a bow Baines and Rooney.not..

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

      Rooney got the only assist though.

      Open Controls
  28. Shakshuka
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Any news about Ronaldo?

    Open Controls
  29. john_t
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone know if Schaer will play next Swiss game? Thanks.

    Open Controls