[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
24 June 2014 3134 comments
Paul Paul
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We’ve another four matches to look forward to this evening as the group stages continue to wrap up. England, of course, already know their fate after losing both opening matches, whilst tonight’s opponents Costa Rica are through to the knockouts after serving up back-to-back wins over Uruguay and Italy to stun the football world:

Costa Rica: Navas; Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Miller, Diaz; Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda, Brenes; Campbell

England: Foster; Jones, Cahill, Smalling, Shaw; Lampard, Wilshere; Milner, Barkley Lallana; Sturridge

The Costa Ricans make two changes from the side that defeated Italy last week. At the back, Jorge Luis Pinto brings in Roy Miller for Michael Umana, whilst further up the pitch, Christian Bolanos drops out for Randall Brenes in what looks a continuation of the 5-4-1 formation which has proven so successful.

As announced yesterday, Roy Hodgson makes nine changes from the team that lost to Uruguay as England attempt to avoid the ignominy of finishing rock-bottom of Group D. Only Daniel Sturridge and Gary Cahill keep their places for the Three Lions as Hodgson hands his squad members the chance to impress.

Uruguay: Muslera; Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Pereira; Rodriguez, Arevalo Rios, Gonzalez; Lodeiro; Suarez,Cavani,

Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; De Sciglio, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio, Darmian; Balotelli, Immobile

Uruguay are unchanged from the side that beat England 2-1 last week. Oscar Tabarez’ side will line up in a 4-3-1-2 formation once again, with Nicolas Lodeiro tucked in behind Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, as the latter looks to replicate his match-winning brace against Hodgson’s side and fire his team into the last 16.

Cesare Prandelli’s side need only a draw against the South Americans to secure second spot. The Italians make four changes from their Matchday two loss to Costa Rica and bring in Mattia De Sciglio, Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Verratti and Ciro Immobile in what seems to be a 3-5-2 formation, with the latter partnering Mario Balotelli up top.

In the 9pm matches, Columbia look to finish Group C with a 100% record. The South Americans will be hoping James Rodriguez can maintain the form that has seen him score in each of his first two appearances, while Juan Cuadrado (three assists) and Teofilo Gutierrez (a goal and assist) also carry a major threat against Japan – Fantasy managers will be hoping that reports of rest and rotation turn out to be inaccurate.

The other game in Group C sees Ivory Coast square up to a Greece side that failed to find the net in their opening two matches. While a draw may well be enough for the Africans to progress, Sabri Lamouchi’s men will want to serve up a strong display after narrowly losing to the Colombians in Matchday 2 – Gervinho has notched in both their games so far and is the one guaranteed starter in the front three, though Lamouchi could turn to the experience of Didier Drogba to lead the line this time, having utilised the former Chelsea man as a sub in the first couple of matches.

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3,134 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    "Manchester City didn't give me any support during this World Cup, that's shy we lost"

    Yaya Toure

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    1. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      😆

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    2. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Angling for a move to France

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    3. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Sounds like a case of wanting your cake and eating it Yaya....

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        No that's Suarez

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    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Shy?

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Shhh

        **Why

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    5. Reedy
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Obviously still reeling from birthdaycakegate.

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  2. Tony Warner Fan Club
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    JRodddddddddddddddddddddd

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      😀

      + Cuadrado

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  3. Konig Luther
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Bacca will not play against Uruguay? Suarez can easily chew Bacca

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Get your coat

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  4. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    BBC are idiots. Never a pen

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  5. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Costa Rica vs Greece in the next round then....

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Sigh

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  6. JT's Dog
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Got a bit lucky there
    Trying to use free bet on betsson and I put £5 on Colombia to win
    Then put £5 on James being their top scorer
    Then put £5 on Mexico getting knocked out in last 16
    Didn't realise betsson keep your previous bet on the slip, so ended up putting £15 on first £10 on second £5 on third
    May actually get to take some money out at this rate

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  7. tw
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone captain Rodriguez?

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Na neymar is good enough

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    2. VougieDipond
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      nope just worship

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    3. GunsnRoses
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Rodriquez/Neymar/Alba All same 😀

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    4. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      No. We all (stupidly) stuck with Neymar

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      1. Mr Sarcastic
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        stupidly? really?

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        1. HuttonDressedasLahm
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Ironically, I was being sarcastic 🙂

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  8. THE Wild Rover
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Is savage related to the Hairy Biker?

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    1. JT's Dog
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Think his mum lily slept with one of them

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      1. THE Wild Rover
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Ah, I know which one

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      2. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        **both of them 😉

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  9. LewanGOALski
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    who'd have predicted Costa Rica - Greece as one of knock-out stage games...

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    1. JT's Dog
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I got Greece bit right in mcds predictor
      Had Italy as other

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  10. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Feck you Samaras. Cheating feckk

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  11. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    James Rodriguez is player of the tournament so far. Was really looking forward to watching him this summer, haven't been disappointed.

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      +1

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  12. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Wow that's crazy. I saw JRod not starting and thought crap, this week is gonna be rough after Karnezis goes out.

    My team MVP in the group stages.

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  13. boyler
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    does anyone know when we can make our teams for next season ?

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    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Expect maybe around 20th July

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    2. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Probably mid July

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    3. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      About 3/4 weeks.

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  14. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Costa Rica or Greece in the QF

    Who would have thunk it

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    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Costa Rica/Uruguay group forecast was 150/1 pre tournament.
      Group C was always wide open so not suprised as any of the teams could beat each other.

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  15. Mr Sarcastic
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    YESSS, Manolas got few more passes and it's >80% again!!
    8 looks so much better than 7.

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Agree! 😀

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  16. Fifa las vegas
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Looks like united are signing Herrera! 😀
    Good news....

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    1. VougieDipond
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      is he really a 30 million player though? I don't think he is as good as Mata

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Don't care tbh. Think he's not as attacking as mata though, is he not a central midfielder like cleverly/carrick? (I may be wrong)
        In that case he has to be an improvement!

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  17. SW6
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Suarez denying he bit Chiellini according to Gary

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      He hurt his eye! Lol

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      1. SW6
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Unbelievable

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      2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Poor lad

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  18. THE Wild Rover
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    BBC bite close up the best yet

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Definite bite.

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  19. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Here's Gabby Logan, with some scally 🙂

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      She'd get DESTROYED.

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    2. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Interviewing an England fan left behind by his mates.. Oh wait, it's Phil 🙂

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  20. JT's Dog
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Ok who knows any points for players tonight?

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  21. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Best talent the Premier League has seen since Thierry Henry but time for Suarez to leave.

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      He's not better than Ronaldo

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      1. VougieDipond
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        This Or Drogba

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      2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Premier League Ronaldo? Really? Henry or Suarez?

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        1. SW6
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Absolutely, he dominated the league for a few seasons before he left

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          1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, guess so. His goals and assists record was almost as ridiculous as Luis' and he did it from midfield. Still think it's a shame to see such a talent leave (the talent rather than the psycho that I'll be glad to see the back of)

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          2. Gatsby
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            was the easiest captain choice back in the day, never removed it all season 😀

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    2. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      LOL

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        You don't rate him.

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        1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Just remembered you're from Egypt and therefore, I assume, a Utd fan.

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  22. Crouch Potato!
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Suarez has been talking to the media and as stated he got a knock in the eye. Glad that's all been cleared up, lets all move on.

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    1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      You don't what Chiellini punished? 😉

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  23. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    What did Chiellini say in the interview? I missed that part of BBC1..

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  24. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Jackson Martinez & Samaras MOTM

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  25. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Which side of the draw is Greece Costa Rica? Who gets a QF pass?

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    1. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Rich Coast

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    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Netherlands vs Mexico

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Holland in the semis then

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  26. THE Wild Rover
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Some of the blonde highlights in Nevilles hair are moving 😯

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    1. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Around his head that is, not making me emotional 🙂

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    2. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I hears he's related to Mr Cheesy Strings, not sure if it's true mind.

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    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      😆

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  27. Jairzinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Yaya Toure assist or not?

    (Mirror game.)

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      He shod get a negative assist for messing up a 4 on 2

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  28. Pinturicchio
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Glad James stopped at 16 so I wouldn't feel bad about not giving him (c) after Neymar...

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    1. Gatsby
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Indeed

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  29. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Top players so far for me:

    Ochoa, J.Rod, Sanchez, Cuadrado, Robben, Neymar

    (with Torisidis and Manolas also playing great recently)

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    1. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      LOL AT SPAIN!

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      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah they were very poor for defending world champion's 😉

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    2. GunsnRoses
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Messi 😉

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    3. VougieDipond
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Jrod, Valbuena, Benzema, Neymar My rotated cheapo defence has also paid off

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  30. Bubz
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    I think selling JRod for -3 has signalled the end of my chances in Fox. So brutal.

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      🙁

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    2. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I sorry but 😆

      For Shaqiri too?!?!

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      1. Bubz
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah why?

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        1. Heydudes13
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          He's been pretty shite.

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          1. Bubz
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            We'll see

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            1. Heydudes13
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 2 months ago

              Hope you're right pal, got him in McDs.

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              1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
                • 12 Years
                12 years, 2 months ago

                Shaquiri in mcd? LOL

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