[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
25 June 2014 3486 comments
Paul Paul
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Groups E and F come to their conclusions this evening as the Brazil 2014 World Cup treats us to four more fixtures. Argentina are already through, after winning both their opening matches courtesy of late Lionel Messi strikes, and the South Americans square up to a Nigeria side who require just a draw to join them in the last 16:

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi, Higuain, Aguero

Nigeria: Enyeama; Ambrose, Omeruo Yobo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi; Odemwingie, Babatunde, Musa; Emenike,

Alejandro Sabella names an unchanged XI from the side that edged past Iran last time around. Despite the fact that his side have clinched a place in the last 16, the Argentina boss has resisted the urge to rest and rotate and is clearly affording his first-choice players the chance to step up in performance, after a pair of very unconvincing showings thus far. Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero once again lead the line, then, with Angel Di Maria owners looking for the Real Madrid man to improve his contribution from the centre of the park.

Nigeria – along with Mexico – were one of only two sides to register a clean sheet in both the opening Matchdays. It’s no real surprise, then, to see the Africans remain unchanged, with Peter Odemwingie hoping to replicate his winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous match as Stephen Keshi’s side attempt to pick up the point which would ensure their progress.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Begovic; Vrsajevic, Sunjic, Spahic, Kolasinac; Hadzic, Besic, Susic, Pjanic; Ibisevic, Dzeko

Iran: Haghighi; Montarezi, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Pooladi; Nekounam, Teymourian; Shojaei, Hajsafi, Dejagah; Ghoochannejad

Bosnia make five changes in their final game of the tournament. In defence, full-backs Avdija Vrsajevic and Sead Kolasinac come in for Mensur Mujdza and SenadLulic, whilst further up the field, Zvjedan Misimovic, Izet Hajrovic and Haris Medunjanin drop out for Anel Hadzic, Tino-Sven Susic and Vedad Ibisevic. Manager Safet Susic looks to have returned to the 4-1-3-2 formation that served his side so well in qualifying, with Ibisevic up front alongside Edin Dzeko.

Iran, meanwhile, are unchanged for the showdown as Carlos Quieroz’ side attempt to overcome the odds and make it through to the knockouts. As the only team in the tournament yet to score a goal, though, they face a tough task to get the better of the Bosnians.

In the later matches, Karim Benzema owners will be desperate for the France striker to continue the form which has harvested three goals and a trio of assists in the opening couple of Matchdays. With his side already through, though, Didier Deschamps certainly has the option of resting key players, with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba hoping to return to the starting XI after both were dropped for last week’s 5-2 win over Switzerland. Opponents Ecuador have an in-form frontman of their own as they look for the result that would steer them through – Enner Valencia has also notched three times in the first two games and has netted in six of his last seven international appearances.

Switzerland also have plenty to play for. A win over Honduras, coupled with at least a draw for the French, would seal the progress of Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side as they look to bounce back from their mauling at the hands of Les Bleus, though the Swiss boss has decisions to make up front, after alternating Josip Drmic and Haris Seferovic as the lone forward over the first two games. Fantasy managers will be hoping raiding left-back Ricardo Rodriguez can replicate his pair of assists in Matchday 1, whilst Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka offer the main threat in the attacking midfield three.

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3,486 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    YES. More Thierry!

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  2. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Every 2 balls delivered into penalty area/ 2 balls recovered is driving me nuts...

    How does this get worked out ? How do they actually look like ? just so I know how much my players are getting...

    Can anyone explain to see if I'm scoring them correctly?

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    1. VougieDipond
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Valid point from Thierry this France team has to be huge favs to win in 2016

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      1. VougieDipond
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        oops

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  3. nashi
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    repost

    McD: 8pts or Benzema???

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    1. Tommytour
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Benzegoal

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    2. chrisjdgrady
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Benzema definitely

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    3. KOKAK
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Benzema should have at least 1 goal.

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  4. KOKAK
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Chances Valbuena coming on as a substitute?

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    1. McEwan
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Strong chance. Pogba never started the last game and still got a run out. I really need him to take the night off

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    2. nashi
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      strongly depends on the score imo, if France will chase, then he will play for sure

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  5. Zombie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Repost:

    If you were forced to pick one in your team: Valbuena or Stocker?

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    1. nashi
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Valbuena

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      1. nashi
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        just noticed he is not in 11

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        1. Zombie
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          none of them are

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          1. nashi
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            then Valbuena

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  6. Epic Fail
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    When's the last time a team had a brilliant side from attack right through to defence?

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    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Arsenal's invincibles

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Boom

        Part 2 of the quiz comin up shortly.

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    2. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I think the Barca team Pep put together was solid through.

      It was a "the best form of defence is not needing one" type of philosophy that actually resulted in an amazingly consistent, tighter-than-a-ma-faa-defence.

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  7. chrisjdgrady
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ugh I have the wrong palacios too lol. Should I have more hope of him or evra coming on late?

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  8. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Pogba, Schneiderlin, Matuidi.

    Now that is what I call an energetic midfield!

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  9. Shels
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    will valbuena come off the bench you think lads?

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    1. Shels
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      worth taking put montazeri on 6points, have kombarov and medjani to come in so woth risk of take monty out 🙁 ?

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      1. KOKAK
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I have done it. Valbuena to copycat JRod!

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      2. ManofKent
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Wait until you see line ups, but if Komborov plays I'd risk it.

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    2. nashi
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      depends on the score imo, if france will be down in 2nd half, then yes

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      1. Shels
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        OK i took monty out lads thanks, beckles/pogba/valbuena/drmic in now.. part decision is because i have ozil and hazard aswell to fit in so in take out valbuena prob for ozil next

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  10. BantamPhil
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Is there no automatic sub's in McD's if a player plays zero minutes?

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    1. Studgie G
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      no

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      1. BantamPhil
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Uugh put Evra in for Cholevas thinking I had back up but rumour has it Kombarov will be dropped tomorrow 🙁

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        1. Studgie G
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          you never know evra may come on and do something, 3pts not much anyway

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

          Wait till line up in future
          You must have Algerian defender

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          1. BantamPhil
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Medjani

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    2. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

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  11. Zep
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    What are the scenarios for USA to get knocked out?

    Do Portugal have to beat USA's GD if they both finish on 4pts?

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    1. Studgie G
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      portugal are screwed they need goals

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    2. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It will go down to Goal difference which is much worse for Portugal

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    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Portugal need to win minimum of 2 goals and hope Germany beat USA by the same, or a big Portugal winning margin. Can't see it happening

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      1. Studgie G
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        doubt portugal will even beat ghana

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    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ghana win pretty much unless margins of 1 each

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  12. The Iron Tulip
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Most likely to keep a clean sheet:

    A) Greece
    B) Costa Rica

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    1. Shakshuka
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Go to any bookie and check the odds

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  13. Fantasy Gold
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Valbuena will definitely come on around the 60 minute mark for Griezmann. Now stop asking 🙂

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  14. KOKAK
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Off to watch the match. Good luck brothers. 😉

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  15. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Those tracksuit tops France are wearing are awesome

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    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Indeed!

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  16. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Quick score prediction.

    3-1 France
    2-1 Honduras

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    1. BantamPhil
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      4-1 France
      1-0 Switzerland

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    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      France 2 Ecuador 2
      Honduras 0 Switzerland 1

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    3. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      France 2-0
      Switzerland 1-0

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  17. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Suarez has 2 minutes of his career left

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  18. JT's Dog
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Janmaat misses next match, is this right?

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    1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think so mate. Blind does I think. (2 yellows)

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      1. Mr Sarcastic
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Oh really, didn't know that, thanks.
        And I bet there will be no info in transfers page...

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      2. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Does he 🙄 ?

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      3. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I thought blind only had 1 yellow ?

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        1. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Yep, only 1 he's had.

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        2. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Wasn't too sure. Thought I recalled him being booked in one of the first 2 games. But according to Mirror, he's only on one.

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          1. Evs
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Yep 1.

            I just checked, just a yellow in the last game.

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            1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Aye. Sorry if I worried you. 😛

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  19. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    hope valbuena comes on n scores...

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    1. Zep
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Me too, but feast or famine please...

      None of this 6-7pt shite...

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      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😆

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  20. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Has the Russian team been announced for tomorrow already? Or have there been any rumors of starting lineups?

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  21. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    arghhhhhhhhh what is this bbc obsession with the turn to the camera and fold your arms thing........do it on F1 too, it looks ridiculous

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    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      They all do it. French TV too

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    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      when showing players inset

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    3. JT's Dog
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Do it on golf also now
      Fat men in pastel colours don't pull it off

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        lol christ almighty

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    4. VougieDipond
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      cos they all want to rip sky sports off

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    5. SW6
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      AB posted this yesterday, very funny

      http://www.dancinghenryalmanac.com/world-cup-folding-arms/random-player.html

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        LOL hahahaha brill 😆

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    6. BantamPhil
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I think it is FIFA, ITV has it as well

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  22. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Shaqiri tym

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    1. dhruv_b
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Currently No 1 in the McD Game! Woooooo.

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    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      He'll score tonight

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  23. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    A bit unfair this criticism of Thefantasyfreak for his quizzes ..damned unfair...So i'll run a few alternative easy questions during the game

    Question 1

    Who played at The Wankdorf stadium ?

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    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ashley Young?

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

      Young Boys love a good Wankdorf

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Correct...

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        1. 7shadesofsmoke
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Ashley must've used the official website then...

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    3. Shels
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      watching france cause cause better atmoshpere

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  24. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Evening gents.

    I've been looking at my Sun Dream Team transfers, and looking at Zuniga (Col) as a bargain 1.5m.

    He's only played 2 out of the 3 games I believe. Any reason why?

    In others words...l how nailed on is he ?

    Ta
    🙂

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    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      He was rested for the Japan game, nailed on.

      I'm ditching Alba and bringing him in too 🙂

      What's ur Sun rank? 525 here

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Your well in front of me I'm 6k.

        Having Lukaka (0pts) and not Benny has killed me !

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        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Lukaku is annoying I'll give you that. Plenty of time to catch up 😉

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    2. VougieDipond
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      reserve back 4 out yesterday for Columbia he is nailed

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks 🙂

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  25. dhruv_b
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Currently No 1 in the McD Game! Woooooo.

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    1. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It was a bit funny replyfail earlier 🙂
      Good job, points?

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      1. dhruv_b
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Haha. It was. 😛 371.

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        1. Mr Sarcastic
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          15 points behind then, what was your rank after round 2?

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

      Early bird gets the worm, the late mouse gets the cheese

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  26. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Shaqiri misses sitter.

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    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      rrrrrrrr

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      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Might stop watching it now. I can tell how this is going to go.

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    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      😯 it's because I bet £20 AGS

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  27. JT's Dog
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Shaquri misses from 4 yds

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  28. 41212 Bayol
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    any info on who will start @GK for greece in 1/8?

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  29. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Could do with French and Swiss clean sheets this evening

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  30. Shels
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    watching France game cause better atmosphere

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    1. Shels
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      aswell as having beckles and drmic versus each other, never nice to watch 0_-

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