[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
25 June 2014 3486 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

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.

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

3,486 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Messi is something else.

    Open Controls
    1. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Keeper probably should have dived though..

      Open Controls
  2. tm245
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    He is very good.

    Open Controls
  3. Zombie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Wooohoooooooo

    Open Controls
  4. King Nil Miss ✩
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    BAANG!

    Open Controls
  5. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    He's just different class

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

    Well it's easy if you can try twice.

    Open Controls
  7. SW6
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Beautiful free-kick

    Open Controls
  8. The Sarjeant
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Should've got Messi!!

    Open Controls
  9. emperikal
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    There goes by 6th overall ranking in the FOX game. Couldn't afford Messi 🙁

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

    assist?

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

      Messi

      Open Controls
    2. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Dont think they do assists for winning stuff?

      Open Controls
    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      None

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

      thanks, watching bosnia

      Open Controls
  11. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Don't have him but,
    What. A. Goal!

    Open Controls
    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Epic. I dont have him either... but am on the little man to score a hatrick!

      Open Controls
      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Nice. In play or have it before the off?

        Open Controls
        1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Before the off. 12/1 i think it was

          Open Controls
          1. Fifa las vegas
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Very nice. Good luck mate!

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

    do they get assists for free kicks in mac d

    Open Controls
    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Doesn't matter regardless as it was Messi fouled, but no they don't.

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

        ta berb

        Open Controls
  13. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Really nice to see him delivering like this at a world cup. Got to be the best in the world.

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

      and looking very relaxed now

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

        Could go on to break the record if he really kicks into gear. Which it looks like he is.

        Open Controls
  14. tm245
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Messi and Neymar would have been excellent picks. Wonder if anyone has them...

    Open Controls
  15. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sun - Messi
    Mirror - Messi (c)
    Fox - Messi (c)

    😎

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

      Looking like hes going to outscore Neymar. Nicely done.

      Open Controls
      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Keep forgetting to change captain or team. Haven't made a transfer yet in any game 😛

        Open Controls
  16. Fray Bentos
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    A decent effort

    Open Controls
  17. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Neymar Benzema and Messi has worked a treat this round, shame I couldn't get the rest of my players right 🙁

    Open Controls
  18. Prime
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Enyeama has Messi (C) surely? 🙂

    Open Controls
  19. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Messi back level with Neymar on 4 goals. COY Argies!!!

    Open Controls
  20. Vote Joke
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Is Cabaye banned?

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

      yarp

      Open Controls
      1. Vote Joke
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks.

        Open Controls
  21. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Watching Messi reminds me of when as a kid you used to play football with the ball on the end of a piece of string. Only Messi still has the string attached

    Open Controls
    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Watching Messi reminds me of when I was a kid.

      I'm now 6ft 2

      Open Controls
  22. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Fox game.. I have Messi, Neymar and Suarez.
    Guess who I captained..

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

        😆

        Open Controls
      2. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Haha.. poor demented Luis Suarez.

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

      lol

      Open Controls
    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Snap.

      Open Controls
  23. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Damn, down a few places in the work money league then...

    Damn it Messi.

    Open Controls
  24. roscola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone who twisted (C) from Neymar to Messi - it's all gravy now 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. GTS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      you did?

      Open Controls
      1. roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Nah, not me

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

    Lads, any Dutch players banned for 2nd round game ?

    In particular.... robben ?

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

      according to iTeam (pretty good app for info), no. Just Fer as an injury concern.

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

        Cheers buddy

        Open Controls
  26. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone could have gotten it at a second chance. 😉

    Open Controls
  27. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Now the big question: Will Messi get an early sub?

    Open Controls
    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      After he completes his hat-trick.

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

      The breakfast one?

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

        I reckon he's more of a BMT kinda guy.

        (BMT= Big Match Temperament, for those unfamiliar 😉 )

        Open Controls
    3. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Around 70th min IMO

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

      hope so, neymar(c)

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

    No point in diving, that's too much like hard work.

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

      thats how i play in goal..... 😎

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

      and his mum probably kicks off about the grass stains

      Open Controls
  29. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Messi might beat Neymars score here but 32 is still a massive stick imo. At least i have both

    Open Controls
    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Or Alba...

      Open Controls
    2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Good to know

      Open Controls
  30. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Do people still compare Ron and Leo ? 😉

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

      Yes.

      Open Controls
      1. Vote Joke
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I think Suarez is better than Ron, primarily due to the workrate and teamwork which Ron lacks. However, Ron doesn't bite people, so maybe he is better.

        Open Controls