[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. Louis
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Montazeri down to 4 points 🙁

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

      boourns

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

    Messi hatty looking very likely now.

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

      Sadly. Own him in McDs but not FOX. A single goal would have done nicely

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

    Lulic didn't start? Thought I saw him on the lineups posted on here

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

      Demi was trolling.

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

    Who scored the other direct free kick in the WC so far

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

      That Swiss player

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

      dzemaili

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

    Wait I'll Benzema plays 😎

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

      *until

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  6. Saniul
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    So, how are your players doing right now?
    For me, I have Messi (14), Pjanic (6) and Montazeri (4).

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

      Ramos 9
      Neymar 16
      Garay 3
      Omeruo 4
      Manolas 8

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

        lol

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

          What u mean lol?

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

            He's not asking who you have that's already played...this page would be miles long if everyone answered that. 😉

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

              O, sorry

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

      Messi 14, Montazari 4, Rojo 5, Di Maria 3

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

        Nice, good to see Pjanic get an assist for me. 😉

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

      Messi, Pjanic, Monty, Rojo(5), Di Maria(3)

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

        With an assist, I thought Pjanic would be on some more points?
        And Rojo on 5? That's quite good for a player who wasn't supposed to start.

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

          He doesn't seem to be a RB or delivery player unfortunately.

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

            Yeah, hope he can sign off with a goal. 😉

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

              As long as there's one from Di Maria as well (what an awful pick so far)

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

      Messi - 14
      Fernandez - 6
      Rojo - 5
      Monty - 4

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    5. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Rojo 5, Messi 14, Lulic 0

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    6. Djerbil
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Messi (C) 28
      Di Maria 3
      Montazeri 4
      Sadeghi 4
      Rojo 5

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

        That's a nice (c).
        Did you switch it from Neymar?

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

      14
      5
      4
      3
      0
      0

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

      Messi 14
      Shojaei 4
      Sadeghi 4

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

      Messi - 14
      Rojo - 5
      Di Maria - 3
      Dzeko - 8

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

      kolasinac-4
      montazeri-4
      messi-14
      di maria-3
      dzeko-8

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

        *rojo-5
        lulic-0

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    11. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Montazeri 4
      Di Maria 3
      Higuain 2

      Feck off.

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  7. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    If Algeria are watching the Argentina game, they have seen Messi score twice so far.

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

      #IfAgeria

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

      😀 its back

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  8. Saniul
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Who else has Messi (c) on Fox? 😉

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

      Neymar (C) and don't own Messi. Behind the couch type stuff

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

        Ah, I think that will affect your rank considerably now. 😉

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

          Considerably 🙁 Was 6th before kick-off

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

            Ah, hope your other players do well. 🙂

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

              Need Benzema and Muller do bag at least a brace each!

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    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Last minute switch to Messi from the Benz
      Good for now anyway

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

        Benzema could well get a nice haul, atleast I'll hope so since I have him. 😉

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

      Should have listened to us 😎

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

        😆

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

        I'm taking it you didn't listen to yourself? 😉

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

          I didn't have time. Was too busy advising others to do it. 😉

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

            We in the Cartel are good at helping the less fortunate (i.e. everyone)

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

      Hope you moved captain to messi

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

        I would if I could.

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

          Oh right you have the second best player in the world

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

            😕 😀

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

    karnezis was a huge disappointment last game........1 pt............ time for MBOLHI!!

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

      At least you have an option b 🙁

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

      I think I'm also backing the beard now...

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  10. Blue Lion
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Damn 45 minutes and 14 points..should have captained Messi!

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

      You'd have to been a bit nuts taking it off Neymar (I presume you have him). At least you have Messi. Last week I took it off Messi as his 10 points weren't good enough. Ended up on Bentaleb in the end. Gutted.

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  11. LSONG
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    So are Valveuna and Evra a lock to be rested? I have both and actually don't have a replacement for Evra, sucks.

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

    That smug fat git in the XBOX One ad is so damn annoying.

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

        I'd so like to punch that face.

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

          He's in character as Jesse Pinkman from BB. I don't think he's really a dick.

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  13. tm245
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Higuain has 2 pts in case any of you were concerned.

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

      🙁

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

      that guy is doing my knob in. Sick of him.

      I don't know who i'd like to fantasy-punch in the face more, him or Lukaku.

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

        My other strikers are Suarez Balotelli Bony. Sickening.

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

          wow. You really went full differential didn't you?!

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

        Messi Captain pal?

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

          yeah. Thank god he's turning it on now - I own Neymar and put the armband on Alves on MD1.

          How are you getting on?

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

            I'm hiding behind the couch 🙁

            All my players being rested, ouch!

            Does Jogo have Messi or Higuain?

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

              "errr..." - As his team captain, I'll go with "...it would be irresponsible to hand out that sort of information"

              (rather than "I don't have a clue")

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    3. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      who?

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

    @Evs, do you have McMessi?

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  15. The Sarjeant
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    @OfficialFOXES: BREAKING: #lcfc manager Nigel Pearson has signed a new three-year contract. #PearsonLCFC

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

      Leicester trying to take messi back page

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

      just means he gets more money when he gets sacked at Christmas when Leicster are bottom

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  16. Saniul
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Oh well, it is cute that Messi is on 14 points, but people who are so pissed that they didn't move it from Neymar must realise that he was on 13 at HT, as well.

    Messi could well end on 16 or 17, for all we know.

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

    Higuain is gong to turn up this half and score a couple

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

      Assisted by Angel hopefully

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

        would be a dream come true.

        Not gonna happen though!

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

    heydari coming in

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

      shojae subbed for him

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    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I have CR7 to come in for him(hopefully) if he doesn't perform

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

    Does every player talk behind their hand now
    Reminds me of joe pesci in casino

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  20. Sweetpea
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    aNY DECENT BETS THIS EVENING?

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

      wHAT?

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

        Any decent bets, he/she said so they did

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

    2-2

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  22. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    MUSAAAAAAAAAAA

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

    Musa 2-2 Messi

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  24. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Errr what just happened? 😯

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

    Oh my

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  26. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Argentina's defence is good

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  27. tm245
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Don't anger Messi.

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

    (Checks Musa's price...)

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