634x258 Dugout Discussion
26 June 2014 3877 comments
Paul Paul
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We reach the end of the group stages of Brazil 2014 this evening as the last 16 match-ups are finalised. Group G gets us up and running at 5pm and with all four of the teams still in with a shout of progressing, Fantasy managers will be hoping there’s less chance of rest and rotation. Germany face up to USA and Portugal square up to a Ghana side devoid of Kevin Prince-Boateng and Sulley Muntari after both players were sent home for disciplinary reasons earlier today:

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Howedes; Lahm, Kroos, Schweinsteiger; Ozil, Muller, Podolski

USA: Howard; Johnson, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley; Jones, Beckerman; Davis, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

Joachim Low makes a couple of changes from the side that drew with Ghana. The Germany manager brings in Bastian Schweinsteiger for Sami Khedira in the centre of the park, while Lukas Podolski comes in for Mario Gotze in the front three. Thomas Muller owners will be looking for more of the same, after the Bayern man notched three goals and an assist in the opening couple of matches, whilst those holding Mesut Ozil will be desperate for an improvement after a couple of patchy displays so far.

Jurgen Klinsmann also makes two alterations as he attempts to get the better of his native country. Omar Gonzalez replaces Geoff Cameron in central defence, whilst Brad Davis gets the nod ahead of Alejandro Bedoya on the right flank – Clint Dempsey is looking to score for the third successive match, though the likes of Michael Bradley and Graham Zusi also offer a threat from the attacking midfield positions.

Portugal: Beto; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Veloso; W Carvalho, Moutinho, Amorim; Nani, Eder, Ronaldo

Ghana: Dauda; Afful, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah; Rabiu, Agyemang-Badu; Atsu, Waris, A Ayew; Gyan

Paulo Bento welcomes Pepe back from suspension for the vital game with Ghana, as Ricardo Costa drops out to accommodate the Real Madrid man at centre-half. The Portugal boss makes three further changes, drafting in William Carvalho, Ruben Amorim and Eder for Andre Almeida, Raul Meireles and Helder Postiga – the former two look set to be installed in the middle, with Miguel Veloso shifting to left-back. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, though, as he looks to get his goal account finally up and running and fire his side into the last 16.

Prince-Boateng and Muntari’s omissions are the only two changes from Kwesi Appiah after a very encouraging draw with Germany. Udinese player Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu comes into the double-pivot to replace Muntari, whilst the highly-rated Abdul Majeed Waris is tucked in behind Asaomoah Gyan up top. Andrew Ayew, with a goal in both group games so far, looks the major threat for the Africans once again.

Later on, Belgium go head-to-head with South Korea as Marc Wilmots’ side look to end the group stages with a 100% record. Bearing in mind they’re already through, though, there’s a fear that we could see a number of changes from the Europeans in this one, with Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne owners hoping they’ll keep their places in the starting XI. Up top, Wilmots may well omit Romelu Lukaku from his line-up after subbing off the Chelsea man in each of the first two games, whilst at the back, Belgium are set to be without both Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen through injury.

Those defensive concerns will afford the Koreans optimism and with three goals in their first two matches, they present a definite threat to Thibaut Courtois’ clean sheet prospects. The highly-rated Son Heung-min grabbed his first of the tournament in Matchday 2 and, having netted 10 times for Leverkusen in the previous Bundesliga campaign, carries the main threat for Hon Myung-bo’s side.

Despite scoring once and picking up a single point in their opening two matches, Russia are still in with a shout of making the last 16. A win against Algeria, coupled with a Belgian triumph over South Korean, will take Fabio Capello’s side through – Alexander Kokorin looks their best chance of netting, though Alexander Kerzhakov will be hoping for his first start after climbing off the bench in the first pair of fixtures.

After an emphatic 4-2 win over South Korea, Vahid Halilhodzic’s side will approach this one with little fear. Islam Slimani, Abdelmoumene Djabou and Sofiane Feghouli have all served up a goal and assist in the first two fixtures and will fancy their chances of picking up further returns against an unconvincing backline that has been breached in both their opening matches.

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  1. Gubbins94.
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Delighted for Algeria. Massively under rated. Had them at 10/1 to finish behind Belgium.

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  2. Shels
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    6 put for kombarov 8, kept pogba and benteleb got 8 so mheff!!

    russia need to sack capello

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  3. Shels
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    123 points for me this time round

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  4. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Kombarov my only player not going thru on FOX game
    And I get unlimited transfers duh smacks head

    Keep DiMaria because hes class and bound to come thru or bottle the bitch

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  5. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Belgium CS points for defender added yet?

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    1. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      yep, Vertonghen on 15 points!

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  6. Zep
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    111pts in Fox 😯

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    1. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      i did Vertonghen out > Aurier In in Fox.... 🙁 just 79

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    2. Blue Lion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      wow!!way to go zep!

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      1. Blue Lion
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        i could reach only reach 98..dammit ..wish i had Shaqiri!

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  7. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    102 for the round 🙁

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  8. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    McD points check.

    120 for me.

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    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      119

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    2. bunnyrampage
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Same. 120.

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    3. Stat virgin
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      No players below 8 for me! 136

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      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        You only sing when your winning, you only sin....... 🙂

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        1. Stat virgin
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Wanted no players below 6 in FPL for ages, this will have to do

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    4. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      140. True captain score when it was needed most. If we don't get through with that...

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    5. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      136

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    6. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      130, my squad starting to gel just before I rip it up and start again 🙂

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  9. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Which one of these would you pick for The Sun game? (No assists)

    A - Dempsey
    B - Cuardardo
    C - Shaqiri
    D - Mertens

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    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    2. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Cuadrado (penos) 😉

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      1. Konig Luther
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        because J(R)ames was out

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  10. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    What are we supposed to do tomorrow?

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Celebrate the Luke Shaw signing.

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        good call

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    2. Zombie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I am gonna sleep properly after 2 weeks

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    3. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Sleep and catch up on laundry 🙂

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    4. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      RMT

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  11. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    150 with 4 still to play. Any good?

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    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Id stick

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  12. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Go with Karnezis or Navas as a GK pick in Fox?

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  13. thermogimp
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    142 this week. Shaqiri killed it for me. Too bad I only had 96 last week.

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  14. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Not having JRod in fantasy has been my biggest mistake.

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Having him has been my biggest success!

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  15. GlasgowFF
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Who are the must haves for the quarters?

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Messi Neymar JRod the only must haves imo.

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      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        are you still no.1 SW ?

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    2. GREENDREAMS11
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      pounder & pounder with cheese. 😉

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  16. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I don't think that I have been this happy in a World Cup since 1990. ALLEZ LES FENTECS!

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      🙂

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        😀

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        1. Heydudes13
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          I'm so pleased for the Algerians. And the fact it was Capello too. 😆

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            +42! See below! 😀

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  17. BantamPhil
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Still no Medjani blocked shot points... F you Ronald

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  18. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Kinda wish I hadn't done fantasy for the WC now 😐
    I always say I won't get too involved, but I always do, and it ends up ruining the joy of the actual brilliant football in the tournament.

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Guess I can play for match day prize! Well out of the running for overall! 🙂

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I am so glad I didn't do WC fantasy. This WC has been amazing, and no Fantasy has meant I can enjoy every second with worrying about line-ups or assists or why I didn't pick a certain player

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    3. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I find it makes the crap games more exciting and worth watching but can ruin the big games if you focus too much on your defenders recovered balls etc rather than what is actually happening

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  19. President John F. Keninnsie
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A nervous wait for Team Chile as we await the result of our match against the Netherlands to see if we'll progress to the next round...

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    1. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Any word from snake juice? Surely 130 is enough

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Haven't heard from him but 130 is awesome! I'm hoping picking Mesbah over Bentaleb doesn't cost me...

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        1. Amateur Pundit Zan
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          You had a 17 pt lead, don't think nabil had vertonghan...surely enough even with those 4 pts

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          1. President John F. Keninnsie
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Nah it was a 7 pt lead. I had Mesbah, Kombarov and Muller so I should be fine. Finished on 122.

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            1. Amateur Pundit Zan
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Check chile page, I think Gts updated his spreadsheet after group g to be 17pts going into final games

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              1. President John F. Keninnsie
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                Ahh I see. Looks like we've won! 😀

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  20. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I started tonight with 75 points. Amazeballs!

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      And how many did you finish on?

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        107. Captain.

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        1. Parm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Decent, we may have a chance, then.

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          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            I got 119pts

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            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Well done, Sir! 🙁

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              1. Ginkapo FPL
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                Cheers, not too bad yourself

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        2. Beavis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          119 for me. No idea how we've done against Uruguay though!

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Blimey. Fecking good, mate. Top man! 🙂

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

            We'll have to wait and see, finished on 122 myself.

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            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Wow - well done, Parm. Looks like I've lost. Sorry. 🙁

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            2. Ginkapo FPL
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Optimus has always been a strong finisher, but that is a good score.

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            3. Reedy
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              They might still be updating, but right now it looks like we've lost 🙁

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              1. Reedy
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                I finished on 106 btw

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                1. Ginkapo FPL
                  • 14 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  Then Bonz, Evs and I have all won unless GB has outscored125 which is unlikely.

                  Commiserations.

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                  1. Reedy
                    • 15 Years
                    11 years, 5 months ago

                    Well played monkey!

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                  2. Beavis
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    11 years, 5 months ago

                    Well played lads, congrats!

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                  3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 16 Years
                    11 years, 5 months ago

                    Well played. Bar stewards.

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          3. Evs
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            I hit 125pts.

            Damn you KDB.

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            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Hi-Five!

              Think we've got another victory in that case.

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              1. Evs
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                BonZ seems to think so, but I'm not sure who hit what.

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  21. Tomlette Greggs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    does anybody know how many points Vertonghen scored?

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Quite a lot I'd imagine, ~17

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    2. AWOL-Ekotto
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      15

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  22. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Brilliant performance from FFSers, the scores being posted are amazing!
    I am doing crap, thanks for asking.

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Then just become a member of #TeamSW6

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      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Would be brilliant if he wins it, I saw your e mail, very nice sentiment!

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

      What's your verdict on the Suarez punishment RCA?

      Has justice been served in your opinion?

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      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I will plead the 5th on that one.

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  23. Holy See
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Capello has blamed all their referees. Roight.

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    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Awful interview.

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      1. Djerbil
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        what the hell He is on about??

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        1. Holy See
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          The words plot & lost spring to mind. Crapello.

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      And that's another delight!!! 😀

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  24. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    might have lost my FFS UEFS h2h 131-130

    Wtf!!

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  25. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Capello is shouting on the mic

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  26. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Why do SSN keep posting a pic of Suarez and Chiellini with the Italian in a white shirt? Obviously not the same game, but he does look like he's about to take a bite 🙂

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    1. Somalion
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Ah separate incident where he tried the same thing apparently.

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  27. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Netherlands the top scorers in the World Cup group stages with 10 goals. with the 3rd lowest Possession at 38%

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  28. The 12th Man
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    128 here

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Don't press that button

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      1. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        The Dooms Day Machine!

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  29. Saint Domingo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    FAO Germany players in FFSWC

    Anyone know what score Richter(cazzie) finished on for this Gw.?

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Depends who he brought on. He was on 118 before this evening and had 2 spots free with Bentaleb, Kombarov, De Bruyne, Medjani, Djabou all on his bench

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      1. The Shadow
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Congratulations on a amazing all around performance by Team Germany this round. How did we do on our unofficial captain v captain battle? I ended on 133.

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        1. SW6
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks Shadow. Finished on 132..

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    2. The Shadow
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Looks like 133 but it may take a while to completely update.

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      1. Werkself
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        135

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  30. Camp No No
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Camzy, are you around? We may have a close battle in our H2H.

    My last day subs in, Verthongen, Bentaleb and Slimani, got me to 136 points despite having just 1 point from my injured GK! Don't say you ruin my day by outscoring that.

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Camzy only comes around when he is doing well so my money is on you

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      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Great! Team Iran through in that case!

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        1. The Missing Link
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Team iran and nigeria get through then!! 😀 our one bloke over came a 11 point defecit to clinch it by 3 points for us!!

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          1. chicrah
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Lucky bloke.. We were leading up til half time of the last match.

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            1. The Missing Link
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              I only finished 15 off you in the end, vertoghen gave me hope! Yeah unlucky, in the end it came down to who played who, complete luck to be honest. Well played though mate:)

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