634x258 Dugout Discussion
29 June 2014 3432 comments
Paul Paul
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Sunday evening brings us another couple of World Cup fixtures to focus on after the knockout stages got underway last night. Louis Van Gaal’s free-scoring Holland are bidding to join Brazil and Colombia for a place in the last eight but face a tough task in the 5pm kick-off – opponents Mexico conceded just once in the group stages and have already stopped Neymar and co from finding the net:

Holland: Cillessen; Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind; Verhaegh, De Jong, Wijnaldum Kuyt; Sneijder; Van Persie, Robben,

Mexico: Ochoa; Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno, Layun; Herrera, Salcido, Guardado; Dos Santos, Peralta,

The Dutch welcome back Robin Van Persie from suspension after their skipper served a one-match ban against Chile in the previous match. Van Persie is one of only two changes to the XI that beat the South Americans, with Paul Verhaegh replacing Daryl Janmaat on the right of the midfield four – Dirk Kuyt keeps his place on the opposite flank, with Daley Blind utilised in the back-three once again by Van Gaal. The United striker will be hoping to continue the form that has seen him score in both his appearances thus far, whilst Arjen Robben owners will also have high expectations after the Bayern man served up three goals and an assist over the group stages.

Mexico make just one enforced alteration from the side that won 3-1 against Croatia in the final match of Group A, with former Fulham man Carlos Salcido handed his first start of the tournament. Up front, Giovanni dos Santos will be desperate to open his account for the campaign, whilst his fellow forward Oribe Peralta – along with skipper Rafael Marquez – has already chipped in with a goal and assist over the opening three fixtures.

Later this evening, Costa Rica and Greece go head-to-head after both sides exceeded our expectations to reach the last 16. Jorge Luiz Pinto’s side cannot be underestimated after topping the so-called “Group of Death”, with wins over Uruguay and Italy underpinned by a defensive resilience that has served up two clean sheets in three matches. Pinto is understandably expected to keep faith in a 5-4-1 formation, with Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell carrying the main threat further up the pitch.

Despite a last-gasp win over Ivory Coast, Greece have failed to impress. That 2-1 triumph was the only time Fernando Santos’ side found the net in the group stages and, even then, they had to rely upon defensive mistakes from the Africans to make a breakthrough. With a converted spot-kick and assist to his name, Giorgos Samaras has been the main up top for the Greeks – once again, we can expect Santos’ side to keep it tight at the back and look for a goal on the counter.

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  1. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    If the game is 0-0 after 90 mins, but then Netherlands concede in extra-time will Dutch defenders get a clean sheet?

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    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Nope in McD's

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      1. Dynamic
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Thought not. Thanks.

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  2. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Cillessen saves points just about the worth of a CS now

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  3. Declan
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Should've Cillessen(C)

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

    This could go to penos....

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

    Nice try Robben...

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      It should have been a pen.

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    2. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      he didn't try

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    3. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      -1

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    4. KOKAK
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Get your eyes fixed or watch the slow motion over and over again!

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

        F off

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    5. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      In Fifa Las Vegas' defence while this was a penalty, you can see why people jump to the conclusion that he's diving about all the time.

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  6. Pilleri
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Mexico 4M defenders Rodriguez, Aguilar how many points at halftime? Anyone?

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  7. Koflok
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    How many Cilessen save has there been? Only 3?

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    1. 4vets
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Yup

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  8. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Blatent pen

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

      Lol

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      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Are we watching the same game?

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

          Yes, that wasn't a pen

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          1. 4vets
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            It was.

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            1. Chu Young Ping Pong
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              No, it wasn't.

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          2. Bubz
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            You must be watching a different match. I'm talking about the Holland vs Mexico match.

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

              You're so funny! 😉 what the hell do you think I'm watching!?!?

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          3. Open Controls
            1. Fifa las vegas
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              -1

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  9. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    So so poor. Credit to Mexico for trying to entertain us.

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  10. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Ref made a big blunder there!

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

      Not really tbh

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        What!? Two or three fouls there!

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      2. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        You're on your own here!

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

          I know 🙂

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          1. KOKAK
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            cockeye.

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

              ??

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              1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Look at his posting history. He's a Utd fan from Thailand. Ignore him.

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  11. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Maybe it's problems with the half sun half shade but do Holland look more red than orange?

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  12. FPL Blues
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    That was a penalty

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

      Now come on!

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        It was a penalty. Contact made no ball won. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's because Robben didn't go down haha

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

          But he did in the end?

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          1. Werkself
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            because he was fouled?

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  13. Pilleri
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    OMG if Moreno is out, Netherlands can suddenly win this in 2nd half!

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    1. Pilleri
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I was expecting 0-0 and penalties

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  14. Declan
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Poor fella 🙁

    Cmon RVP (c) 😎

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  15. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Qatar World Cup will have water breaks at minutes 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85.

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

      😀

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    2. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Hopefully they dont get it, as I dont fancy a snore fest like this 🙁

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      1. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        xx

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      2. Shels
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I also hope it's not in qatar, besides the corruption "allegations" it's just not suitable

        if qatar can safley build lots of stadiums, indoor air conditioned ones then they can host it in 2026 or 2030 but not under current climate

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      3. Fray Bentos
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        It would be really terrible, wouldn't it? 🙁

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    3. Shels
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      what about sun lotion breaks?

      maybe they will let players were them arab hat yokes -_-

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    4. GunsnRoses
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      And since we have so many breaks the game is not going to end at 90 so it will continue as 90,95,100,105,110,115 and 120.

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    5. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Add in the advertisement revenue to those breaks and it's clear why Qatar was chosen by FIFA 😉

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    6. JT's Dog
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Wonder how they will get so many cheap paid water boys to do the job

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        1. Werkself
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          They'll import them.

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      • JJO
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        No half time?

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      • potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        water breaks? pah
        coca-cola are missing a trick .
        http://imgur.com/7N5QNPj

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

      I don't know why everyone is so convinced that was a penalty! 🙂 there was a small shout, but it was a minor touch, would've been cruel on Mexico give a penalty for that.

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        2 Mexicans kicked Robben without touching the ball - it should have been a penalty.

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      2. The Sarjeant
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        He took Robben out! Clear penalty.

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      3. Konig Luther
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        no pen for you ... because you don't have a fellow dutch man, right?

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

          Actually, I have Rvp!

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      4. iCon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        People with RVP - blatant pen
        People with Mexican defender - blatantly not a pen
        Everyone else - cold have gone either way!

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

          Tbh, I have no Mexican defender, and I have Rvp. 😀 (still not a pen though 😉 )

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          1. Konig Luther
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            i have a mexican defender, and dont have RVP and its penalty

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          2. iCon
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Well you're obviously drunk so 😉

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

              I don't drink, under age 😉

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      5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Should have gone to SpecSavers.

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      6. KOKAK
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Are you paid to make provocative remarks here? Seems like you are doing a great job, as there are many who reply, knowing that your remarks are rubbish! 😀

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    8. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      We had 4 mins of injury time, before that guy was injured for 2 mins...

      He only played 4 mins 30 seconds 🙁

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        We were robbed!

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      2. JT's Dog
          11 years, 7 months ago

          You wanted more of that crap

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        • Spike ⚽️
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Too much information

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      3. Saniul
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        That was a definite pen.
        The kick was the reason why Robben lost his footing, not the other way round.

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        1. Kostja
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          ball was gone though before he got hit

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          1. The Missing Link
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Ball was behind him, he messed it up before the tackle. No pen imo

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        2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Robben doesn't do himself any favours by throwing himself at the floor when no-one's near him all the time. That was a definite penalty though. I don't feel for him but I do feel for Holland.

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      4. Shels
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        if this is what every world cup match is gona be like in the heat im not even gona bother watching it in 2022 😉

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        1. Kostja
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          we gonna have 3 half times, like a basketball game

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      5. Pilleri
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Aguilar points so far?

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      6. Jafooli
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Awful half, any chance of getting our money back?

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      7. JT's Dog
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Cillissen showing point for save 80% rate
          That wasn't given in previous games was it?

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          1. Declan
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Nope, but I'll take it.

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          2. The Shadow
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            It has shown up before, but they then have disappeared by final scoring.

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            1. JT's Dog
                11 years, 7 months ago

                You would think they would tell the person typing what the final rules are

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          3. Siva Mohan
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            who is the injured Mexican?

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            1. The Sarjeant
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Hector Moreno.

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            2. The Missing Link
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Hector Morena

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            3. Siva Mohan
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Thank you.. was worried it was Layun

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          4. JJO
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Anyone else have Guardado?
            There is some serious bug with his points,he dont get recovered balls at all and I saw he got at least 1 in 1st half

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            1. Siva Mohan
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              SHOTS 0
              PASSES COMPLETED 12
              RECOVERED BALLS 0
              TACKLES 0
              SAVES 0

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            2. iCon
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              2RBs = 1 point

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            3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              He has got balls delivered into the penalty area. He hasn't recovered any.

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              1. JJO
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                What is actually RB?

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          5. FPL Daniel
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            5 3 2. Great call LvG. Can't wair to see defensive Man Utd

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

              No getting through 😎

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

                Rafael and Rvp the first on my team for next season!

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            2. Chu Young Ping Pong
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              😀

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              1. FPL Daniel
                • 16 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                I wondwr what the back 4 will look like and how much is Shaw gonna be?

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          6. jubileestreet
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            can someone explain "attemps rate>80%" and "saves rate>80%" to me.

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            1. JT's Dog
                11 years, 7 months ago

                If he saves 4 from 5 shots, I am assuming they need to be on target
                Forwards it is 4 from 5 on target

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            2. JT's Dog
                11 years, 7 months ago

                This round every Defender we pick is going to get double figures

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                1. The Missing Link
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  5-3-2 all day long

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                2. Konig Luther
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  you know my team ... i'm going with 5 defenders every time

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              • The Missing Link
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                The dutch are only going to get worse with this heat, its going to be awful.

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

                  Agree

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              • r0nh
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Dolly Parton has got massive knockers!!!

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

                  You see the shakira gif I got for you? 😉

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                  1. r0nh
                    • 14 Years
                    11 years, 7 months ago

                    No...

                    Link?

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                2. 4vets
                  • 15 Years
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  Big doors too....

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                  1. r0nh
                    • 14 Years
                    11 years, 7 months ago

                    Ewwww

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              • FPL Daniel
                • 16 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Lol @all Utd fans watching the game and cheering for Herrera hahahahahahahaha. Good signing they say 😛

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                1. Shels
                  • 11 Years
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  not that herrera, united signed the spanish herrera

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                2. Konig Luther
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  jrod will not be anymore in southampton after last night performance 😉

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