Dugout Discussion
13 June 2016 1868 comments
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Monday’s final Euro 2016 tie sees Fifa’s second highest ranked side Belgium square up to 2012 Euros finalist Italy.

Both sides come into the match in confident mood having topped their qualifying groups and ending their pre-tournament friendly preparations unbeaten. While Belgium defeated Norway 3-2 and drew 1-1 with Finland, Italy recorded wins against Scotland and Finland.

Marc Wilmots’ team are set to rely heavily on Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who created more chances than any other player during qualification. Along with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard he was also the Red Devils’ top scorer in qualifying with five goals.

Antonio Conte’s Italy were one of only four sides, alongside England, Austria and Romania, to be undefeated in qualifying. They did this despite not having a regular goal scorer, with Southampton striker Graziano Pelle the Azzuri’s top scorer in qualifying with just three goals.

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  1. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Feeling like playing a 5-4-1 after these first few games

    1. Jay_
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Will be a different story in the next round of fixtures, nobody wants to lose their first game, now the teams on 0 points will come out and have to go for the win. Should see more open games.

  2. Slam
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Looks like Junuzovic and Dragovic are my last hopes...

  3. Slam
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    How's 53 with 2 to go looking like around these parts?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Tasty, but not amazing. 🙂

      1. Slam
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        That's alright, I feel robbed doing De Gea -> Casillas minutes before deadline, the stupid press 😀 🙁

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I hope its enough to beat Belgium 😉 😉

      1. Slam
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        We are up against a very difficult opponent it seems...

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Indeed 🙁

    3. KingNidge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Who are the 2?

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Look above the post ^

        1. KingNidge
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Oh i think anyone without Ronnie tomorrow could fell a bit of a sting

          1. Jazz!
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            🙁

    4. tm245
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Slamdog and Jazz, let me know your thoughts on whether I should stick or twist with Zlatan. Have a good feeling about Alaba tomorrow.

      1. Slam
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I would definitely twist TM,
        You are risking 3 points for what could be a riot for Austria tomorrow

      2. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Follow your gut definitely imo. If you have a good feeling about Alaba, pursue that route and hand him the armband!

      3. tm245
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Done.

        1. Slam
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Awesome, good luck

  4. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Well, well, well. .Italy turn up for a tournament....again. Looking good.

  5. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Chadli: its a shame he was not called, no? think the fact he is bench w/ spurs major issue. granted he has not been the same after his dad passed away, but still, worthy to have in bench imo.

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

      Agreed. I forgot about him.

  6. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    German, Spanish, and Italian defenses have looked solid at one end and weak at the other. Considering on loading up on their assets.

  7. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Buffon woke up from his nap

  8. TJ_777
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    After all these games seems likes a strong defense with good subs is the most assured way of getting consistent points. Is it too early to speculate that?

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Always good to have a couple of solid defenders. But round 1 games are frequently low scoring.

  9. Woy of the Wovers
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    My earlier predictions for 1-0, 1-1, 1-1 doing far better than I would have expected.

  10. George Sillett
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    This game would have been enjoyable if KDB wasn't another captain fail on it's way

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      All 11 Belgians are a fail, at this point of time.

  11. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    CAPTs so far...
    Gru 10pts > Alli 4pts > Juanfran 12pts... Bit of a rollercoaster so far... Slight increase in points from day one...

    But with Alaba & CR7 to go.... I've gotta twist captain again haven't i????

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

    Get Fellaini off and Dembele on

  13. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Belgium - a collection of brilliant players with no team spirit 😕

    1. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      And one missing from the village in charge.

    2. Syd.
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      *2 Brilliant

  14. Rolls-Royce
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    The Italians move the ball really well.

  15. Play Pal
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Belgium have fantastic individual players, where does the blame lie for their lack of success?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      They have 1 brilliant player, one very good player, and the rest are average.

        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        This is a ridiculous statement.

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Lukaku awful movement, Witsel average, Naing is an average technician, rubbish full backs, one good centre back, and a good keeper out of form.

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            So which of De Bruyne and Hazard is Brilliant, and which is average?

            Think before you spout rubbish.

            1. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              'One brilliant, one very good.'

              Learn to read before you start throwing crap.

              1. Ginkapo FPL
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                "one good centre back"

                If you want to call someone an idiot, know your facts.

                1. Wilshere Knowledge
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 1 month ago

                  Vert plays left back, the other is Verm.

                  I'm going to ignore you now.

              2. Ayew Serious
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                "They have 1 brilliant player, one very good player, and the rest are average."

                "Lukaku awful movement, Witsel average, Naing is an average technician, rubbish full backs, one good centre back, and a good keeper out of form."

                You've contradicted yourself many times in these two posts. So why don't you take a look at yourself before accusing Ginakpo of "throwing crap" when he asked a simple question.

                Thank you

                1. Ginkapo FPL
                  • 14 Years
                  10 years, 1 month ago

                  It wasnt a simple question, it was a polite opportunity to admit that he was being foolish. He chose not to take it.

                2. Wilshere Knowledge
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 1 month ago

                  I said one is brilliant and one is very good. He then said the logical conclusion is that one of them is average. Which was wrong.

                  Being just good is average at international level.

                  He was rude, and has somehow taken offence from me. And has continued to throw insults.

                  I no longer wish to interact with such a person.

          2. Jazz!
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Alderwerield and Vertonghen are both great centre backs. Lukaku just needs to be managed properly. Nainggolan is a brilliant player, imo.

            1. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Toby is good, but not a top 10 centre back. Vertongen play left back. Nainggolan is just legs. He even said himself he runs around to let better players play the football. (Pjanic)

            • 10 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Agree on Lukaku and Witsel. Nainggolan is a beast, such a hard working player and far better and more important for Roma than Pjanic last season. He is class. Vertonghen and Toby - one of the best CB pairings in Europe last season. Hazard and De Bruyne are both world class players and would be first choice in any team in the world. Courtois is a top, top keeper. Not one of the best, yet, but he is definitely better than "average"

      1. Slam
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Courtois? Alderweireld? Nainggolan?

    2. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Their problems begin with F:

      Fullbacks
      Fellaini

        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Fwilmots

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

        Forwards

        1. Knowledgeable meerkat
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Waiting for someone to comment "football"...

    3. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Well tonight maybe it's the fact that they've underestimated Italy...but then haven't we all.

      1. KingNidge
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yes we do time and time again.. silly really

    4. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Wilmots, I think 99% in Belgium will agree with me

  16. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Italy looking good. Would look even better with someone other than Pelle up front.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      baggio

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

        Rossi

  17. Slam
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Think I might use my FT to get rid of Zlatan next round, the Italians will be difficult to break down.
    Any suggestions on who to get?

    1. Jay_
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Teams that need 2 wins, Kane, even Lukaku if BEL lose this.

      1. Slam
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Good idea, cheers Jay

  18. Jay_
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Two x2 pointers out for Dragovic and Alaba is definite for me.

    But would you lose a 2 pointer for Guerriero? I'm thinking might aswell.

  19. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Conti scratches Lukaku off the shopping list

  20. Red Devil Swede
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bonucci (c) could be decent here..

  21. 420king
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Looks like my bench tomorrow will be filled with captains...Kane, Müller and KDB

  22. tm245
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    To all Ronaldo owners, yes you should captain him.

  23. Saf10
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on making either Almer, Siggy or Junuzovic captain? From Zlatan..

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

      Siggy was a tough omission for me from my final squad.

      1. Saf10
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Think Siggy could be in with the points tomo. My midfield 3 was Alli, Dzemaili and Perisic.

        So thinking to change Alli - Siggy and Dzemaili - Junuzovic.

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

    It's simple

    Fellaini + Nainngolan ------> Dembele + Carrasco

    Move KDB in the centre where he should be

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Witsel instead of Naingolan, slows the game down sooo much

  25. Je suis le chat
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Kdb giving the ball away too cheaply as usual. Interesting to see what Pep does with him.

  26. RoyaleBlue
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone want to buy Lukaku off us? He got lots of goals last season I promise he's good

  27. VS10_
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Trollkaku lol

    1. RoyaleBlue
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      ^^^

  28. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    LOLkaku

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      😡

  29. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lolkaku

  30. KingNidge
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lolkaku

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      3rd