Dugout Discussion

Spain the Fantasy favourites against Ronaldo’s Portugal

A large portion of World Cup Fantasy managers are hoping that Spain will overcome their recent managerial sideshow and beat Portugal tonight.

Coach Julen Lopetegui was dismissed by the nation’s football federation earlier this week and was replaced by Fernando Hierro, casting doubt on whether they will live up to their potential in Russia.

But 21 percent of McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy managers were undeterred by Spain’s problematic build-up to the tournament, and opted to sign goalkeeper David De Gea (£6.5m) for Gameround 1.

Even though Spain’s defence is going up against Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.0m) in Sochi, a further 20 percent have backed his Real Madrid colleague Sergio Ramos (£6.5m). Jordi Alba (£6.5m), Gerard Pique (£6.0m) and Dani Carvajal (£5.5m) were chosen by six percent too.

Ronaldo himself, the joint-third most expensive player in the game, sits in just eight percent of squads ahead of the big match, but is the most popular forward for the encounter.

All but one of Spain’s forwards are registering zero percent ownership, with Diego Costa (£9.0m) on one. That supposedly un-owned contingent includes David Silva (£9.5m) who was perhaps controversially not classified as a midfielder.

There is still plenty of interest in Spain’s attacking players, though. The modestly priced Isco (£8.5m) is in 21 percent of squads while Marco Asensio (£6.0m) has 12 percent ownership.

Differentials in Portugal’s squad include Bernardo Silva (£8.0m) and Pepe (£6.0m), who both have three percent ownership for the match.

STARTING LINE-UPS

PORTUGAL (4-4-2): Rui Patricio; Guerreiro, Fonte, Pepe, Cedric; Moutinho, Carvalho, Fernandes, B Silva; Guedes, Ronaldo.

SPAIN (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Alba, Ramos, Pique, Nacho; Koke, Busquets; Iniesta, Isco, D Silva, D Costa.

754 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Without doubt the 2nd best player of all time!

    A good nights work from Ronaldo.

    1. McNulty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Guy Demel?

  2. Louis_Sans_Balls
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Spain were the better side. They were unlucky

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Thats just how the cookie crumbles.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Possession isn't everything.

    3. St. Joseph
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      We have to admit that ronaldo is a pure class. Champion mentality.
      Created something from nothing.

      1. Louis_Sans_Balls
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        It was a good free kick

  3. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Well captain rotation and fixture difficulty has proved a nonsense. Ronaldo and Costa was the answer playing not just on the same day but in the same match against tough opponents.

    Plenty of wasted ink on that nonsense...again...

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      fixtures smixtures. Just pick the good players. 🙁

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        Fall into the same trap every time...

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 day ago

          Aye, I think we all do it. We forget that the WC is a different beast to FPL.

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Its about maximising your chances to get returns though. So it was the logical approach to keep away from them this matchday.

    3. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Lets wait for all other teams to play then we can give conclusion/judgement.

      1. Mysterion
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        Don't bring logic into this...

  4. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    It's times like this I'm glad I didn't participate in WC fantasy football, as I can just appreciate the match and the Ronaldo hattrick for what it was, without the horror of knowing taht I spent 2 weeks picking my team and didn't pick Ronaldo

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Very true.

    2. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      I think plenty of us are in your boat, but also enjoyed the joy of a Uruguay clean sheet.

    3. mir
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Wish I did that.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        Just stop playing innit.

        1. mir
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 1 day ago

          Can't. Mates and work called me out as reigning champ. Too competitive to say no.

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 day ago

            I'll take over for you.

    4. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Golovin got me a goal and two assists for half the price. I still dont see why I want Ronaldo...

      1. Godfather Bandit 42
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        I keep telling myself that as well.
        Sounds moe convincing when you say it....

    5. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Right job.

    6. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      I am participating in it and still enjoyed the hatrick. It's how you perceive this fantasy games, after all we only have 1 winner out of the millions who play. So enjoy the game and stop taking it like you are going to win every fantasy game you play.

  5. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    If they don’t update the FUT WC mode with some new commentary lines I will go crazy. Same drivel over and over and over.

  6. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Its not Ronaldo I want to get into my team after that game...

    1. mir
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Isco?

    2. Meinhoff
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      De Gea?

    3. willl
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Costa?

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        Yup

        1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 day ago

          Not scared he will see red Gink?

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 day ago

            Not really, sure its a possibility, but Spain kept trying to use him in every attack which is really encouraging. Too often Spain have bypassed their frontman so I wasnt willing to pick him up from the start. The mids will share the point, he will be a focal point imo.

            Ronaldo may get bored once 1-0 up against Iran and Morroco imo.

            1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 day ago

              He played very well but I just have this nagging doubt his temperament will pop it’s head up again... good luck

    4. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Attention seeking post. Why else would you not just say in the initial comment? Stop pandering to this idiot

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        Its called having a conversation. It involves back and forth.

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 day ago

          Tbf, the other three comments gave some forth but you never replied back to them

          1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 day ago

            Well now I just look like a fool 😛

          2. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 day ago

            By asking a question we have four different views presented creating an interesting debate.

            We also have a troll getting upset, but hey cant win them all.

            I could just post:

            "Lewandowski to Costa good for a free transfer?" and enjoy everyone yawning as they fall asleep. The joy gets sucked out of this site as loads stop engaging in good natured discourse but instead restrict themselves to shouting into the wind.

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 day ago

              The guy who responded De Gea was probably trolling too, let's be real. Aside from that, fair enough. I get what your going for.

              1. Ginkapo FPL
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 1 day ago

                At least Meinhoff was amusing. I smiled at his comment. Thats not trolling, thats humour. Humour shouldnt be banned.

                1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 1 day ago

                  Trolling often is humour. Otherwise what is Jafooli?

                  1. Ginkapo FPL
                    • 12 Years
                    6 years, 1 day ago

                    Good trolling is humourous, such as Jafooli, Epic and Optimus do mostly. But not all trolling is humourous, some are just jerks.

                    1. Nascimento
                      • 8 Years
                      6 years, 1 day ago

                      your little witch hunt is a bit bizzare. I've been on this site for over 5 years and never been accused of trolling before. I've seen 6 posts from you in that time and 5 of them accuse me of trolling. Hope all's OK in your life.

                      1. Nascimento
                        • 8 Years
                        6 years, 1 day ago

                        Do agree that Epic, Jafooli and Optimus are all great posters though and very funny!

  7. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Anyone know how I make subs and change my cap Asensio didn't play I had hegazi and Hamed I want to swap them to the bench bring on my Belgium players

    1. Shels
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Short while after update

    2. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Cheers

  8. WE ARE RANGERS
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Thats me out, i will play my Maccy D wildcard for fun next GW.
    But no Ronaldo or Costa or Golovin so no top 1k finish

    1. willl
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Lol theres loads of games left, so reactionary.

      1. WE ARE RANGERS
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        Yes there is but the winner of this comp has Ronaldo

      2. WE ARE RANGERS
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        If you want to be top 1% you need to have Ronaldo, Costa or Golovin or at least two of them, peoplke have 70 points right now, I have like 5 LOL yourself

  9. Godfather Bandit 42
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    The difference was Costa offee.....

  10. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Don’t know who I’d lose from Cavani jesus lukaku to get in Ron/Messi...

    Be interesting to see how the latter 2 of my 3 and Messi perform this first week

    1. Meinhoff
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Cavani vs Saudi Arabia
      Lukaku vs Tunisia
      Jesus vs Costarica

      I'd be keeping all three.

      1. UNDERSCORE
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        There is hope...i can feel the uplifting background score....slow motion...points galore

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Jesus

  11. the snazzy viking
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Ronaldo what a guy

    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      god i hate him, but wow he's just such a brilliant player. that free kick, it just seemed destined he'd score it

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        It's weird how one magical free kick means we all forget all the previous shite ones that he has taken.

        1. the axolotl
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 day ago

          45 in a row apparently of missed free kicks. yet still....

  12. Norman Conquest
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Put him on a plane bring him home from Spain viva Ronaldo viva Ronaldo

  13. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Anyway...

    Absolutely outstanding football. Silva! Inniesta, Isco and co are just magic men whilst Ronaldo and co can teach everybody a lesson in counter attacking.

    Top stuff.

  14. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    How many times can you change the captain midweek?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      One captain per day.

    2. UNDERSCORE
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      infinite bcos betwen game days u can change as many times as you wish

  15. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Ronaldo captainers, are you ready for my Aguero(c) scoring five goals tomorrow?

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Yes bring it on.

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      The 5 I mean. I'm not a Ronaldo captainer

  16. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Ronaldo finally decides after missing about 200 free kicks attempts to hit the ball with the inside of his boot and curl it into the top corner, instead of blasting it off the top of his boot trying to get it up and over the wall, which worked about 5 times out of 100 attempts 🙂

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      That free kick was Drogba like. He was a good at that technique

  17. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    There is always a lot of debate about what truly marks out a World Class player and people often cite how many trophies someone has won as an indicator. For me however one of the main things is to gauge just how much influence someone can have on a team that would otherwise never be able to perform to the same level without that person pulling the strings for them (a perfect example is Maradona's influence on both the Argentina and Roma teams he inspired to amazing achievements).

    The influence Ronaldo has on Portugal is equally impressive and has got to be admired..

    1. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      I like the way he yanks his shorts up and starts panting every time he takes a set piece

      1. The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        That's the other mark of a truly great player.

    2. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      gareth bale at wales has a similar impact. maradona probably did this more than anyone else i think (for napoli and not roma of course 😉 )
      argentina team of 1986 really wasn't that good, but he was just awesome, and that was a time when defenders tried to kill people

  18. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    I didn't realise how shite Morocco were until I watched them

  19. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Going to try and watch all match day 1 games and then pick my team based on what i have seen. That would make my picks much much easier that MD1.

  20. 420king
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Quick tip: Don't bench players who got 1+ points yet. (i.e. Lukaku in for Cavani).

    Wait until the day player on the bench actually plays before making subs, because it's quite possible some players will get 0 or negative points and you'll want to bench them instead.

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Right, we go day by day changing and chopping our first 11 😛

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      can you wait till everyone has played and then do all the subs on the last day?

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        yeah, that's why you should bench those that play the last.

      2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        Can only sub on players who haven't played yet though

        1. 420king
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 day ago

          right, misunderstood the question

  21. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    captain Mezza or Eriksen?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      Do you really have to ask that

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 day ago

        haha I've got caught up in the Mezza hype and didn't know if he was a decent pick!

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 day ago

          Google his stats - that will answer your question. The hype is/was because of his prics

  22. NEW POST
  23. Back on the horse
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    Great group game - you'd be happy with that as a semi. But... Spain should have won that - DDG lost it for them.

  24. The Cherry Picker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 day ago

    How did Ronaldo end on 16 points not 14?

    1. willl
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 day ago

      won the pen