Dugout Discussion
16 June 2018 673 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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Argentina’s opening World Cup fixture against Iceland is all about Lionel Messi (£12.0m), even from a Fantasy perspective.

The Barcelona striker comes into the first match of Group D as the only player above 10 percent ownership.

He is the second most owned forward on McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy, and with good reason. In Argentina’s last six qualifying matches, he was the only one of their players to find the net.

Outside of Messi, on whom the team is very reliant, the next most popular asset is defender Nicolas Otamendi (£6.0m).

Five percent of Fantasy managers have taken interest in Willy Caballero (£5.0m), the number two goalkeeper who was promoted in light of Sergio Romero’s injury.

Argentina’s opponents Iceland have been completely written off from a Fantasy perspective with just three players considered for inclusion in squads.

Midfielders Emil Hallfredsson (£4.5m) and Samuel Fridjonsson (£4.5m) are on three and two percent ownership respectively, but both look like cost-saving signings given that they are not regular first-team players.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (£8.0m), involved in eight of Iceland’s goals during qualifying, is owned by one percent.

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  1. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Passes
    ARG 333
    ISL 70

    Yet its still 1-1

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Different ways to play football. As I said, Iceland recognise their limitations - they set up to nullify the opposition and then play long ball and set pieces football. I like it - makes the game more competitive. Rubbish watching teams lose 5-0 / 6-0.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        The height advantage plays to their strength as well.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Probably 75 percent of those passes from argentina were sideways

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

        Yeah, number of passes means jack schit.

    3. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      300 passes between CBs and back passes

      1. Zenith UK
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Otamendi forgetting there's no BAPs in WC FF.

  2. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Soggy

  3. SW6
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Surely that's a pen

    1. Fantastisk
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Looked it

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A shove, but a bit rough to a call a pen

    3. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Not a chance. (Assuming you me the body block of a follow up on the penalty spot).

  4. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Messi (c) fail

  5. EmreCan Hustle
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Messi looks frustrated, just like Suarez was in the first half.

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Good defending by Iceland.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Oh yeah. Very good. And they make the most of their attacking moves

  6. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Impressive from both teams. Really good.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Very entertaining 🙂

  7. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Iceland Croatia should be a good game

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

    Atrocious so far from Argentina. Mascherano and Biglia can’t transition effectively from defense to attack, leading Messi and Aguero to drop deep. Defense a horror show, especially Salvio (not surprising). Caballero giving me heart attacks. Not enough speed in attack, looking very lethargic. Thank God we have a striker that can bury the only chance he gets though.

    1. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero looked so clinical, very happy he got his WC goal. Too bad about the defence and mid though!

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

        They need to feed him, arguably the best striker at this tournament

    2. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      They're playing well but have just come up against a very good and solid big white brick wall. This is really good defending by Iceland.

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

        We expected this. But the passing has been so lethargic, making Iceland’s job a lot easier.

    3. phace
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Biglia has always been an absolute lump of a player.

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

        Can’t stand him, almost hate him as much as Higuain

    4. HamezMace
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Was thinking this about the Messi/Ronaldo debate.
      Usually people argue Messi plays in the better national team, based on qualifying, and recently friendlies, I’m not sure it’s that obvious anymore.

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

        Dunno why it's a debate. They are the best two players ever to play the game. End of debate.

        1. HamezMace
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yes I think that much everyone can agree on.
          But who’s the best will forever be debated.

          My point was that people say Argentina are better than Portugal, taking Messi and Ronaldo out of it. I’m saying I don’t think there’s much between them.

          1. SW6
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            It will forever be debated but there will never be an answer

            1. HamezMace
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Agreed on the individuals, my point was about the overall quality of their respective national teams

            2. Dr Dream
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Don't know why folk feel the need to name one better than the other...it's quite an odd thing to do really when you think about it.

              1. HamezMace
                • 12 Years
                8 years, 1 month ago

                It’s not that weird, people talk about who’s the greatest in all sports, Gretski, Ali, Lara, Federer etc

          2. Fantastisk
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Look at the FIFA national team rankings over the period the two have been playing.

            1. HamezMace
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Betting odds going into the World Cup,

              Argentina 10/1
              Portugal 26/1

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

        Portugal would trash us. They’ve had a more balanced team over the last 4 years

        1. HamezMace
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Interesting you say that.
          I think it’s pretty even, ARG have a better all round attack, but nothing else, as you say overall POR better balanced. But I think the general opinion was that ARG were better.

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

            That’s because everyone sees the list of forwards and just assumes we’re good

            1. HamezMace
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Strong international history as well

          2. SW6
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            On paper yes. But in reality I would be very confident on Portugal beating Argentina.

            1. HamezMace
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Let’s hope it happened for the sake of football....the match I mean, not necessarily the result

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

            Very difficult to even look at that.

            Messi is very much more a team player than Ronaldo and whilst the entire Barca style is geared up to play the "Messi way" his national team isn't..or doesn't want to.

            Ronaldo on the other hand is more of an individual who doesn't need the team to play the "Ronaldo way"...just give him the ball.

            1. HamezMace
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              I agree with what you’re saying.

              Again you could argue because of the wealth of attacking talent ARG have they don’t need to play just to Messi strengths.

              Whereas POR only really have Ronaldo as an attacking option, so it makes sense to build the team set up around him

    5. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Midfield needs Pastore or Banega

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

        Midfield is crying for Banega, even Lo Celso will do. Something over the lethargic Biglia and Mascherano.

        And bring on Mercado for Salvio and Dybala for Meza

      2. el polako
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Riquelme would be the answer.

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

          Amen brother

    6. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      That was a nice snapshot by Aguero, quick turn and shot to top.corner.

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

        Went nuts when he got it in the box, I’ve seen the lad do that sort of thing for years

  9. Critical Observer
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Who got the ”assist” for Kun’s individual moment of excellence?

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

      Rojo, scuffed shot

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Rojo if anyone.

    3. Critical Observer
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks guys.

  10. Sancidino
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on the tackle on biglia?

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

      It's quite impressive.

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Retro 3 game ban.

  11. Zilla
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    get pavon on

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      This.i'd like to see if there was any substance to the hype surrounding him

  12. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Just a thought....
    Is Meza occupying Lanzini's spot had he not been injured?

    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  13. Salahbrate
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    How is Meza doing??

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Very direct, compared to the rest of the team. Doesn't hold the ball for long, makes runs and gets crosses in.

      1. Salahbrate
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Sounds decent

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Playing style is similar to Sane, but doesn't take on defenders often.

  14. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Again Ota witht the header from the set piece
    Im getting him in

  15. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Iceland corner. Could be dangerous here.

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nope :p

  16. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    That's a pen no?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      The handball in ARG box? I thought maybe, but it was a halfhearted appeal by Iceland anyway.

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        yeah. There was a lack of appeal, but that's an unnatural position for a hand to be when jumping for a header, so I thought it'd would be given

    2. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      It's not like he could avoid getting hit.

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        aye it was close quarters, but there's no need to have your hands up there in the first place

        1. Hamstergod
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, you're right , just didn't feel like it was the kind of hand to warrant a penalty.

  17. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Banega on, Biglia off

  18. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Biglollia

  19. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Messi has been shite so far.

    This game needs Dybala

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

      They may need to change the title of this article soon!

  20. el polako
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Diego with itchy nostril...
    Some things will never change.

    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Haha was about to comment the same. Amazed he's still alive with the lifestyle he must live.

    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      😀

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He was just after coming back from the toilet (again)

    4. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Resnorted

  21. Exilizer
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Those of you with Griezman (c) are you satisfied with 8*2? Or twisting?

    1. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on who you have, I'm most likely twisting to Muller and/or Lukaku.

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Tempted to switch to Jesus but will probably stick

    3. Epic Fail
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I'm switching because I'm not a wuss.

  22. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Has anyone found a twitter account reporting all of the assists? None of my usual channels seem to be doing it. Cheers.

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      On my phone app neither goal was assisted. (LiveScore).

      1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  23. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I love that icelandic slow clap. Chills

    1. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      this! one more good reason to support them 🙂

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

        And having them in the works sweepstake 🙄

        1. Hamstergod
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Good reason as well 🙂

  24. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Come on Messi ....

  25. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance Caballero takes this?

  26. Meinhoff
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Meza earned the penalty well done my boy

  27. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Messi peno

  28. Meinhoff
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Wow Messi miss

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

    Missi

  30. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Demied!!!