Scout Notes

Lukaku and Lewandowski net braces in final friendlies

Romelu Lukaku and Robert Lewandowski furthered their cases for inclusion in World Cup Fantasy squads with braces in their final warm-up matches.

Elsewhere, Japan’s modestly-priced differentials finally got a win under their new manager ahead of competing in Group H.

We’ve got all the goals and assists from the latest and final international matches before the World Cup begins.

BELGIUM 4-1 COSTA RICA

Romelu Lukaku scored twice and registered an assist as a strong Belgium team came from behind to thrash Costa Rica.

The Manchester United forward put the home side in front after Bryan Ruiz had netted Costa Rica’s opener and Dries Mertens had equalised. Eden Hazard provided the assist for Merten’s strike.

Mertens then became the provider in the 42nd minute when Lukaku scored his first of the night. Substitute Nacer Chadli registered the assist for his second.

Lukaku capped off his performance by assisting Michy Batshuauyi’s strike just after the hour.

BELGIUM XI (3-4-2-1): Courtois; Vertonghen, Boyata (Dendoncker 66’), Alderweireld; Carrasco, Witsel, De Bruyne (Tielemans 71’), Meunier (Chadli 46’); E Hazard (Dembele 70’), Mertens (Batshuayi 52’); Lukaku (T Hazard 65’).

COSTA RICA XI (3-4-2-1): Navas; Duarte, Gonzalez, Acosta; Oviedo (Calvo 46’), Tejeda, Borges (Azofeifa 76’), Gamboa (Smith 66’); Bolanos (Guzman 62’), Ruiz (Campbell 66’); Urena (Venegas 46’).

POLAND 4-0 LITHUNIA

Robert Lewandowski scored a brace in Poland’s thrashing of Lithuania to take his record to 37 goals in 37 games under national manager Adam Nawalka.

He fired in the opener after 19 minutes after a cross from defender Maciej Rybus before doubling the leading in the 32nd with a free-kick which hit the bar on its way in.

The Bayern Munich forward was substituted at half-time, replaced by Lukasz Teodorczyk, but Poland did not lose any potency going forward.

21-year-old Dawid Kownachi made it 3-0 in the 71st minute with his first international goal since earning a call-up to the senior team.

Jakub Blaszczykowski rounded off the rout in the 82nd minute converting a penalty in the absence of Lewandowski.

Lukasz Fabianski started the game in goal but was replaced by Wojciech Szczesny at half-time.

POLAND XI (4-4-1-1): Fabianski (Szczesny 46’); Rybus (Blaszczykowski 70’), Cionek, Bednarek (Pazdan 53’), Jedrzejczyk (Piszczek 46’); Kownacki, Goralski, Krychowiak (Zielinski 77’), Bereszynski; Milik; Lewandowski (Teodorczyk 46’).

JAPAN 4-2 PARAGUAY

Shinji Kagawa was the star of the show as Japan got their first win under new manager Akira Nishino.

The midfielder started his first match in any competition since February.

Paraguay took the lead when Oscar Romero converted Antonio Bareiro’s pass in the 32nd minute and went into half-time still in the lead.

A 12-minute brace from Takashi Inui got things back on track for Japan, with former Manchester United man Kagawa providing the assist for both goals.

The Samurai Blue extended their lead in the 77th minute when Gaku Shibasaki’s corner was deflected into the net by Federico Santander.

Richard Ortiz pulled one back for the visitors in the 90th minute but Kagawa got his deserved goal in stoppage time to round the scoring off.

Shinji Okazaki enjoyed a rare start and played 74 minutes while regular at the back Maya Yoshida was an unused substitute.

Elsewhere left-back Hiroki Sakai, who has three assists in the build-up to the World Cup, missed out on a starting place again but did feature as a second-half substitute.

JAPAN XI (4-2-3-1): Higashiguchi (Nakamura 46’); G Sakai, Shoji, Ueda, Endo (H Sakai 46’); Yamaguchi, Shibashaki; Inui (Usami 79’), Kagawa, Muto (Osaka 64’); Okazaki (Haraguchi 74’).

SENEGAL 2-0 SOUTH KOREA

Moussa Konate’s second-half penalty sealed Senegal’s first win since their World Cup qualification campaign ended in November.

The defeat was Korea’s third in their last five matches, having also only won just once since booking a place in Russia.

Senegal took the lead in the 67th minute after Kim Young-gwon turned into his own net.

Both Sadio Mane and Son Heung-min started the match for their respective nations and both lasted the full 90 minutes.

SENEGAL XI (4-4-2): K N’Diaye; Koulibaly, Sabaly, Sane, Wague; Sakho, Kouyate, A N’Diaye, Sarr; Mane, Niang (Konate 46’).

SOUTH KOREA XI (4-4-2): Cho; Jang, Kim Y-G, Kim M-W, Lee Y; Son, Koo, Ki, Lee J-S; Lee S-W, Kim S-W.

Further Analysis

Our comprehensive World Cup guide can be found here.

Group A Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group BIran, Morocco, Portugal, Spain

Group CAustralia, Peru, France, Denmark

Group DArgentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group EBrazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Serbia

Group FMexico, Germany, Sweden, South Korea

Group GBelgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Our editor’s Fantasy World Cup tips as told to Proper Sport

Fantasy iTeam

Fantasy Football Scout is supporting Fantasy iTeam, a free World Cup game available on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch and Android. We have an official Fantasy Football Scout League open to UK users only, with a £1000 of Amazon vouchers to give out, split between the top three performers. There’s also the small matter of £10k worth of prizes available in the main competitions: Overall World Championship and Manager of the Gameround.

Click here for details and here to sign up.

Our League name is Fantasy Football Scout and the pin is 1887.

Please note, users must be over 18 and based in the UK to join our league.

World Cup Data
We’re delighted to offer World Cup data as an early addition to our regular season offering to help those playing Fantasy games over the summer.

We’ve secured Opta data, not only for the tournament itself, which begins on June 14 but also from the Qualifying Rounds for Europe and South America and for international friendlies involving the participating nations. This includes all the matches played right up to the tournament kick-off.

Just to stress, this World Cup offering comes packaged with the regular Fantasy Football Scout membership.

Check out this new trailer previewing the World Cup content below…

1,230 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bring the Cavalry
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Got el Kajoui currently, he the best 4.5 to pair with Uzoho?

    1. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He is for me..

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Any reason for El Kajoui over Diallo?

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Is Diallo nailed?

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Apparently so

    2. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I believe so, yes.

  2. dando89
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Latest team, G2G?

    Fabianski
    Danilo Kimmich Meunier
    Eriksen James Coutinho Al Faraj
    Cavani(C) Neymar Iwobi

    Uzoho C.Sanchez Yoshida Escobar

  3. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    okey dokey...just gained 4 pts on my BB team

    Courtois+Uzoho+Saiss-->Olsen+El Kahouiji+Crankfist

    1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Uzoho to save a penalty now.

  4. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    With Lopetegui gone who'll be the likely Spanish starters?

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hoping for Ronaldo to transfer. Would be better value at Spain

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Lopetegui is his boss now, could make it happen 🙂

  5. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Ok, are we done? Can i now go shopping or should i sit here for another hour or so at least overthinking and continually doubting my changes?!! Thoughts?!! Ta.

    Muslera
    Meunier, Trippier, Danilo
    Mueller, Eriksen, Meza, Aldawsari
    Cavani, Neymar, Lukaku

    Uzoho, C.Sanchez, Mojica, Sabaly

    Captains : Aldawsari, Cavani, Eriksen, Neymar, Lukaku.

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No bench but first team is class

  6. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Pavard or Varela?

  7. The_Adam
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Any concrete news yet on Sidibe and whether he's definitely out of the opening game?

  8. InvertedWinger
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Rate in order from best to worst options:
    A) Muller
    B) Coutinho
    C) JRodriguez
    D) Eriksen

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      just swap james and eriksen and you're there

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Value-wise, I think B>D>E>A, and for that reason I own B, D and E

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Wtf is wrong with me? E=mC2 = James

    3. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      D>C>B>A

  9. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    RMT please

    Muslera Uzoho
    Meunier Marcelo Kimmich Hakimi Sakai
    Coutinho Savic Mueller Carrasco Sanchez
    Griezmann Neymar Diaz

    Any advice?

    Thanks

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I like the savic pick

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        i think he's going to shine...

        thinking i may replace griezemann with lukaku though, and change carrasco with that in mind

  10. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I think I am finally all set, all tweaks chaps?

    El- Kajoui Ozoho
    Pavard Danilo Kimmich Meunier Valera
    Cueva JRod Isco Ziyach Al-Jassam(c)
    Cavani Jesus Lukaku

    1. Viiksisika
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Al-Jassam better than Al-Dawsari? Pavard is a nice find if he starts

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I dont know enough, I saw a stat that Al-Jassam hasnt missed a game since 2016, most assists for SA in qualifying and scored last week against Germany. There could be equally compelling stats for Al-Dawsari, I just havent seen them

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Gtg, quite similar to mine below, i invested in Belgiums wingbacks and have Suarez Neymar instead of Cavani Jesus.

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        cheers

  11. Viiksisika
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Hey all! Do you have any thoughts about my latest iteration?

    Uzoho | Al-Muaiouf
    Meunier | Guerreiro | Trippier | Sabaly | Idowu
    JRodriguez | Coutinho | Muller | Isco | Al-Dawsari
    Mbappe | Messi | Sarr

    For me Sabaly, Idowu and Sarr are nailed. Only concern is Al-Muaiouf and maybe Isco. Thoughts?

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      g2g

  12. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    100+ pts incoming with BB

    Olsen
    Kimmich Danilo Meunier
    Eriksen Ljajic jRod Ziyach KGB(c)
    Lukaku Jesus

    Al Kahouji El Kaabi Crankfist Trippy

  13. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Ok, complete team change to remove muller - have come up with this - thoughts?

    El Kajoui - Uzoho
    Kimmich - Meunier - Varela - Granqvist - Idowu
    Eriksen - James - Ziyech - Ljajic - Meza
    Lewnadowski - Jesus - Lukaku

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nice team- g2g
      I personally prefer Cavani over Lewandowski but get his appeal

    2. Kalbory
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Seen lots of teams with Ziyech - Ljajic - Meza and Cueva in. Why? What am I missing?

  14. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Opinions on this team? Investing in Belgium wingbacks instead of Lukaku/Hazard.

    Neymar Suarez Falcao
    Isco Ziyech Carrasco Cueva Inui
    Kimmich Danilo Meunier Trippier Pavard
    El Kajoui Uzoho

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nice- Cavani over Saurez and use the dosh to upgrade Carrasco to Eriksen/Isco

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers i know many have gone that way, i think Suarez Neymar will outscore Jesus Cavani. And because i dont have Lukaku i hope to cover it with both Belgium wingbacks.

        1. dbeck
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          nice, makes sense. Good luck!

          1. Pukki Party
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Thanks!

  15. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A. Muller + Jesus

    or

    B. Coutinho + Werner

    1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B.)

  16. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    griezemann or lukaku??

    1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      L

  17. Norman Conquest
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    FIFA announce 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      ...time to sell El Kahouji....

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Should have been Saudi Arabia :'(

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        you spelled South Africa wrong.

  18. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Messi Neymar
    Ljajic Cueva Isco Muller Honda
    Granqvist Godin Tripper
    Cabellero

    Bench Uzoho Hegazy Sabaly Iwob

    two big up front? should i downsize messi or neymar? and increase my mid.
    god i dont know haha

    1. AusieAllTheWay
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe choose one of neymar and messi and look at improving that bench

  19. Sebastes
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    This is doing my head in... Which are the best options for the first round only?

    A) Hazard
    B) Mbappe
    C) Griezmann
    D) Lewandowski
    E) Cavani
    F) Falcao

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      are you still BB1?

      I have none of those btw...

      1. Sebastes
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yep still on BB1 - exploring options. You're on Jesus, Lukaku and someone?

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Olsen
          Kimmich Danilo Meunier
          Eriksen Ljajic jRod Ziyach KGB(c)
          Lukaku Jesus

          Al Kahouji El Kaabi* Crankfist Trippy

          *=Moroccan wonderboy. Taking a risk.

          Other option is Sarr from Senegal.

          1. Sebastes
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            You sure El Kaabi will start over Boutaib? Seems they've been sharing the friendlies this year, with Boutaib starting more often and El Kaabi coming on..

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              No idea.

              El Kaabi killed it in ANC. Might play it safe with Sarr who seems to be starting.

              1. Sebastes
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Interesting! Will see if I can find something on it. Always liked a punt 🙂

    2. Sebastes
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      *Pick 2

    3. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Haz, Lewa, Cavani

    4. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Suarez, Lewa, Lukaku

  20. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A) Muslera, Danilo, Mbappe
    B) Schmeichel, Kimmich, Jesus

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Tough one, B just.

    2. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B

    3. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      If your other goalie is Nigerian then him and schmeichel play on the same day

  21. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How’s it looking guys? Any changes needed?

    Muselra Uzoho
    Meunier Trippier Danilo Mendy Pavard
    Eriksen Rodriguez Aldawsari C.Sanchez A.N’dye
    Neymar Lukaku Cavani

  22. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How nailed is Varela?

    1. Al
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Did some digging and the consensus is that he's first choice after impressing in recent games. Other rb getting old etc etc

  23. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Is Meza nailed? And is he Any attacky at all?

  24. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Any decent nailed defender for 5.0?

    Thanks

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Granqvist Sweden on penalties.

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Oh nice thanks

  25. Al
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Team fairly locked in and BB active. Thoughts?

    Pickford
    Meunier Kimmich Danilo Varela
    J Rod Paulinho Carrasco
    Lukaku Cavani Werner

    El Kajou Belhanda Mojica Inui

  26. Moore FPL
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Best midfielder 7M and under?

  27. ParktheBusquets
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    best in order out off.....

    Muller
    J Rod
    Eriksen

    1. Moore FPL
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      ACB

    2. Lovefootball
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Eriksen
      Muller
      J Rod

      So close though. Any of them could outscore the others.

    3. adam28193
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      all 3

    4. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      J Rod
      Eriksen
      Müller

  28. Lovefootball
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    In a different fantasy game which one would you prefer:

    A) Meunier + Isco
    B) Vertongen/Boating/Danilo + Hazard (as a midfielder)

    The two options cost the same, and it should be for all 3 group matches preferably.

    Thanks!

  29. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Inui's goals were pretty impressive yesterday. Both from outside the box. Admittedly paraguay's defence was pretty shocking, but for only 4.5m he's worth it.

  30. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44467548

    Who's the Spain assistant coach ?