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How to build your World Cup Fantasy team around set-pieces and penalties

The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the 2018 World Cup has resulted in an unusually large number of penalties in Gameround 1 – and Fantasy managers are encouraged to factor this into their plans for Gameround 2.

We’ve already seen referees award eight spot-kicks so far now that they are able to review offences in the box that they had previously missed. To put that into context, there were only 13 in the whole of the last World Cup.

With VAR now well-established in the running of World Cup matches, we can expect a similar number of penalties in the second round of Group Stage fixtures.

Which is why we’ve decided to bring you some updated set-piece information for Gameround 2. There are some managers who are even building their teams around the penalty-takers of each nation considering the impact VAR has had.

We’ve also gone into the data for other set-pieces so that you can view accurate and update to date information for who takes each team’s corners and which players have been the most dangerous in set-piece situations.

In the information below, we’ve included how many of each type of set-piece each asset has taken. If there is no number next to their name that’s because they took at least one in qualifying and/or warm-up games but are yet to at the tournament itself.

Also, to clarify further, the ‘Attempts from set plays’ section combines those who have shot from direct free-kicks or those who have latched onto the end of a corner.

The deadline for Gameround 2 is at 19:00 BST, just over an hour after the final match of Gameround 1, so make sure you sort your team during the Group H fixtures today.

Get all our transfer tips for Gameround 2 by CLICKING HERE.

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…

McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy

Join our McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy league ‘FantasyFootballScout’ using the code: HEWJPVYR

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.

1,280 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Louis_Sans_Balls
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Who subbed in C.Sanchez for JRod at the last minute hoping to avoid 0pts. This bloke lol. Talk about bloody rotten luck!

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

      so much for taking -4 hit Sanchez just basically gave me that lol
      Now its either WC or hold

  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    load up on free kick and penalty takers then it seems.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      this wc seems to have an extraordinary amount of pens given

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

        Wonder why...

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

        VAR obviously increasing the amount of pens.

  3. Jack Frost
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Just for discussion.
    So at this highest level is a player told to handball in the box to prevent a certain goal because there is a X% chance to stop the ensuing penalty and playing with 10 is not fatal.
    Seems to me, it's the wrong call... team doesn't think it can score 2 with a full 11.
    With the goal and loss of player Colombia went to an 8 to 1 underdog from a favorite.
    Or is this all a player's unthinking reaction, which I think is BS too, they know when and when not to foul.

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Seems like more instinct than instruction... Anyway the team is very likely to score from the pen, so idk how it makes any sense.

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

      This is deffo instinct. Trying to get it with his shoulder but essentially that being impossible while brain cant process that in a moment.

  4. fenixri
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    JRod -> Isco or Coutinho? Have Jesus.

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

      I'd want both but Isco if you have Jesus.

  5. Nando7
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    MT on wildcard for this round and maximum captain...

    Kane Cavani Costa
    Pogba Eriksen Coutinho Cheryshev
    Trippier Cedric Varela
    ochoa
    Bench: Uzohu Dalsgaard Bentancour 4.0

    Any thoughts appreciated !!

  6. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Must haves for Gw2 wildcard?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Cavani or Suarez, Kane, Isco.

      1. The Darkest Knight
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        why isco a must have?

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

      Highest scorers from round 1?

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ronaldo Costa
      Cout
      Varela
      Muslera

    4. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ronaldo
      Spain mid/forward
      Brazil mid/forward
      Cavani/Suarez
      Uruguay defence
      German defence

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

    Inui or Gazinsky for 4.5 mid in my GW2 WC team?

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

      I’ve just done Gasinsky

    2. Root
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Inui

  8. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A- Muller > Coutinho (much better captaincy rotation)
    B - Werner > Costa (Werner rotation risk?)
    C - Other

    Muslera / Uzoho
    Varela /Trippier / Pavard / Mojica / Meunier
    Isco / Muller / Cueva / Grosicki / Colindres
    Cavani / Lukaku / Werner

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Of those B, but i'm not convinced.

  9. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    This is what Japan deserve. Despite having an extra man for 40 mins they have played too direct instead of controlling the game. They have less passes than Colombia and if that carries on Col can win this.

  10. CellinoArmy
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Going to wait for team announcements to confirm he's fit, but Salah vs Russia/KSA or Chicharito vs Korea/Sweden?

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

      Salah if he starts

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

    Lol the Asian teams are so bad its terrible...

    Sad Italy and Chile dont play over Saudi and Japan...

    1. CellinoArmy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, let's just have Euros and Copa america Cup instead of the World Cup....

      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Makes no sense to include teams to bring down the quality. If we're all for quality, then continents should get representation based on number of countries present...

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Yet people moan the Champions League isn't just for champions.

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      thats why it called World Cup imo

  12. anish10
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone fancy keeping jRod if he comes on?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I will have a Rod if he scores

    2. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Will see if he does anything, but most likely will take a hit to bring in someone else.

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Likely out for Isco.

  13. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Who is Gasinsky?? what position does he play?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      CDM Russia.

      1. johnnybeefcake
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        thank you

  14. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A Jrod->Isco/coutinho
    B Werner-> Diego Costa

    Or both and take -4 point hit?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      A with Isco, mainly as i think Germany will be out to score goals in the next 2 games. They have too to qualify.

      1. Neves say Neves
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks mate

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

      Having the same dilemma. Right now i think will do just A.

      If you take werner out for -4 points, then you have to expext Costa to do sth more than just score a goal - a tall order.

  15. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Fee agreed between Arsenal & Bayer Leverkusen - Leno still needs to undergo a medical before #AFC can complete the signing, for a reported €22m (£19.2m).

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Three years too late... Why did we ever sign Cech, we will never know.

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

        Bet you was loving it when you signed him!

        1. Ghost Gooner
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Cech was already losing his athleticism when we signed him, few Arsenal fans were pleased with the signing

  16. King Klopp
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Currently have

    Muslera (Uzoho)
    Meunier Danilo Pavard (Tagliafco Sabaly)
    Eriksen Isco Mezza Willian
    Lukaku Lewandowski De Arrascaeta

    Thinking of using FT to get rig of William/ J rod. Any thoughts on replacements?

  17. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A) Muslera & Pique
    B) Neuer & Godin

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      A for me.

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

      A

  18. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Ljajic to Golovin. Yea or Nay please?

    1. Stephenpala94
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I’ve actually got both in my team

  19. The Darkest Knight
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Guys.. on a Wild card... please help

    1. Neymar + Isco
    or
    2 Costa + (Coutinho/Muller/Eriksen/Pogba)

    1. ihateramsey2
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Neymar missed training, how serious do you think it is??

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

      Costa & Coutinho/Eriksen

      Easy

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

    Anyone think Egypt have a good chance of keeping a clean sheet against Russia?

    Nearly managed to hold Uruguay out for 90 mins..

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Egypt need to win, so if they get an early goal it is very possible they will shut up shop.

  21. ihateramsey2
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    what's this talk about Neymar missing training??? is he definitely out of next game?

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      WHAT? Please someone confirm... i m on Wild card

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

      I think he will be fit
      http://www.espn.com/soccer/brazil/story/3533231/neymar-fitness-concerns-continue-as-brazil-forward-misses-training

      Brazilian football federation said that Neymar, Paulinho and Thiago Silva did not participate in full training but instead stayed in the gym or worked with the physiotherapist.

      "[It is] nothing to worry about. It's normal to do it after the match," team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said.

      On Instagram, Neymar posted a picture of his foot while receiving treatment alongside the message "work hard".

  22. deyell
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Pick two

    A: Kane
    B: Lukaku
    C: Costa
    D: Salah

    Thanks.

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Kaku and Costa

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

      B,C

  23. unlethal
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Already used my FT for Jesus > Costa. (Impatient, I know)

    So is James > Coutinho worth it for a hit?

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I am on a WILD CARD...

      Costa + Coutinho.... FTW????

    2. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It sure it’s worth a hit you’d need a goal just to break even

      1. Jambot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        *not sure it’s worth a hit

  24. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Wildcard, GTG?
    Muslera Ozuho
    Salcedo Alba Guerreiro Trippier Varela
    Coutinho Isco Golovin Layun Gazinksy
    Kane Cavani Costa
    Feedback appreciated 🙂

  25. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I'm going to say there's more penalties because players are really pumped up, and a lot of teams lack talent.. not VAR

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      VAR does increase the amount of penalties though. At least the stats in Serie A and the Bundesliga suggest it does.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      WWF in the box is still ok though after last night

  26. Butlanding
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Can we use WC and benchboost?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

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

        Thankyou 🙂

  27. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    James > Isco or Eriksen (-4)?

    Already have Costa and will WC after R2

    1. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I think both will get returns. If wildcarding after GW2 Eriksen off not Isco

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Isco v Iran is hard to resist.

  28. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Chances Werner stays in German 11? Any talk of a German shuffle?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Werner is pretty bad, but not sure they have a better option

  29. Jambot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How would you improve this wc first draft

    Kane Ronaldo Cavani
    Isco Paulinho Layun Eriksen
    Valera Dalsgaard Rodriguez
    Uzoho

    Hassen Akjani Inui Hegazi

    Thanks

  30. I Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Pavard likely to be dropped or Sidibe not ready?

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

      Not ready according to L'Equipe.