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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. A19
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Which two to complete my defense on a wildcard?

    A) Guerrero and Hegazy
    B) Meunier and Idowu

    Rest of the defense is Varela Kimmich and Akanji

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B but think Trippier was much better than Meunier..also cheaper and you can upgrade Idowu

      1. A19
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah good shout on Trippier! Any advice on a 4.5 def then?

        1. StoichkovFPL
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          you got 2 best so try Egypt or Peru 4.5 one

          1. A19
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Yeah thanks! I am thinking of downgrading Cueva to Meza also and bring in a 5.0 def (Mexico def most likely)

  2. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Kane or Costa?

    Other strikers are Cavani + Ronaldo.

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Costa, the 2m can go a long way

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        this

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Kane

      Or all your strikers play on same day

  3. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Best move here?

    A: Jesus -> Costa
    B: Ziyach -> Isco
    C: AlDawsari -> Layun

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B but not sure about Jesus start with Firmino lurking

    3. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B

    4. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers lads. Would any rather trade James instead of Ziyach?

  4. Lewa
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Is Cavani a must have for the next two games...? Could change Falcao to him but he has been solid too...

  5. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Any news on Sidibe?

    Wondering whether to keep Pavard on wildcard.

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Id sell, was poor

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Same here. I was told on the previous page that L'Equipe are saying Sidibe isn't ready yet.

  6. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Better combo:

    A) Trippier + 8.0 mid (BSilva?)
    B) 4.5 def (Advincula?) + Eriksen

    1. deyell
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Akanji + Eriksen

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        already own Aka..also Trippier plays as a mid with some SP...not easy one

        1. deyell
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Hegazy + Eriksen then.

  7. DJDave1979
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    This is a brutal fantasy game. Sanchez looked a decent option.

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      He really didn't.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      The most casual pick in the game 😉

    3. Arceus
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      He was only decent for 2 or 3 points, if that's what you are saying

      1. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        -2/3 ? 😆

  8. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Prioritise which:
    A) Werner > Costa
    B) Rodriguez > Coutinho

    1. Kasper the ghost keeper
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      b

  9. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Anything you would change on this wildcard? Lack of brazil attack is a problem?

    Elshenawy - Sommer
    Kimmich - Varela - Akanji - Dalsgaard - Salaby
    Isco - Siggy - Cheryshev - Layun - Quintero
    Ronaldo - Suarez - Kane

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah I'd say you need a Brazil attacker against Costa Rica.

      1. Bambi
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        with the amount of pens and icelands fixtures I really fancy siggy to outscore coutinho hmmm

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Siggy over BSilva?

      1. Bambi
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        yup, higher goal involvement, on pens for Iceland.

  10. Kasper the ghost keeper
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Belahanda to Layun or Jesus to Costa?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Layun

  11. Nando7
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Which Team guys please helpp!! playing WIldcard and max captain
    A) Ronaldo Cavani Kane
    Isco Carrasco Pogba Cheryshev
    Cedric Varela Dalsgaard
    Ochoa

    B) Costa for Ronaldo
    Eriksen for Isco
    Pogba for Carrasco

    Any thoughts please

    1. flippetyflop
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Who are your bench players?

      1. Nando7
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Bench: Ive got Uzohu Trippier (Who will is only theire because he plays last day so will come in for dalsgaard most likely) Bentancour and idowu

  12. VS10_
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    "Neymar didn't train" is yesterday's news by the way. A day after a game it's completely normal and there is no injury reported, just a rest after a match. England starters didn't train today either on the pitch a day after a game.

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

      Thought there was more to the story.
      20 players had a normal outdoor training session.

      Silva, Paulinho and Neymar only trained at the team hotel.

      *Not saying, or speculating that any of these players won't be available.

      1. VS10_
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        If he is not in training today then it's panic time just before deadline. 🙂

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

          He's too important to Brazil.
          It would take more than calf fatigue to keep him out.

  13. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    RMWCT please people!! Where can I improve???

    Ochoa Uzoho

    Ramos Trippier Varela Daalsgard Akanjo
    Paulinho Isco Bentacur Cherysev Layun
    Ronaldo Kane Cavani

    Bench boost active

    1. Nando7
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      goood but like me i question where the points will come from midfield...

  14. Shanty Toon
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Who do you guys prefer on a wildcard: Layun or Meza?

    1. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      how I rank the 5.5's:

      1) Quintero
      2) Layun
      3) Cheryshev
      4) Claesson
      5) Meza

  15. Sune
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Well, that changed a couple of things. Priority?

    A) J Rod > Isco
    B) C. Sanchez > Inui/Gazinsky
    C) C. Sanchez > Sassi
    D) C. Sanchez > Other

    1. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I done B Gasinsky

  16. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Poland will surprise many.

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Hope that in a good way

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Most definitely.

    2. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Lewandowski to score and Poland to win 2/1 good shout?

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Yes.

  17. nick8070
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Please help!

    A) Jesus to Costa
    B) JRod to Coutinho
    C) Carrasco to Golovin

    Any advice? Thank you!

  18. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Dele Alli to have a scan on his thigh after picking up an injury against Tunisia.

    Fire up the Magic Bean.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      6mill vs Panama 😮

  19. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Ramos or Alba

  20. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    why are so many people taking out Werner? You know Germany is THE favourite to win the WC right?

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

      You know Werner isn't the only forward player Germany has right?

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Also,

      Brazil 5/1
      Spain 5/1
      France 7/1
      Germany 9/1

      *Sky Bet.

  21. King Klopp
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Who to bring in for James? ( I own Isco Willian and Eriksen already)

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Keep for now - see how he does if/when he comes on today.
      Mueller is a good option for the next 2 games.

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      James warmed up during ht

  22. I Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Would love some help here boys. A simple yes or no.

    Muslera, Uzoho
    Kimmich, Meunier, Danilo, Trippier, Pavard
    Rodriguez, Ziyech, Ljajic, Carrasco, Al Dawsari
    Lukaku, Cavani, Mbappe

    Should I hit the Wildcard button or not?

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      no....
      but i am hitting to get spain, brazil, germany in my team... which i intentionally left in round 1

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        So why shouldn't I do it? No attackers from those teams in my squad.

  23. The Darkest Knight
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Help please...

    which combo for 19.5 available budget....

    1. Costa + Coutinho
    or
    2. Jesus + Isco
    or
    3. Neymar + Isco (by finding 1.0 extra by downgrading golovin)

    1. deyell
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      1

  24. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Schmeichel
    Varela - Kimmich - Danillo - Meunuier
    Carrasco- Coutinho - Meza - JRod
    Cavani - Costa
    (Uzoho, Lukaku, Carrasco, Trippier)
    1mn ITB

    I brought in Costa for Jesus. Got 3 belgians (too much!) i'm thinking of taking a -4hit to bring in Layun for Carrasco.

    Thoughts please?

  25. aad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    If

    1. aad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      If I use the wildcard, will I get one or two transfers in the following round?

  26. Kasper the ghost keeper
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone think Jesus will get dropped?

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      for firmino? possible

  27. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Hi, which is better options for free?
    A. GJesus -> Costa
    B. JRod -> Isco

    Muslera, Uzoho
    Meunier, Danilo, Varela, Pavard, Dals
    Eriksen, Coutinho, JRod*, Meza, Inui
    Lukaku, Cavani, GJesus*

    Thanks, sorry repost 🙂

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      jesus to costa....

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B atm.

  28. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Heeeelllloooo RLC.

  29. squ1rrel
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Wait so earlier I subbed out Ziyach because he blanked, and he's first on my bench. So now if James doesn't play, Ziyach will go back on and get me 2 points back right?

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      NO...!
      Manually subbed out player won't come back i.m.o.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      are you nuts?

      1. squ1rrel
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        maybe

    3. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      No

  30. Nando7
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Which combination

    A)Ronaldo Isco Carrasco
    B)Costa Eriksen Pogba

    I currrently have no french players...