634x258 Euro 2012
14 June 2012 1015 comments
Paul Paul
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Mario Gomez is at the double as Germany see off Holland to clinch their second victory of the tournament. Nicklas Bendtner also notches twice but his endeavours are not quite enough as Portugal steal a late win over Denmark to keep their last eight hopes alive:

Portugal 3 Denmark 2
Morten Olsen kept faith in the same starting XI that saw off Holland in Matchday 1. The Danish boss has a couple of injury worries following last night’s clash, though, after Dennis Rommedahl and Niki Zimling both limped out of the proceedings. The former, in particular, looks a real doubt after sustaining what looks like a hamstring injury.

Nicklas Bendtner’s brace helped his 1.3% of Fantasy owners to a 10 point return while Michael Krohn-Deli continued to make a mockery of his 6.0 price tag in the McDonald’s game – he picked up attacking points for the second game in a row after providing the assist for the Arsenal man’s opener. Olsen’s men still have a chance of progressing to the knockouts, though, and have all to play for in their final Group B game next Sunday – the only trouble is they now square up to Germany.

Portugal were also unchanged from the side that lost narrowly to Germany. Helder Postiga continued as the lone striker in a 4-3-3 and justified his inclusion by grabbing his side’s second, while Nani provided five goalscoring opportunities and picked up an assist but, for once, Cristiano Ronaldo’s finishing let him down. The Real Madrid man had six attempts against Denmark but fluffed his lines every time; a yellow card late in the match meant he picked up a single point in the McDonald’s game and frustrated the many Fantasy managers who had handed him the armband.

At the back, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao (both priced at 6.5 in the McDonald’s game) produced attacking points for their Fantasy owners, with a goal and assist respectively, while sub Silvestre Valera grabbed the all-important winner that leaves them with a chance of progressing. There are a number of permutations in the so-called Group of Death – Portugal could still qualify if they lose to Holland by a single goal and Denmark are also beaten, for example, but the bottom line is if they win against the Dutch and the Danes fail to beat Germany, the Portuguese will be through to the final eight. Given the Dutch’s defensive woes, Ronaldo looks likely to be handed the chance to atone for yesterday’s failings when Paulo Bento’s men next take to the pitch on Sunday.

Germany 2 Holland 1
Joachim Low continued with the same starting lineup that defeated Portugal 1-0 in their Group B opener. Mario Gomez joined Alan Dzagoev as the tournament’s joint-top scorer by grabbing both his side’s goals in the 2-1 win, while Bastian Schweinsteiger provided his 9.5% Fantasy owners with a nine point haul, thanks to a pair of assists and eight recovered balls. Despite Germany’s attacking threat, the likes of Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski have all failed to pick up any attacking returns over their back-to-back victories and, with just a point needed against Denmark to finish as group winners, their owners will be hoping Low doesn’t hand some of his squad members a chance to shine against Morten Olsen’s side at the weekend. Ozil was the unluckiest of the above-mentioned trio last night; he provided three goalscoring opportunities and also hit the post but currently sits with just five points to his name in the McDonald’s game.

Although the threat of rest and rotation may ultimately prove unfounded when Low names his starting XI for the Denmark game, one thing is for certain – Jerome Boateng will not feature, after picking up his second booking of the tournament. This could perhaps allow Lars Bender a chance at right-back – Low had mentioned him as a contender for the position in the tournament build-up – though the more likely scenario would be to shift Philipp Lahm over to the right and allow 5.9 priced Marcel Schmelzer a chance on the left.

Back-to-back defeats means Bert Van Marwijk’s men have it all to do on Sunday. The Holland boss welcomed back Joris Mathijsen to the heart of defence for last night’s defeat but the Dutch looked ill-at-ease at the back and were picked apart by Schweinsteiger’s superb passes for the Gomez goals. A couple of second half changes may indicate what’s to come for the Portugal match, as Mark Van Bommel and Ibrahim Afellay made way for Rafael Van Der Vaart and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Priced at 6.5 in the McDonald’s game, Afellay has picked up over 8% ownership after his performances on the left in recent friendlies – of the two, his absence would be a far more significant for Fantasy managers if Van Marwijk chooses to shake things up; with the Holland boss critical of his wide men post-match, this may well prove to be the case.

With Wesley Sneijder moving from a central position to the left and Robin Van Persie partnered by Huntelaar, Holland looked far more threatening, though Germany seemed content to sit deep and hit on the counter. Sneijder created six goalscoring opportunities and picked up an assist for Van Persie’s consolation, with the latter managing a total of four attempts on the German goal.

Arjen Robben’s Fantasy owners will be a little apprehensive after the winger threw a strop when Van Marwijk chose to replace him with Dirk Kuyt towards the end – the show of insolence won’t go down well with the no-nonsense manager. Nothing less than a win is required in their final match against Portugal, then, and, while that still might not be enough to see them through, a more attack-minded outlook will surely be in Van Marwijk’s thoughts as he seeks to re-establish a sense of pride in his side’s play at the very least.

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  1. Infinite Sheldon
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Another most likely stupid question-from what I understand, there is usually a person from each team who tweets the lineup. How do they know? And are they allowed/supposed to?

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    1. COMH
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Team lineups need to be submitted to the officials before the game so i'm guessing they are then made aware to the PR of each club and go public.

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      1. Infinite Sheldon
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

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  2. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Shay Given or 2 points?

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    1. Infinite Sheldon
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      2 points IMO

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    2. Scroobius Mac
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I'd put Given in. Chances are he'll get 1 or 0 but on the off chance he saves a peno I'd risk the 2 points.

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    3. Pinoche
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      He might save a penalty you never know or get some save points.
      So gamble IMO.

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    4. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Given!

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    5. King Kaka
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      2 pts

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  3. mahone24
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Dzag captain: stick or twist?
    Could do Cassano, Mandy or Iniesta today, Ribery and Welbeck tomorrow

    Tempted by Iniesta...

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    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I changed to Iniesta from Van Persie.. Ribery tomorrow if Iniesta fails

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    2. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I have the same captain and I'm sticking. My gut feeling says the 2 games today will be low scoring.

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    3. King Kaka
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Stick. A midf goal in the bag is a decent captain return.

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  4. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Aced my French exam. Got at least an A. 🙂
    Now time for some FIFA with the lads then off for a footy game, then the Euro's. Happy days.

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    1. Infinite Sheldon
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Told you GCSEs are easy

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    2. Dan - We want our Trophy ba…
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Bravo!

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    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      félicitations.

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    4. juvelova
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      i start my national exams on the 18th and finish on the 10th of july :(! anywaya congrats :D!!!

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  5. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Yakubu to West Ham anyone....

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    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      for real?

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        The press in the know at Blackburn seem to think so..

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    2. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Well seems to have got his appetite back last season.

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    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Aye, why not. He's only 29 you know?!

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      1. bradbury1
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        29 haha i would want to see his birth certificate

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        1. Touré De Force
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          +1

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  6. Dan - We want our Trophy ba…
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Currently have the (c) on Iniesta but tempted by Mandzukic.

    Thoughts?

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    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      INI :p Italys defence is strong, i dont fancy any croatian players today..

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      1. juvelova
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        +1

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      2. Dan - We want our Trophy ba…
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Good point. I suppose Iniesta has more chance of getting a goal and an assist rather than Mandzukic.

        Cant argue with the Captain Poll. Oh wait. 🙂

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    2. King Kaka
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Iniesta has better chance. Italy knows they cannot afford to lose against Croatia today.

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Mandzukic is perfect to play Italy. He will score

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  7. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Demi on yet ?

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    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Both teams unchanged

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    2. Infinite Sheldon
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, Italy and Croatia lineup unchanged if that's what you wanted him for

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    3. Abominable Snowy84
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Last page. Same teams as GW1.

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    4. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all.

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  8. thetinkerman
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone think Croatia are good enough to get a point out of the game vs Italy?

    Italy are looking solid defensively but they're lacking a clinical striker and Croatia have the talent to score against the Itialians. I can decide between 1-0 Italy and 1-1.

    What do you guys think?

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    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      0-0

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Italy will win easily imo

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    3. Infinite Sheldon
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      CS for Italy I think and hope. I'm going for maggio captain instead of Mandy

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    4. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I got bets on 1-1 and 2-1 Italy 🙂 i think Cassano will score

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    5. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Hoping for 0-0

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      1. TwiggsJameson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Or better still 3-0 with a Mandy hatrick !

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      2. juvelova
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        lol such an entertaining match that would be !

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    6. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Interesting mix. Understandably few seem to fancy Croatia to win but a draw could to be on the cards!

      I wonder if those predicting a 0-0 have both Italy and Croatia defenders 😛

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    7. Red20
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I'm going for a Croatia win v Italy

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    8. Touré De Force
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      On the evidence we have seen, Italy should win it.

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        2-1 Croatia.... And I'm Italian

        Italy claimed a friendly victory over Croatia in 1942, however, since their independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 the Croats have been a thorn in Italy’s side, accruing three wins and two draws. Along with Brazil, Croatia are the only nation to hold a positive record versus the Azzurri in international football.

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  9. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Paddypower enhanced special.

    Jelavic to score anytime @ 5/1

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  10. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    chaps - My captain is currently on Fabregas (stupidly changed it last night early).

    Can I still change it again this matchday to Pirlo or Alba?

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    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      yes if you are quick 😉

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      1. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        oh god - I thought I was locked in to my fate, no I have to make a bloody decision.

        Pirlo, Alba or stick with Fabregas?

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      2. Frazek
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        It's a good call. If he plays (as I expect) he's a great forward assist/goals option in what could be a landslide victory. If he's injured, he won't appear at all, so no wasted space in your 11.

        Winner, winner, chicken Fabregas.

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    2. Gigging Order
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Keep it!

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    3. King Kaka
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      yes. do it quickly.

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  11. Gigging Order
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Chance conversion rate for Spain under Del Bosque (via @optajose)

    Negredo 30%

    Fàbregas 22.8%

    Llorente 22.6%

    Silva 22.2%

    Villa 18.8%

    Torres 14.8%

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    1. Infinite Sheldon
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      It depends on how many and how easy the chances were

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  12. Dan - We want our Trophy ba…
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    New Post.

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  13. beric
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Hello 🙂

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  14. patshaw
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    lot of people must have asked already, whats the general concensus?

    stick with my captain with 14pts or twist to Iniesta/Benzema

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