Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie both net again as Holland battle back to overcome Australia. Mario Mandzukic returns from suspension to bag a brace in Croatia’s 4-0 hammering of Cameroon, whilst Eduardo Vargas is amongst the goals as Chile knockout defending champions Spain:
Dutch Front Two in the Goals Again
Unsurprisingly, Holland were unchanged from the side that humiliated Spain 5-1 last time around. Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben started up front in a 5-3-2 before a half-time switch to 4-3-3 and both players continued their exceptional form with a goal apiece to take their tallies to three in two games – whilst Robben owners will be hoping for more of the same against Chile, those holding Van Persie were left ruing a booking which rules him out of the final group match. It remains to be seen whether Louis Van Gaal will change his approach in light of yesterday’s poor first-half display, though, with a switch to the flank perhaps denting Robben’s appeal a little.
Depay Stakes a Claim
The PSV wide man was introduced off the bench as Van Gaal withdrew Bruno Martins Indi at the break to move to a four-man backline. Depay certainly grabbed his chance with both hands, teeing up Van Persie to square at 2-2 before firing the winner just before the 70-minute mark – a budget-friendly option across the Fantasy games, he could be a decent differential if he’s handed a starting berth against the South Americans. Martins Indi owners will be worried over yesterday’s turn of events – Daley Blind grabbed his third assist of the tournament last night and continues to look the strongest route into Van Gaal’s defence.
Cahill Wonder Strike Not Enough
Once again, Australia turned in a battling display only to leave empty-handed. Tim Cahill volleyed a goal of the tournament contender just 60 seconds after his side went behind to take his tally to two in as many matches but, like Van Persie, he picked up a booking which results in a one-match suspension for the final group match. Without their talisman on board for the final group clash against wounded champions Spain, Australia’s prospects look bleak – Cahill has notched both their goals from open play, with Mile Jedinak netting a penalty in yesterday’s 3-2 defeat.
In the FIFA McDonald’s game, Nigel de Jong and Daryl Janmaat produced eight recovered balls apiece. Two of the Australia back-four, Matthew Spiranovic (six) and Jason Davidson (five), along with central midfielder Mile Jedinak (five) also impressed.
Aranguiz Steers Chile Through
The South Americans join Holland in the last 16 after an excellent 2-0 win over Spain. Jorge Sampaoli changed tactics for last night’s triumph, shifting from a 4-3-1-2 to a 3-5-2 formation, with Eugenio Mena and Mauricio Isla fielded as wing-backs and Eduardo Vargas alongside Alexis Sanchez up front. Vargas – who grabbed an assist in the 3-1 win over Australia – proved his worth as a budget-friendly option by firing the opener, though his efforts were overshadowed by cut-price Fantasy midfielder Charles Aranguiz, who served up a goal and assist. Given that the runners-up of Group B face the winners of Brazil’s group, the Chileans still have all to play for in a winner-takes-all encounter with Holland next time round.
Spain Tumble Out With a Whimper
One goal scored, seven conceded, no points after two games – Spain are already out of the tournament. Heavily-backed by Fantasy managers in light of their triumphs in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, Vicente del Bosque’s side meekly surrendered their crown last night with a disjointed display that once again saw Diego Costa toil up top. Subbed off for Fernando Torres for the second match running, his starting berth looks in peril for a face-saving exercise against Australia – del Bosque’s decision to drop both Gerard Pique and Xavi last night certainly shows he won’t shirk freshening up his starting XI.
In the FIFA McDonald’s game, the two sides made a combined 112 recovered balls, with Chile leading the way by 60 to 52. For the South Americans, Gary Medel (11), Francisco Silva (nine), Eugenio Mena (eight), Gonzalo Jara (seven), Alexis Sanchez and Marcelo Diaz (both six), Arturo Vidal (five) all stood out, highlighting the work-rate right across the pitch. Sergio Ramos’ 10 was top for Spain, followed by David Silva and Sergio Busquets, with nine and seven respectively.
Mandzukic Back with a Bang
Suspended for Croatia’s opener with Brazil, the Bayern man returned to lead the line for last night’s vital clash against Cameroon. Replacing Nikica Jelavic up front, Mandzukic’s return was one of three changes from Niko Kovac – Danijel Pranjic came in at left-back, whilst Sammir was drafted in for youngster Mateo Kovacic in “the hole” behind the lone frontman – and his installation proved pivotal after scoring twice in a 4-0 rout. With wide men Ivica Olic and Ivan Perisic also finding the net, Niko Kovac’s side look in fine form ahead of a vital final group game against Mexico, where victory will see either side through. Ivan Rakitic again failed to produce any points but with his team-mates in fine goalscoring form, owners will surely hold for now.
Song Sees Red as Cameroon Collapse
The Africans went into last night’s game without talisman Samuel Eto’o, with the highly-rated Vincent Aboubakar handed the chance up front instead. Forty minutes into the match and their prospects were as good as over after Alex Song was shown a straight red card that will force him out of the final group game against Brazil. Without a goal over their back-to-defeats and with Eto’o looking unlikely to recover from injury in time, Fantasy managers will be giving Cameroon a wide berth for their last group game, with the hosts set to go on the attack in order to secure a victory that is likely to see them top Group A.
In the FIFA McDonald’s game, only two players made more than four recovered balls in this game. Rakitic’s seven was the highest of the match, with Benoit Assou-Ekotto next best on five.

