634x258 Dugout Discussion
26 June 2014 3877 comments
Paul Paul
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We reach the end of the group stages of Brazil 2014 this evening as the last 16 match-ups are finalised. Group G gets us up and running at 5pm and with all four of the teams still in with a shout of progressing, Fantasy managers will be hoping there’s less chance of rest and rotation. Germany face up to USA and Portugal square up to a Ghana side devoid of Kevin Prince-Boateng and Sulley Muntari after both players were sent home for disciplinary reasons earlier today:

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Howedes; Lahm, Kroos, Schweinsteiger; Ozil, Muller, Podolski

USA: Howard; Johnson, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley; Jones, Beckerman; Davis, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

Joachim Low makes a couple of changes from the side that drew with Ghana. The Germany manager brings in Bastian Schweinsteiger for Sami Khedira in the centre of the park, while Lukas Podolski comes in for Mario Gotze in the front three. Thomas Muller owners will be looking for more of the same, after the Bayern man notched three goals and an assist in the opening couple of matches, whilst those holding Mesut Ozil will be desperate for an improvement after a couple of patchy displays so far.

Jurgen Klinsmann also makes two alterations as he attempts to get the better of his native country. Omar Gonzalez replaces Geoff Cameron in central defence, whilst Brad Davis gets the nod ahead of Alejandro Bedoya on the right flank – Clint Dempsey is looking to score for the third successive match, though the likes of Michael Bradley and Graham Zusi also offer a threat from the attacking midfield positions.

Portugal: Beto; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Veloso; W Carvalho, Moutinho, Amorim; Nani, Eder, Ronaldo

Ghana: Dauda; Afful, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah; Rabiu, Agyemang-Badu; Atsu, Waris, A Ayew; Gyan

Paulo Bento welcomes Pepe back from suspension for the vital game with Ghana, as Ricardo Costa drops out to accommodate the Real Madrid man at centre-half. The Portugal boss makes three further changes, drafting in William Carvalho, Ruben Amorim and Eder for Andre Almeida, Raul Meireles and Helder Postiga – the former two look set to be installed in the middle, with Miguel Veloso shifting to left-back. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, though, as he looks to get his goal account finally up and running and fire his side into the last 16.

Prince-Boateng and Muntari’s omissions are the only two changes from Kwesi Appiah after a very encouraging draw with Germany. Udinese player Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu comes into the double-pivot to replace Muntari, whilst the highly-rated Abdul Majeed Waris is tucked in behind Asaomoah Gyan up top. Andrew Ayew, with a goal in both group games so far, looks the major threat for the Africans once again.

Later on, Belgium go head-to-head with South Korea as Marc Wilmots’ side look to end the group stages with a 100% record. Bearing in mind they’re already through, though, there’s a fear that we could see a number of changes from the Europeans in this one, with Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne owners hoping they’ll keep their places in the starting XI. Up top, Wilmots may well omit Romelu Lukaku from his line-up after subbing off the Chelsea man in each of the first two games, whilst at the back, Belgium are set to be without both Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen through injury.

Those defensive concerns will afford the Koreans optimism and with three goals in their first two matches, they present a definite threat to Thibaut Courtois’ clean sheet prospects. The highly-rated Son Heung-min grabbed his first of the tournament in Matchday 2 and, having netted 10 times for Leverkusen in the previous Bundesliga campaign, carries the main threat for Hon Myung-bo’s side.

Despite scoring once and picking up a single point in their opening two matches, Russia are still in with a shout of making the last 16. A win against Algeria, coupled with a Belgian triumph over South Korean, will take Fabio Capello’s side through – Alexander Kokorin looks their best chance of netting, though Alexander Kerzhakov will be hoping for his first start after climbing off the bench in the first pair of fixtures.

After an emphatic 4-2 win over South Korea, Vahid Halilhodzic’s side will approach this one with little fear. Islam Slimani, Abdelmoumene Djabou and Sofiane Feghouli have all served up a goal and assist in the first two fixtures and will fancy their chances of picking up further returns against an unconvincing backline that has been breached in both their opening matches.

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  1. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo brace coming ! Bookmark this 😉

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    1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Do hope so. My (c) on Mirror.

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    2. shillso
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I really hope not as I think my mini league rivals have him.

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      1. GunsnRoses
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        You already have some lead on them as Ronaldo did nothing till now. So you can afford it 🙂

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        1. shillso
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Still want him to fail as I want to get all the points I can to shield me from my poor decisions in the knockouts

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  2. Pinoche
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Another Ozil blank coming. Bookmark this

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    1. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I 've got a feeling that today he will finally deliver

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      1. Debauchy
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Agree

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    2. VougieDipond
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      statement fail incoming

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  3. Prime
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Need someone who could outscore Ronaldo today. Podolski or Muller?

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    1. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      both. Poldi is more of a differential.

      Muller on pens though

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    2. Prime
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Was gonna go Ronaldo (C) but I'm 2nd in this game and #1 has Ronaldo (C)

      Need Podolski to outscore Ronaldo by 2 points to win the first round. Heavy finger crossing going on here behind this sofa.

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      1. Kip
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Game of goals? 😉

        good luck!

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        1. Prime
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Haha, yeah 😀
          Good luck to you too 😉

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  4. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Football matches will be played. Bookmark this

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  5. Camp No No
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I'm going to take a leak. Bookmark this.

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  6. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    When do we start getting price leaks for FPL?

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    1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Bookmarked

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    2. Somalion
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Should I bookmark this?

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    3. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I feel like I've missed something.

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        So do I ... 😀

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  7. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    sub out dzeko's 8 points for lukaku or slimani?

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    1. Pinky and Brain
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I would keep 8 points.

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  8. Prime
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Recent rumours Mirallas would play as the striker instead of Origi or Lukaku

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Not unless the Belgian Coach is barking mad.

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      1. Prime
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Wouldn't put it past him tbh

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  9. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Suarez will bite again. Bookmark this. If he hasn't already eaten it.

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  10. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    ian herbert ‏@ianherbs 2m
    Ryan Giggs, assistant manager on Herrera, in LVG's absence. "We believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in Spain." #mufc

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    1. Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      What position does he play?

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        CM

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        1. Jafooli
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Attacking or defensive? Scholes sort of role?

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          1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Sort of an all-rounder. Good technical abilities and a good work-rate. Never really been a goalscorer though.

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          2. Piggs Boson
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Bit of both, mainly attacking.

            He's an intelligent passer.

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  11. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone bookmarked this page as of yet ? 😛

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  12. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Herrera, eh?

    MUN: 1-9-1

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Or should I say: 1-8-1? 😀

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  13. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    FIFA Logic

    Bendtner showing his boxers = £80,000 fine

    Suarez biting an opponent = £65,000 fine

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Money means nothing to them anyway.

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    2. GunsnRoses
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Suarez biting could well do FIFA WC a more viewer 😛 😛
      They are happy 😉

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  14. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo hits bar

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  15. Billy Gilmore
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    WOW that was close.

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      - but he doesn't get Bubz's cigar! 😉

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        🙂

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  16. Siva Mohan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    LIVERPOOL GAMES SUAREZ MISSES

    Aug 16: Liverpool v Southampton
    Aug 23: Manchester City v Liverpool
    Aug 30: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
    Sep 13: Liverpool v Aston Villa
    Sep 16: Champions League matchday 1
    Sep 20: West Ham United v Liverpool
    Sep 27: Liverpool v Everton
    Sep 30: Champions League matchday 2
    Oct 4: Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
    Oct 18: Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool
    Oct 21: Champions League matchday 3
    Oct 25: Liverpool v Hull City

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Relegation trouble? 😉

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    2. Siva Mohan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Luis Suarez's bans for various bites now total 39 games.

      Ajax – 7 matches for bite on PSV’s Otman Bakkal
      Liverpool – 10 matches for bite on Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic
      Liverpool – Four months (13 matches) for bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini
      Uruguay – Next nine fixtures for bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini

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      1. Revival
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Without having seen a red card

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    3. Lucas Leiva
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Helpful, cheers.

      So his first game back (potentially) is Newcastle away on November 1st.

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    4. Godfather Bandit 42
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Great! Back in time to bite us Gooners!

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  17. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Bookmark this.

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Why?

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Why not?

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          YOLO. I'll do it! 😉

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          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            😀

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  18. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Right, I've deliberated for some time now, but I've finally had the courage to do it...

    £122.46 put on Ronaldo AGS. My account balance is now £0 😀

    Who is joining me on Ronaldo anytime goal? It is bound to happen!

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      😯 Did you watch him last game?!

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      - or you can kiss your sorry arse goodbye! 😉

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    3. Lucas Leiva
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Not great odds, wouldn't touch it (especially not that money).

      Good luck though 🙂

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    4. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      As long as Ghana score also Hoping for you ! Accy 850/100 Resting on this

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    5. VougieDipond
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      wow mental bet. I have Gyan first scorer. much more comfortable wth that

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  19. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    What channel is the Portugal game on in the UK?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Red button BBC

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

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    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      BBC red button or ESPN2 if you have it

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  20. Crash
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo is in my fantasy team and I'll be in the stadium for the QF in Brasilia....really hoping it can be Messi vs Ronaldo!!!

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    1. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Portugal will never reach QF

      Bookmark this! 😉

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      1. Crash
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I know I know. I can hope atleast while this match lasts.

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      2. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Never? 😯

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  21. ADucksBehind
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Sorry boys

    To change from 3-4-3 with benzema to 3-5-2 without to I take hiim out then change formation and then sub on a mid?

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    1. Pinky and Brain
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.

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    2. 4vets
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Yup

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    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah.

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      1. ADucksBehind
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Woah 😀 Helpfulness overload

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    4. GunsnRoses
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Hanji

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  22. shazzaaam
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    belgium line up anyone? hazard kompany likely to play?

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    1. Lucas Leiva
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Kompany definitely not.

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    2. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Kompany 100% not

      Hazard is a doubt

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      1. shazzaaam
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        kompany what happened? 🙁 oh crap! who should i captain. just saw benzema got 4 points yesterday. I got djabou bentaleb and hazard on bench who should i (C)?

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  23. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Win some 1000 bucks for Ronaldo AGS.
    Almost 🙁 🙁

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    1. GunsnRoses
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Not pound sterling !

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    2. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      On for 850 BTTS cmon Anyone will do but hope its Ronaldo for you...

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  24. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Got a dirty mark on one of my books. What should I do?

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  25. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Germany's first YC of the WC.

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  26. crystalpalaceRus
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Howedes balding already?

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    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I know plenty people who started balding before 26

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Rooney started balding at about 6.

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        1. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          😆

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          1. Bubz
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Haha wtf!

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  27. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    who takes pens for ghana?

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Gyan I think

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    2. Shels
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      they have a few but a couple got sent home -_- gyan or ayew, not sure whos in favour from them 2

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    3. ADucksBehind
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Gyan

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  28. Shels
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    good morning/afternoon lads, watching the u.s match more than the ghana match.. up for u.s but have ozil in maccies.. with muller elsewere got dauda in goal 2mins before kickoff , so ghana match to end 0-0 please with goals for ozil & muller -_-

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  29. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Can they increase the Suarez ban after he appeals?

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