634x258 Dugout Discussion
29 June 2014 3432 comments
Paul Paul
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Sunday evening brings us another couple of World Cup fixtures to focus on after the knockout stages got underway last night. Louis Van Gaal’s free-scoring Holland are bidding to join Brazil and Colombia for a place in the last eight but face a tough task in the 5pm kick-off – opponents Mexico conceded just once in the group stages and have already stopped Neymar and co from finding the net:

Holland: Cillessen; Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind; Verhaegh, De Jong, Wijnaldum Kuyt; Sneijder; Van Persie, Robben,

Mexico: Ochoa; Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno, Layun; Herrera, Salcido, Guardado; Dos Santos, Peralta,

The Dutch welcome back Robin Van Persie from suspension after their skipper served a one-match ban against Chile in the previous match. Van Persie is one of only two changes to the XI that beat the South Americans, with Paul Verhaegh replacing Daryl Janmaat on the right of the midfield four – Dirk Kuyt keeps his place on the opposite flank, with Daley Blind utilised in the back-three once again by Van Gaal. The United striker will be hoping to continue the form that has seen him score in both his appearances thus far, whilst Arjen Robben owners will also have high expectations after the Bayern man served up three goals and an assist over the group stages.

Mexico make just one enforced alteration from the side that won 3-1 against Croatia in the final match of Group A, with former Fulham man Carlos Salcido handed his first start of the tournament. Up front, Giovanni dos Santos will be desperate to open his account for the campaign, whilst his fellow forward Oribe Peralta – along with skipper Rafael Marquez – has already chipped in with a goal and assist over the opening three fixtures.

Later this evening, Costa Rica and Greece go head-to-head after both sides exceeded our expectations to reach the last 16. Jorge Luiz Pinto’s side cannot be underestimated after topping the so-called “Group of Death”, with wins over Uruguay and Italy underpinned by a defensive resilience that has served up two clean sheets in three matches. Pinto is understandably expected to keep faith in a 5-4-1 formation, with Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell carrying the main threat further up the pitch.

Despite a last-gasp win over Ivory Coast, Greece have failed to impress. That 2-1 triumph was the only time Fernando Santos’ side found the net in the group stages and, even then, they had to rely upon defensive mistakes from the Africans to make a breakthrough. With a converted spot-kick and assist to his name, Giorgos Samaras has been the main up top for the Greeks – once again, we can expect Santos’ side to keep it tight at the back and look for a goal on the counter.

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  1. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Whatever LvG changed, it's working!

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I think the Mexican sub contributed too

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    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Mexico have changed the way they're playing

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      1. Pilleri
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        1 forward only

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    3. The Missing Link
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      He told them to stop parking the bus. A bit like Chelsea when they go behind

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    4. Louis
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure if it is his change that's making them play better. I think Holland players are just realizing they need to play otherwise they go out!

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    5. copps
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      he changed into his lucky underpants

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  2. Marouane Fellatio
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Herrera points?

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    1. Jimbo123
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      4

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    2. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      4 awesome points

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      1. Marouane Fellatio
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Nice, dropped him for Maniatis to free up a couple of million, hopefully he stays quiet.

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  3. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    2-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      lol

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    2. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      who took away the minus button?

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    3. Fresco
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      you ain't that stupid, are you 🙂

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      1. r0nh
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I isnt

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      2. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Believe me, he is 😉

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        1. r0nh
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          That's it...

          IQ test, me & you, NOW!!!

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          1. Fifa las vegas
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            I'm only joking, simmer 🙂

            You'd probably beat me anyway...

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  4. Ben Mee Over A Table
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    If Netherlands get knocked out the template will get a major revamp.

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      They won't (I think)

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    2. Pilleri
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Costa Rica in top 4!

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  5. Declan
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Stone wall

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    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      maybe not 😀

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  6. Pilleri
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Ref sees through Robben

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  7. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Nice try Robben 😉

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  8. The Missing Link
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Robben you knob

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  9. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Two fouls first itime
    Two dives that time

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    1. Pilleri
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      "I don't get a penalty for just one fall....I must fall twice to get it!"

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  10. bazrah99
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Something tells me this friendly was a waste of time today:

    http://www.livescore.com/soccer/intl/club-friendlies/sc-st-pantaleon-erla-vs-rapid-wien/1-1732179/

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  11. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    That was definitely a flop. Robben, you cheat.

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  12. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Aguilar misses next match if they go through

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    1. The Missing Link
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Easy game so its ok 😀

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  13. Declan
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Come on Extra Time.

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  14. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Book robben

    Dirty diver. Another reason to hate holland

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    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      What are the other reasons?

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Their choice of kit colour

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      2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Rvp, extremely over rated team, wc final v Spain, de jong

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      3. JT's Dog
          11 years, 7 months ago

          None of their women every slept with me

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          1. JT's Dog
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Damn I would hate 99% of the world then

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              1. Declan
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                🙂

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      4. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Not gonna lie, this is great news for my chances in the work sweepstakes. (We all have 4 teams, 1 from each pot).

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      5. Jimbo123
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Sneijder has been garbage

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        1. VougieDipond
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          well past his best has been since going to Galatasary

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      6. JT's Dog
          11 years, 7 months ago

          What is the point of Wesley sneijder
          Can't run, passing poor, slow to react and can't cross

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          1. Jimbo123
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Look up 🙂

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            1. JT's Dog
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Garbage can be recycled
                🙂

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          2. Louis
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            How many points is Robben on?

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          3. The Bandit
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            5 Minutes until the next team talk. Seriously, give them a drink but leave them on the pitch

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          4. Fifa las vegas
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Guys, you sure that wasn't a penalty for Robben?

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            1. Declan
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Which one?

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            2. The Bandit
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              It'll take more than a joke or two to make people forget how stupid you made yourself look 😛

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              1. JT's Dog
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  Explain

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              2. Jimbo123
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                First half, yes. Just then, NO...

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              3. The Missing Link
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                I wouldnt give robben a penalty if he was punched and broke hus nose.

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            3. Jafooli
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Free kicks and corners not making it past the first man, at this level, is a disgrace.

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              1. Somalion
                • 16 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                With you on that. I don't care what anyone says, you're paid a wage to kick a ball, learn how to do it correctly.

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            4. Jimbo123
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              First half, yes. Just then, NO!

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            5. Ginkapo FPL
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Soooooo 4 big stikers or just 3?

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              1. crystalpalaceRus
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                ive only had 3

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              2. The Missing Link
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Went with 3 so I can play 5-3-2

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            6. Debauchy
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Sneijder Wtf

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            7. MJ6987
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              I can see Mexico getting a second goal soon

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              1. VougieDipond
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Herrara would be ideal

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            8. Jafooli
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Another great save.

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            9. Debauchy
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Ochoa baby

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            10. The Bandit
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Chico time

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            11. JT's Dog
                11 years, 7 months ago

                I picked my fox team based on players who look like girls I slept with.
                Fred is only embarrassing one

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                1. VougieDipond
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  Ian Dowie?

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                  1. JT's Dog
                      11 years, 7 months ago

                      If only

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                      1. JT's Dog
                          11 years, 7 months ago

                          Oh sorry misread that thought you asked how far I got

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                    • Ben Mee Over A Table
                      • 13 Years
                      11 years, 7 months ago

                      The only embarrassing one? Are you sure?

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                      1. JT's Dog
                          11 years, 7 months ago

                          Ok there was the David Luiz girl but that's it honestly

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                      2. Debauchy
                        • 12 Years
                        11 years, 7 months ago

                        You got Hulk too ?

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                        1. Debauchy
                          • 12 Years
                          11 years, 7 months ago

                          And that slut Cavani

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                      3. JT's Dog
                          11 years, 7 months ago

                          I did ask one if I could call her giroud

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                      4. Jafooli
                        • 13 Years
                        11 years, 7 months ago

                        Pea soup on.....

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