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

    If at first you don't succeed 😆

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

      So basically don't hit the pen straight at keeper

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    • Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Arjen class

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

      It finally pays off for Robben, dive enough times, you'll eventually get one 😉

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    • VougieDipond
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Robben is a joke

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    • Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Long overdue Netherlands pen.

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

      I hate him

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    • Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Come on have 2-1 bet

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

        I followed when you changed your mind and posted it! 🙂 very small though, but better than nothing I guess

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        1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          150 quid... Don't do small bets

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    • crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      huntelaar taking

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

        yesss

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    • Sif
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Money on 2-1 and both teams to score with Dutch to win...

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    • Jack Frost
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Robben trips over an ant.

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    • Siva Mohan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Hunt to take it!!

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    • Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Huntelaar takes? 😯

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    • r0nh
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      RVP would have scored this...

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    • Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      hunterlaar takes the pen

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    • Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Penalty Liverpool

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    • Tony Warner Fan Club
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Huntelaar? So no fantasy points for anyone.

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    • palace ash
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Goal!!!!!!

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    • r0nh
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Wide

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    • Zombie
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Guardado YC now..FFS

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    • Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I would be worried I'd killed him if I was any defender seeing the way Robben goes down. It was clearly a penalty, why does he feel the meed to act like someone shot him?

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    • Pilleri
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Guardado extra yellow, not good points there either

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    • MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      😯

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

      Huntelaar (C) 😎

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    • Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Scenes

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    • crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Unlucky Mexico...just like Chile they did well

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    • Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Yeeeeesssssss

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    • Siva Mohan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Huntelaar scores!!!!!!!!!

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    • Declan
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Jammiest boys

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    • emperikal
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Robben assist on FOX?

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