634x258 Dugout Discussion
29 June 2014 3432 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

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.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

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

    Hotttttttt 🙂

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

      I like women!!

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

        Never

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

          * 😯

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

            Just for their superior intelligence.

            Open Controls
  2. funny money
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    no unibrow on her

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

    Costa fan highlight of the half

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

      Haha, first three posts about hot fan 😀

      Open Controls
  4. funny money
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    fifa must hire models in the crowds right??

    Open Controls
  5. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    At this rate duarte or manolas won't get good points even if they play 120 mins and it ends 0-0 🙁

    Open Controls
  6. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Ohhhhhh we're half way there! Woaaaaah, living on a prayer (with triple defence) 😕

    Open Controls
  7. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Samaris Samaras

    Potato potarto

    Open Controls
  8. Woy of the Wovers
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Can't believe it's still goalless.

    Open Controls
    1. RÏɠBY
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      and soulless

      Open Controls
  9. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Ray. 😆

    Open Controls
  10. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Campbell to score next 9-1

    Thanks Ray, I'll pass

    Open Controls
  11. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I can't believe England, Italy, and Yaya died for this

    Open Controls
  12. 4vets
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I've just realised there's no football on wednesday and Thursday. I think I've been spoilt recently 🙁

    Open Controls
    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Are you going to the Tour de Yorkshire Eddy ?

      Open Controls
      1. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Those days on my Chopper are behind me... ahem.

        Open Controls
        1. 4vets
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          That said, I could spend a few nights in Masham for the beer 🙂

          Open Controls
        2. Dr Dream
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Take that as a no then...I'm trying to find the best viewing point around Skipton area..

          Open Controls
          1. 4vets
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Probably from inside a pub.

            Open Controls
          2. RÏɠBY
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            some place they're going up a hill
            but i guess everyone thought of that.. sharp 90 turn right outside a beer garden would be perfect 🙂

            Open Controls
      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I really wanted to go, unfortunately I wasnt on the ball enough and now cant take leave that day cause my work partner is. Too new to the whole game.

        Open Controls
        1. Dr Dream
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I'm looking forward to it..I love the Tour and this might be the only chance I ever get to see it..

          Open Controls
    2. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Why are you named after a cyclist these days Mr Vets?

      Open Controls
      1. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I'm a very famous Belgian!

        Open Controls
        1. MJ6987
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Should have been Hercule Poirot!?

          Open Controls
          1. 4vets
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            I think you'll find our captain, Ships, is know as Hercule 🙂

            Open Controls
            1. MJ6987
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Oh, is he now!

              Open Controls
  13. Keno
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    what does Gonzalez and Duarte have at half?

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

      orange and a drink probably

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

        Banana maybe?

        Open Controls
    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      A 15 minute rest

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

      1 yc

      Open Controls
    4. Kenneth Tang
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Duarte has 2 pt now

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

    Lynx make some great ads, if only they could apply it to the products 🙂

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

      😯 but but but, what about lynx attract even!?

      Open Controls
  15. Pilleri
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    5 players, 11 points total
    10 from played minutes

    looking forward to the clean sheets. if someone bought Algerian and Nigerian CBs, those guys are bound to score more.

    Open Controls
    1. Kenneth Tang
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I am luckier to have 13

      Open Controls
    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      0/

      Open Controls
  16. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Gonna wind it back and watch this half again.

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

      May god have mercy on your soul.

      Open Controls
    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      😆 😆

      Open Controls
  17. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    duarte 5 what the ?

    Open Controls
    1. Fresco
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      he blocked a shot in the tunnel

      Open Controls
    2. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      LAV it!

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

      He did somehting

      Open Controls
    4. Pilleri
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      half time points refresh for blocked shots and recovered balls. same thing at end of match. looks like a few had been missed.

      Open Controls
  18. shazzaaam
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    duarte at an impressive 6 at half time

    Open Controls
    1. shazzaaam
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      my bad 5

      Open Controls
  19. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Duarte on 5 despite the yellow. Not bad!

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

      Meh....

      Open Controls
  20. Keno
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    What does Gonzalez have so far?

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

      Feck all

      Open Controls
    2. CunkOnFPL
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      3

      Open Controls
  21. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Come on Costa Rica! Put this boring Greek side out of their (and our) misery!

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

      Costa Rica arent exactly exciting

      Open Controls
    2. Studgie G
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      seriously this... they make the wc awful to watch. Plenty of attacking games they ruin it with this. they should go back to s africa.

      Open Controls
      1. Werkself
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        ?

        Open Controls
        1. Studgie G
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          its like a illusion

          Open Controls
  22. Saniul
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Shots on target.

    Greece 4
    Costa Rica 0

    Open Controls
    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Went with Karnezis over Navas to get the 3 million

      Still worth it

      Open Controls
  23. CunkOnFPL
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    KNavas on 5 B)

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

      Nothing 😎 about that

      Open Controls
    2. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Is it just me, but your grav looks like a pair of underpants.
      just saying.

      Open Controls
      1. Studgie G
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        yours reminds me of that grandma/princess rotating thing? don't know why..

        Open Controls
    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      5 million!

      Open Controls
  24. Saniul
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Duarte never blocked a shot on the pitch, I'm sure. 😐

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

      Check again 😉

      Open Controls
  25. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Karnezis 4
    Manolas 3 Gonzalez 3
    Tejeda 4

    Open Controls
    1. shazzaaam
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Maniatis 2

      Open Controls
    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Tejeda already on par with my more expensive Herrera then and should outscore Aranguiz too. sigh. wasted cash

      Open Controls
    3. CunkOnFPL
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Karnezis on 2

      Open Controls
  26. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Death by what Costa Rica/Greece player got.

    Open Controls
  27. Blue Lion
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I never thought i would be so worried having Costa Rica double defense.

    Open Controls
    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Nice new grav 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Heydudes13
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Agreed. 🙂

        Open Controls
        1. The Sarjeant
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          We're the JRodders fan group!

          Open Controls
  28. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Just seen Coral sent me an e-mail to try to get me to best on the Brazil v Chile match. At least get yours teams right!!

    "The World Cup hosts rounded off Group A with a 4-1 victory over Japan, as Neymar obliged with a double to take his growing World Cup tally to four. From the looks of things, the number 10 is only just getting started; will Junior score yet another goal as part of a Brazilian 90 minute victory over Chile? "

    Open Controls
    1. RÏɠBY
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      is that them not knowing what they're on about or a double bluff to take them up on their odds 😐

      Open Controls
    2. little_wizard123
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I will say no.

      Open Controls
  29. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Germans are very quiet Eddy?

    Open Controls
    1. Jake Donahue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Enjoying the game.....

      Open Controls
  30. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Love the fact everyone's changing their grav's to JRodríguez 🙂

    Open Controls