634x258 Dugout Discussion
1 July 2014 3833 comments
Paul Paul
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We reach the final day of Matchday 4 this evening as the World Cup edges towards the quarter-final stages. Argentina and Switzerland go head-to-head in the early 5pm kick-off as Alejandro Sabella’s look to maintain their 100% record so far, while Lionel Messi’s Fantasy owners will be optimistic of picking up the points in a round which has seen the likes of Neymar, Robin Van Persie and Karim Benzema fail to score over the previous three evenings:

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Fernandez, Garay, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi, Higuain, Lavezzi

Switzerland: Benaglio; Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Schar, Rodriguez; Inler, Behrami; Xhaka, Shaqiri Mehmedi; Drmic

Argentina make just one enforced change from the side that saw off Nigeria last time around, with Ezequiel Lavezzi replacing the injured Sergio Aguero in the front three. Having scored four of his side’s six goals, Messi is the standout option for the South Americans, with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria yet to pick up any returns whatsoever over their first three matches.

Switzerland, unsurprisingly, are changed from the XI that swept aside Honduras in the final group match. Fabian Schar continues in central defence, then, with Ricardo Rodriguez owners looking for further attacking returns from the raiding left-back, who already has a couple of assists to his name. Further up the field, Xherdan Shaqiri is the form player, having bagged a hat-trick against the Hondurans, while Josip Drmic also arrives on the back of a decent display which served up a pair of assists in the 3-0 win.

Later in the evening, Belgium seek to extend a record which has seen them win every match in the tournament. Marc Wilmots made a number of changes for the final group game against South Korea and Fantasy favourites such as Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne are expected to return to the starting XI against the USA. Divock Origi may fancy his chances of a start up front after another impressive display off the bench last time around, whilst at the back, the Belgians will be desperate for Vincent Kompany to recover in time for tonight’s clash as they look to maintain a series of defensive displays which has seen them concede just a single spot-kick so far.

After beating Ghana and drawing with Portugal, Jurgen Klinsmann’s side tasted defeat in their final group game against Germany. The USA will be looking to bounce back immediately and Clint Dempsey, with a goal in each of his first two appearances, is the main threat for the underdogs, though Graham Zusi, with two assists to his name, and Jermaine Jones, with a goal and assist to date, could be key to Klinsmann’s chances of springing an upset.

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  1. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Lineker just said that 'Stokes Geoff Cameron has been called up to the side"I was sure he started all the previous games! Dumbfeck.

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    1. Jude Rooney
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Didn't start v Germany

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

        was awful vs portugal

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

        Played 2 out of 3 then?

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

    I need to switch to 4-5-1, but currently Messi is on the right side of my front 2.

    Muller - Messi

    I need to bring in Van Buyten, how do I do it safely?

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    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      sub Muller then change formation

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

        Done, cheers.

        What time is the cut off for McD's changes by the way? I was sure I'd be past it.

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        1. Alan The Llama
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          When the game starts.

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    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Take him out first.

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

      take out the one you want out, then change to the formation

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    4. Jude Rooney
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Take player out first then change formation

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    5. CunkOnFPL
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      remove muller, change formation, add dvb

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

      remove muller. change formation and then bring in van buyten.

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

      Thanks for the help all

      Navigating the McD's site is like the original Mission Impossible. You know the scene.

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  3. Woy of the Wovers
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I'm going to call this based on PL profile. US have Stoke, Norwich and a Spurs drop-out. Belgium have a Chelsea star, two key Everton players, another couple of Chelsea subs, a PL double champion. Tough call.

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

    Cmon Hazard!

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

      -1. Kept di Maria rather than getting him 🙂

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

        😛

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftpD_mS0hlA

    Important for those playing the fox game!

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  6. Woy of the Wovers
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    But USA win the battle of the anthems. Well done.

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      The USA anthem is awful.

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      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        You are wrong.

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

          Its not great but the Belgium anthem is poor

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

        Sing it right and it's f***ing amazing

        Example:

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmIKoC3DQQ

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      3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        better than belgiums

        my fav is russia

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

          USA, Russia, Portugal, Germany are all good

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          1. Woy of the Wovers
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            French is OK too. Proper anthem.

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          2. Mr Sarcastic
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Italy by Buffooon!!!

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            1. Woy of the Wovers
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Italy's anthem is soooooo 19th century.

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        2. Woy of the Wovers
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Good call. Russian anthem is tops. I think USofA could challenge if they switched to their second anthem.

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

            2nd Anthem?

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            1. Woy of the Wovers
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Preferred choice would be America the Beautiful but God Bless America also better than Star-spangled banner.

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

              USA! USA! YSA!

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  7. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    BBC's coverage is going to be even more hideous than usual with so many PL stars on display

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

    Did I just see Chris woods in the USA dugout?

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  9. UKG
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Gustavo (6) and Blind (5) out for Buyten and Mertens?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Not enough time for me to answer.

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

        Did you stick or twist with Messi?

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

      Done it....back down to 101 points in Mcd's with those two to go.....

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

        Shows how good a round I had with 36 points out on the bench through subs!

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  10. shady4revr
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    98 with KDB and Van Buyten to go.

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

      105, Hazard to play

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    2. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      123 + Van Buyten

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  11. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    here we go the arm crossing lookin pissed off thing 🙄

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

    USMNT FTW 🙂

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

    I must say I enjoy the tune of the American anthem 😛

    (But they won't win)

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

      (I think...)

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  14. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    No Beckerman? He's been one of the US' best players...

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

      and Cameron has been their worst

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

      Indeed! I bought him for this round 🙁

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

    Origi nearly

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  16. Woy of the Wovers
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    I've got £5 on Origi FGS, Belgium 1-0. Not sure how happy I am now.

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  17. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    This Origi converted chance would have been enough for my Neymar to Origi shift 🙂

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

    A early Belgium goal will wreck USA's game

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  19. gers23
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Am I the only 1 who doesn't rate Diego Costa? Feel Chelsea have overpaid. ..

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

      I don't rate him.

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    2. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Why not? He got 3 assists in La Liga last season.

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    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      You'd also be the only one who has watched Spain these past few weeks.

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    4. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Fantasy wise classic "will be first name in my team if he goes to chelsea" player.
      Season starts and very few will have him.

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  20. Saniul
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Origi has some speed.

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  21. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Belgium or USA to qualify?

    USA here.

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

      Belgium

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    2. GREENDREAMS11
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      yeah, they could win this, Ive been impressed with them

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

      Belgium

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  22. The Pep Revolution
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone else have nobody playing in this match?

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      o/. And 12 players in Qtr finals.

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

      Just got Van Buyten...

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      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        There's pills you can take for that.

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

          Good..it doesn't half itch.

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      2. The Pep Revolution
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Ok at this point there is nothing we can do to influence the game so ill be completely honest with you if you are honest with me. What points are you currently on? Did you have to deduct any to bring in Van Buyten?

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

          Yep...

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          1. The Pep Revolution
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            You can be completely honest here it cannot change anything at this point. How many points did you deduct? I will tell you about your opponent as well.

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

              Four..which then turned to six..117 now with Buyten playin.

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              1. The Pep Revolution
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Your opponent is on 125 points with nobody playing in this match. So it comes down to Van Buyten. In saying that it is also very close in another match. Do you have any idea if Kinnear has anyone in this match?

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

                  Oh hell..Dunno what Kinnear has yet.

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                  1. The Pep Revolution
                    • 14 Years
                    11 years, 7 months ago

                    If I was to call it at this precise moment I would say you guys have the advantage. Either way both teams have done great to get this far and it has been very close so whoever wins fair play to them.

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

          Is it close?

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

      me

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  23. pompeyfan
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Thought i could watch this game on bbc, but then I heard how they pronounced Alderweireld. Belgian channel it is!

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

      Belgian commentary is awesome, usually.

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      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Who does Ray Winston on Belgian betfair.

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

          Gambling is probably illegal in Belgium, since it pretty much is in NL, until 2015 at least!

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          1. Woy of the Wovers
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Illegal in Holland?!!! What's happening to the world?

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      2. pompeyfan
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        True. They got pretty excited in the Algeria game!

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

    Rushed home from work listening to the game on car radio hoping to make it in time for extra time. Got back with a few minutes to spare. Rushed up stairs, switched on tv.... Just in time to see Argies in a celebratory huddle 😆

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  25. pompeyfan
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Having watched Siem de Jong for the last few years, I'd to see how he starts before getting him in FPL. He hasn't been great in recent months.

    Will miss him tho, he scored so many important goals!

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  26. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    121 with Mertens playing. Once he beats 7 points I'll be happy!

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

      That's one ugly mofo

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

        Luis Thuarez. 😆

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

          How did he bite his own ear off? 😕

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    2. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Strangely bears a resemblance to Costa as well.... Hmmm.

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

    another Extra Time coming

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

        You packed your bags?

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

          i will win

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    2. Gubbins94.
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      All 3 of my dark horses (Algeria, Switzerland and Chile) harshly knocked out in the same round. Disappointing

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    3. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Pause the game folks, Tony Hibbert has just signed a new two year deal at Goodison Park!

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      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Shi-ite!!! This is HUGE!!!!!!

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

        So they're not sure they can keep Coleman. 😉

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

          Except he also signed a 5 year extension 😉

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      3. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        YES!

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