634x258 Dugout Discussion
13 July 2014 2625 comments
Paul Paul
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A month of thrilling football culminates this evening as Germany and Argentina take to the pitch in the 2014 World Cup Final. Many Fantasy mini-leagues are on the line tonight as Joachim Low’s free-scoring side square up to one of the most resilient backlines in the tournament so far:

Germany: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Kroos, Ozil; Klose

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Demichelis, Rojo; Biglia, Mascherano; Perez, Messi, Lavezzi; Higuain

Low makes one late change to the XI that started the 7-1 rout of Brazil, with Christoph Kramer replacing Sami Khedira in central midfield. Mats Hummels has recovered from the knee problem that forced him off at the break last time around, then, while Miroslav Klose leads the line for the third successive match. Thomas Muller carries the hopes of many Fantasy managers into this one after serving up five goals and a trio of assists so far, whilst Toni Kroos’ double against the Brazilians has earned him plenty of new owners across the Fantasy games. Elsewhere in attack, Klose is gunning for his third of the campaign after breaking the World Cup Finals scoring record last week, though Low also has the option of Andre Schurrle off the bench, with the Chelsea man notching three times already.

Alejandro Sabella’s side is also unaltered from the semi-finals. Martin Demichelis gets the nod ahead of Federico Fernandez in the heart of defence once again, while Enzo Perez and Ezequiel Lavezzi are handed another start due to injury concerns over Angel di Maria and Sergio Aguero – the latter is likely to appear off the bench again, though. The South Americans have delivered four clean sheets in their last five matches and Sabella’s defence has been subject to heavy Fantasy investment as the returns dry up for Lionel Messi. It’s now three games without a goal for the Barcelona man now, who has looked lethargic for his country over the knockout matches – when it matters most of all, can he deliver?

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  1. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    I miss my Iranians and
    D algerianians!
    🙁

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  2. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Vidal to United is gathering pace...

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    1. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Is he running or rushing?

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        He's on holiday!

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    2. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      So is Reus

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Don't think so.

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    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Serious or trolling?

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        I am serious. I refuse to believe it till it happens though.

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        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          I would cum in my pants if he did join us

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  3. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    What a shite trophy 😆

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  4. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Messi golden ball , I want to throw bricks at whoever voted for him

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Is it voted by FIFA Ultimate Team fans?

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      1. Djerbil
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        no idea , it used to be by Journos

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

    HAHAHAHA

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  6. Blue Lion
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Dear Mr.Mourinho
    Please start Schurrle more often now...

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    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      cemented his role as an impact sub sadly

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      1. 32chickens
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        at least willian showed that he's short of class by a long way

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        1. 32chickens
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          and so did romelu...

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          1. 32chickens
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            so a validation world cup for the special one
            -see luiz as chelski laff to the bank

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  7. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Shit, no chance Messi to be the best 🙁

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  8. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Messi!? C'mon. This is Blatter's vote alone!

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    1. Jack Frost
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I guess it's just for strikers on teams that finish first or second.

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  9. crystalpalaceRus
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    What award has Messi won there?

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      If its POTT thats stupid, clearly Hames

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Player of the tourny 😆

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    3. Djerbil
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Player of the Tournament

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  10. VougieDipond
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Messi Golden Ball. Eh? Ah sponsored by adidas

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  11. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Messi - player of the tournament??

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

    Are they giving Messi it just because he's there?

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  13. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Messi honestly didn't deserve the Golden Ball..

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  14. crystalpalaceRus
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    #JusticeForHames

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  15. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Sepp's favourite.

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  16. AlCapwnUK
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Neuer could have had both

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  17. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    I'd I've the Golden Ball to someone in the crowd if I were Messi.

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  18. mike_89
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    There are 23 Germans who deserved this award more than Messi.

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    1. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Dass is sehr sehr schlect

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  19. CellinoArmy
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    What did you guys score this round in Mc D's??

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    1. mike_89
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      112

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    2. I.A.P
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      102.

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  20. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Messi living on his reputation as a Barca player now. Half the Germany team has been better...even Concrete Ron Vlaar!!

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    1. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Are you a CR7 bum boy? 🙂

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        I do like Ronaldo to be fair. I just think Messi, whilst a very good player, is so overrated. At Barca, he gets spoon fed service against largely poor defences.

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        1. HVT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          +loads

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      2. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        😀

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  21. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    What a disgrace.

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  22. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    J.Rod golden boot then?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah

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    2. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Yep

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  23. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Well done Germany.

    So, when does FPL open? I'm already bored 🙂

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      5 hours.

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      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        lol 😉

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  24. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Swiney - Sun Star Man,.

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    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      😯

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  25. PKB
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Messi wins it perhaps coz Messi was his team for the whole tournament! 😀

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Mascherano disagrees.

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      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        ^this

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  26. CaTriEm
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Mascherano deserves Golden Ball.

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  27. Yome
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    No scout tweet for Cabella signing for Newcastle?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      No.

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      1. Yome
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        That is schocking! One to watch for the new season.

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        1. HVT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          OR?

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          1. HVT
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Overall rank?

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            1. HVT
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 4 months ago

              Even?

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  28. Sid07
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Messi surely dsnt desrv tht

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

    I think Messi would have been happier if they gave it to somebody else.

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  30. Pratik
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you have given the Golden Ball to?

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    1. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Neuer

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    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Hames

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    3. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Rodriguez.

      I didn't get on him or anything.

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      1. copps
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        he was exceptional in every game, i think he deserved it

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        1. The Sarjeant
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Same. Loads more people deserved it rather than Messi.

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    4. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Hmm, tough one.

      Maybe Lahm.

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      1. Pratik
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Would have given it to Lahm myself.

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

      James or Lahm

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    6. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Rooney

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

      Mascherano

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    8. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Vlaar

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    9. Djerbil
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Robben or JRod

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    10. il Brutto
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Neuer

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    11. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Lahm.

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    12. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      vlaar

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    13. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Kroos.

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      1. Pratik
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Nah, was terrible in the final though.

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        1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          And was their best player in pretty much every other game. Hardly wasted a ball whole tournament, and pulled all the strings from start to finish. Oh and he won the WC, but you're right, terrible pick.......

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    14. GuyIncognito
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Rodriguez or Mascherano

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