Fantasy World Cup Edition Group A
GROUP A: BRAZIL, CROATIA, MEXICO, CAMEROON
Getting bored? Yes we thought so! Fear not though as the World Cup is just around the corner and with it an inevitable and joyous new fantasy game for us all to get our teeth into over the summer. ‘But I’ve never heard of half these players, where do I start?’ we hear you ask. Well we wouldn’t leave you alone in the wilderness now would we, so this is the start of a week long guide to everything you need to know about each team and doubtless many things you probably don’t even want to know. When we got to thinking about this concept we decided that our knowledge of many of these teams was possibly limited also but given that our members are spread worldwide perhaps it would be remiss of us not to tap into some of that expertise. As such the following series of articles are brought to you by eight of our valued community members, based all over the globe in places like America, Japan, the Czech Republic and of course England to name a few. Hopefully they will bring you some great insight into the teams and players involved and their respective prospects from a fantasy football point of view.
Some of you will have registered already but if not the site that we are using for this years game is Mcdonalds Fantasy World Cup, you can register here
As of now all you can do is register your team. You can begin selecting players ahead of the tournament from June 8th and we will let you know the FF247 league code as soon as the site allows leagues to be created. We look forward to being able to crown our inaugural FF247 Fantasy World Cup champion and no doubt we will have a H2H league if that option is available as well as countless member leagues created by you. Until then we hope you enjoy our guides to each each group and without further ado our very own Hannibal Lecter (HL) kicks off the festivities with his take on Group A and the teams involved….
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BRAZIL
Overview
Luiz Felipe Scolari previously led Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, 2006 World Cup semi-finals and last eight at Euro 2008.
Brazil are the only nation to have played at every World Cup, winning the competition a record five times in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 & 2002 .
Success at the Confederations Cup last summer has raised hopes of a record sixth World Cup triumph. After the lucky WC draw they sure have a great chance of going all the way.
Brazil should be expected to finish as group winners with ease (as some say), even the statistics say that one in three hosts win the World Cup.
Fantasy Player Perspective
Brazil’s squad looks almost like the “perfect 11” with so many quality players in both defence and attack.
Barcelona paid nearly £50million to sign their golden boy who was only 19 when named South American Footballer of the Year. He’s already got 46 caps and scored 27 goals at 21yrs of age. Yes, his name is Neymar and is a must have for every team I’d say as everyone is counting on him to bring some magic onto the field. Some of their other attacking players would be also worth a look . Fred & Hulk will be a nightmare for every defence – mostly because of their physicality; strength ; shooting powers and presence in the area.
The midfield magician Oscar should be the architect of Brazil’s game having Thiago Silva and his stamina right behind him.
David Luiz, Marcelo & Dani Alves will be the most popular picks from the defence. Brazil will play an attacking , good for the eye game to satisfy the crowds – and there is a lot of attacking potential in the likes of Marcelo & Alves as they both like going forward.
Be careful, though – as this can be a double-edged sword.
Also, please keep an eye on Bernard (a versatile attacking midfielder/winger) and Luiz Gustavo – if you prefer differentials.
Fixtures
Brazil open the tournament on June 12th against Croatia, followed by Mexico and close out their group against Cameroon.
I expect the opener against Croatia to be a massive game as the Croats are a tough team and the only ones to have navigated the World Cup play-offs having kept clean sheets in both matches.
If Brazil manage to find a way to cope with all the pressure, I expect a narrow win with a goal or two, not more.
Their next game is against Mexico & and star man Chicharito. If Brazil are to finish 1st in the group they need a minimum of 7pts which means they need at least 4pts from their biggest games against Croatia & Mexico.
Well – we will find out all about Mexico’s trials and tribulations just to get here later but I expect Brazil to win this one comfortably (many of you will not agree with me, me thinks).
Depending on how the 1st two encounters end, Brazil may be going “all in” – in the last game, knowing Croatia & Mexico play each other to secure the 1st place. The only question that remains is how many goals they will manage to squeeze past the Cameroon defence knowing the “Indomitable Lions” will be looking at damage limitation against the hosts.
Of course the other option is that they may come into this game with 6pts and try to rest some of the players before the next games – having already secured 1st place.
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CROATIA
Overview
Croatia finished an amazing third in their World Cup debut in 1998 but subsequently failed to progress from the group stages in both 2002 and 2006. They do seem to lack the depth of talent associated with their golden generation of the late 1990s. Croatia emerged from the UEFA playoffs but were far from convincing and might find it difficult to play in the tropical climate.
However I strongly believe there is enough quality within the squad considering the talents of Bayern’s Mandzukic ; Real Madrid’s Luka Modric ; Shakhtar’s Darijo Srna and Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic.
Fantasy Player Perspective
Modric (well, we all know good old Luka’s qualities ? ) & Mandzukic (top scorer for Croatia with four goals in qualifying) should the best picks at 1st glance from the Croatian Team.
Though, Mandzukic’s red card in the play-off win over Iceland could limit his WC involvement – however can be a good differential for (perhaps) the latter fixtures .
Please also keep a close eye on Inter’s wunderkind Mateo Kovacic (attacking midfielder/winger) & especially Ivan Rakitic ( Sevilla’s star man ) if you are looking for differentials !
Dejan Lovren (Southampton) and Darijo Srna (Captain & Right back who takes set pieces ) – are the best defensive picks.
Fixtures
The Croats have the honour of playing the opener against the hosts and must hope to rely on their iron nerves.
Anything but a loss will be celebrated as a victory against Scolari’s ‘magic 11’.
They are for sure capable of upsetting the hosts, though I believe Brazil will win this one narrowly – just because of their enormous attacking power while on the other end the Croats will be missing it in Mandzukic.
Having scored only 12 goals during their 10-game group campaign & with Mandzukic suspended for the Brazil game, Croatia’s coach Niko Kova? will struggle to replace him.
Expect the Croats to play for a draw (goalless draw, if they are to choose).
Croatia’s biggest game should be against Cameroon before going into the final group game with Mexico.
As goal difference can easily prove to be key to who goes through – they will be going all in for this one.
The last group game is against Mexico. Many things may be already much clearer by then but nevertheless this will be a massive game for both squads. Both teams will need to fight it out for that 2nd place if they are to face the winners from what looks to be a very strong Group B.
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Mexico
Overview
Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals – 1970 and 1986.
Mexico used 47 players and four coaches in a turbulent qualifying campaign.
If they can somehow recover from their poor qualifying campaign – they can become a very dangerous side for any opponent .
The tropical climate conditions will suit them well – while their main opponents Croatia may find it a bit more difficult to adjust to.
Best known for their quick passing style, however Chicharito’s teammates are also very good at set pieces.
Occassionaly they also love to send a long ball out to Jimenez, as they can transform their style of play very easily.
Believed to be main contenders for the 2nd place in the group together with Croatia.
Fantasy Player Perspective
Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) – his instinctive finishing skills might be crucial for any Mexican success. Oribe Peralta who was top scorer in qualifying with 10 goals is also a good pick.
If you are looking for a differential – Raul Jimenez should be your man. Giant striker who was one of the stars of London 2012.
Mexico usually plays in a 4-4-2 formation and while all eyes will be on Chicharito, Jimenez may prove to be the surprise package.
If you looking for a defender from this team, then don’t go any further than Rafael Marquez. Top player with a Barcelona pedigree and 116 caps for his team – should say enough.
Fixtures
Mexico will start against Cameroon already knowing the result of the Brazil-Croatia game, played the day before.
They are expected to go out and play a very open game looking for that goal difference which can bring the 2nd place closer to them.
Expect an attacking game with a few goals in it. After this they play Brazil who might or might not come into this encounter with also 3pts in their pocket. This should be a very entertaining game for the neutral spectator knowing the style of football both teams nurture.
Don’t expect too much from Mexico in this game though, as they will be playing Brazil with their minds on the next game against Croatia which by all scenarios should be the decisive one. Not really convinced they can defend so well in general so I expect a narrow Brazil win in this one.
Mexico vs Croatia should give us the last team who will go forward from this group. Regardless of the points tally both teams will have before the game (expect if one of them loses twice) – a win in this game is a must for one of them, if not both!
Expect a gladiator ‘to be or not to be’ game with few goals in it.
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Cameroon
Overview
Best World Cup finish is in the Quarter finals, 1990 .
Cameroon remain a competitive force – however Eto’o’s best days are well behind him.
They have failed to qualify for the last two Africa Cup of Nations & Cameroon’s football federation was briefly suspended by Fifa in July because of government interference.
Brazil will be their seventh World Cup – (an African record) – but Cameroon have only won one match in four editions since reaching the quarter-finals in 1990.
Vital statistic – No Cameroon player managed to register more than two goals throughout the qualifying phases.
Fantasy Player Perspective
Stephane Mbia and veteran striker Eto’o are the best picks from this squad .
Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Alex Song and Sebastien Bassong (Norwich) are also good picks though it will be wise to steer clear of Cameroon’s defenders.
Jean Makoun on the other hand could prove to be the joker in this team – and your main differential, of course.
Fixtures
Well if Cameroon is to do anything in this WC, they won’t find a better chance than their opening game with the Mexican team.
They will face a strong side with only 1 thing on their mind – to put as many goals as they can past the Cameroon defence!
As I mentioned – this could be their chance of upsetting the Mexican’s on counter-attacks and making this game and the whole group more interesting as a result.
Their next opponent Croatia will be going into this game with the same thoughts as the Mexican’s – which is to come out of it with 3pts in their pocket, scoring a goal more than the Mexican’s against Cameroon.
The Croats may prove to be a tougher nut to crack in defence as they are playing an “old-fashioned” 4-4-2 with a holding midfielder and are disciplined in defence. Nevertheless, every goal scored against both Mexico & Croatia – can be a game changer and will definitely make things more complicated.
Their last game is against Brazil and I hope Neymar & friends to already have the 1st spot secured – so this might prove to be an exhibition game for both sides and nothing more.
Cameroon has the look of a team that should prove easy prey as they face the prospect of an early exit in many people’s eyes.
However, nothing is over until the ‘fat lady sings’ – so do not write them off too early.
Hannibal Lecter’s – Projected finish :
1. Brazil
2. Croatia
3. Mexico
4 Cameroon
Try this Calvin,
Table of Contents
1. The Game
2. Your Squad
3. Rounds
4. Leagues
5. Scoring
6. Winning
1. THE GAME
Putting together a squad from the best players at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ takes skill, research and shrewdness. All managers start off equal, with a budget to spend on their Fantasy team. Balance that budget, make sure you have the stars that are sure to shine brightest and score you valuable points, but also, always make room for those potential surprises that could make all the difference.
You can still join the game after the tournament has started, but you will not score any points for past rounds that you have missed.
After your squad is complete, you must select 11 players for your line-up.
Players can only play in their designated position. For example, you can’t play a designated defender as a midfielder or forward.
Players will be assigned a designated position for the duration of the fantasy game. The position they land up playing in an actual match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup is not relevant to the fantasy scoring. Fantasy points will be calculated based upon a player’s fixed fantasy position.
2. YOUR SQUAD
Have a look at the list of available players on the transfer market and set up your squad. It`s one squad per manager and multiple squads will be deleted.
You have an initial budget to set up your squad. You must have 23 players in your squad.
Squads must consist of at least:
• 2 Goalkeepers
• 6 Defenders
• 6 Midfielders
• 4 Forwards
There will then be 5 additional squad places to be filled. Mangers can assign these 5 places to players from any position. Will you spend big on strikers or save budget by signing defenders?
You can have a maximum of three players from each individual national team. This limit is raised throughout the competition as teams are eliminated. The player limits are:
Player limits
Group Stage 3 players from the same team
Round of 16 5 players from the same team
Quarter-finals 5 players from the same team
Semi-finals 8 players from the same team
Final Unlimited
From your squad you must select 11 players to form your starting team. Only starting players will earn points for your team.
Should one of your starting 11 not actually play in a round, then a player from the same position on your bench will come on. Only a player who plays in the same position can be substituted in.
Please note that your team and any changes you make will save automatically. There is no save button.
You can change every player in your line-up that has not already played during the current round for any other relevant player in your squad that hasn’t already played.
If you don`t make any changes to your team the current team will continue to score points for you.
3. ROUNDS
Please find a list of the rounds below:
Round No. Round Description Date Maximum players per country Number of transfers
1 1st group phase 12-17 June (6d) 3 Initial squad
2 2nd group phase 17-22 June (6d) 3 0
3 3rd group phase 23-26 June (4d) 3 0
4 Round of 16 27 June-1 July (5d) 5 Unlimited
5 Quarter-finals 2-5 July (4d) 5 Unlimited
6 Semi-finals 6-9 July (4d) 8 Unlimited
7 Final 10-13 July (4d) Unlimited Unlimited
Once a round is over and points have been finalized (points will be finalized a few minutes after a round is completed), select the round from the dropdown box under “latest scores”. You can then see the points tally for that particular round. It will also show which players, if any, have automatically been substituted from the bench.
You can modify your squad throughout the season in the transfer market. The transfer market is opened during the official rest days of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.
The values of players will NOT fluctuate in the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ McDonald’s Fantasy game.
Fantasy managers that finish in first, second and third position for a round will receive the respective round’s prize. (See the prizes page for full details). A manager can only win one (1) round prize for the duration of the game. If a manager who has already won a round prize finishes in the top 3 for another round they will be ineligible for that second prize and such a prize will be awarded to the next best manager in the rankings. A manager can, however, win both one round prize and one overall prize for McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy.
4. LEAGUES
Every manager goes into the overall league, but it’s much more fun to take on your friends and colleagues in a mini-league. There is no limit to the number of mini-leagues you can join. You can allow anyone to join your mini-league, protect it with a password or only allow managers who support the same club to join in. Simply go to My Leagues and go through the process of either joining or creating a league. Please note however that the official prizes only apply to the official 2014 FIFA World Cup™ McDonald’s Fantasy game and not to the mini-leagues.
5. SCORING
Every player receives points for what he does on the pitch, based on the statistic analysis of the match. Depending on their success, players will receive positive or sometimes even negative points. The following points are awarded during the evaluation:
Points
Action Points Goalkeeper Defender Midfielder Forward
Playing 1-30 minutes 1
Playing 31-60 minutes 2
Playing 61+ 3
Goal 5
Assist* 3
Clean sheet (only if player plays more than 61 minutes) 6 4 1 0
Every save/blocked shot 1 2 2 2
Penalty save 5
Every 2 balls delivered into penalty area 1
Ball recovered 1
Every 3 fouls -1
Every 2 goals conceded (Goalkeeper and Defender) -1 -1 0 0
Yellow card -1
Red card (straight red) -3
Own goal -2
Foul causing a penalty -1
Penalty miss -2
BONUSES (are available only if a player plays more than 31 minutes)
Points
Bonus Points Goalkeeper Defender Midfielder Forward
Save rate > 80 per cent 1
Passes completion > 80 per cent 1 1
Attempts rate> 80 per cent 1
* An assist is awarded to a player who plays the final successful pass which leads to a goal. Please note that assists are not awarded to players who are fouled for free-kicks or penalties which lead to goals, for own goals or for goals which result from rebounds off other players or the woodwork.
Your team captain, which you can change for each round, will score double points. If you fail to select a captain then no player will score double points.
6. WINNING
The fantasy manager who finishes in first place on the overall leaderboard for McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy at the end of the game will be declared the contest winner and win the Grand Prize.
There are also nine (9) runners-up prizes to be won. The fantasy managers that finish in second through tenth position on the overall leaderboard at the end of the game will receive the respective runner-up prizes.
There are also seven separate round prizes within the McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy game. The respective round winner will be the fantasy manager that finishes in first place on the respective round’s leaderboard at the conclusion of that respective round. Points will be finalized a few minutes after a round is completed. To view the round results, select the round from the dropdown box under “latest scores” once the round is over. Managers that finish in first, second and third place for each round will receive a round prize. (Please see the prizes page for full details). However, a fantasy manager can only win one (1) round prize for the duration of the game. In the event that a manager who has already won a round prize, finishes in the top 3 for another round, the prize will be awarded to the next best eligible fantasy manager.
A fantasy manager can win both one overall prize and one round prize for McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy. Please see the prizes page for full details.
TIES: In the event of a tie, the respective prize winner(s) will be decided by a random prize draw made from those tied entries. Such random prize draw shall be made by FIFA in its sole discretion and FIFA’s decision shall be final.
Win fantastic prizes!
Copied and pasted Ell, much appreciated.
Interesting…
So does this mean you can do manual subs in live play and auto subs?
Should one of your starting 11 not actually play in a round, then a player from the same position on your bench will come on. Only a player who plays in the same position can be substituted in.
You can change every player in your line-up that has not already played during the current round for any other relevant player in your squad that hasn’t already played.
Also a Potty Cup
Potty
Every 2 balls delivered into penalty area 1
Ball recovered 1
These two rules are quite tasty and make a case for playing 5 defenders at the back!
Also what does “deliver” mean?
The ball should actually reach the team member’s foot or any lousy ball delivered will claim a point? Leaves no difference between players like Sagna/Cole and Baines/Zabaleta.
The B – that would be awesome if it’s the second one haha.
Lol yes!
I think Ill roll on a 4-3-3 or 5-2-3 formation in World Cup. :hippo:
Sounds like it!
And no assists for penalties.
Goofy looks less desirable all of a sudden….
Heres an easy one :- Name the 4 players who have scored in 2 different world cup finals.
Zi-Zu (ZIdane)
Thats 1 HL.
Pele?
Garrincha 58, 62?
Andy, brazillian, 1958 + 1962 is all correct, wrong player mate.
Zagallo? Only one left who’s name I can remember
Nope Andy.
Pele
Ronaldo (fat one)
Klinsman
Muller
Klose
Out of all them only Pele is correct Chins + Josh.
There must be a german (or old west german) in there somewhere?!
I just don’t know their names!
Chins, that statement is correct mate, West German in old money.
Breitner
Correct Kopster, 1974 + 1982.
As for the Brazilian, I don’t have a scooby!!
Andy + Kop, Vava.
Right everyone, could we please let Chins answer this 1, thanks. Who is the only footballer to score 3 goals in a World Cup Final ? :big-lol:
You’re putting a lot of pressure on him!!
@ Elle,
Just woke up.
Had a feeling all was not well.
Something just wasn’t right.
Had a wee, but the feeling was still there.
Strange, i thought.
Changed the baby. Feeling still there.
Fed the baby. Feeling still there.
It was strange. But i liked it.
Thought, i know, i’ll see what i’ve missed on good ‘ol FF247. And then it hit me.
That feeling was what happens when there’s a question out there that you know the answer to.
Not had it before.
They think its all over….
Hurst.
It is now!
Boooooom!!!!
Night all.
XD
While Chins has conveniently disappeared 😉 … which country was the first to be eliminated from the World Cup group stages while they were host?
South Africa.
I’m offski, goodnight all.
Same here…
Off to bed …
zzzzzz
“Conveniently”?!
Oh per-lease!
You know i have Trivia class on Sunday night!