Fantasy World Cup Live Match Chat Semi Finals
And then there were four. It’s semi-final time at the World Cup and very much a South America vs Europe affair. We’ve said a sad farewell to Colombia, who received an amazing reception when they returned to Bogota. Also offski are Costa Rica, who played with so much heart and a stubborn defence throughout the tournament, while Belgium and France have also exited stage left.
Our first semi-final sees hosts Brazil take on the World Cup’s Herr Consistent, Germany. Since 1950, the Germans have failed to reach at least the quarter-final stage on just one occasion and will be looking to add to their three stars by going all the way. Brazil, of course, will have home support on their side – unfortunately for them they won’t have influential defender and captain Thiago Silva or their main attacking threat, Neymar, on their side – they are ruled out through suspension and injury respectively. But it’s ok, Germany have Mesut Ozil, which evens things up somewhat. The Germans were back to their robotic best in disposing of France, while Brazil produced their best display of the tournament, certainly in the first half as they fought, literally, past the plucky Colombians.
The second semi brings together Argentina and the Netherlands, both of whom have somewhat stuttered through so far. The Dutch needed penalties to find a way past Costa Rica, which will be an obvious concern for LVG as he attempts to plot a way past the Argentinian defence which has kept two clean sheets in a row. If recent form is anything to go, goals may be at a premium here, so it may just be a moment of magic from Lionel Messi, Arjen Robben, Gonzalo Higuain or RvP which settles the tie. Worth noting that Angel Di Maria has been ruled out with injury, but better news of Sergio Aguero, who is expected to have recovered from (his latest) injury in time for the showdown.
Morning all, its matchday!!
How’s those teams coming along?
I went heavy on the first game, mostly Brazilian. Not sure why, as I rate all the Germans higher. I am counting on that twelfth man….the ref, to help me out.
Just saw the referee. The Mexican Dracula is the head, I would not be feeling very comfortable if I were Germany.
Fernandinho, Gustavo and Paulinho for you then?
I suspect that one of the Dinhos will be dropped, but yeah they are good buys since they get a point for every recovery/foul.
Hi all, I’m thinking with just the two games that quality is more important than quantity. It’s not like we can chop and change several times till were happy with a score…
Going quite big on the German defence (Neuer + 2 def) and strong defence in general.
Only 4 starting mids and 3 big forwards…
I will have 7 playing tonight and 8 to play/swap with in the second match.
Is this a good strategy ?
Hoping to finish as high as possible in the league as I didn’t join any H2H leagues
I think its a good stratey Bongo, still got room to swap a bit if some players don’t do so well tonight.
Yeah Bongo, I think 14/15 playing will be the average. I’m currently on two forwards, but will wait until the teams are revealed to confirm that. If Schuerrle starts, then he may be an option as indeed Willian may be if he starts for Brazil.
Cheers photec/cookie, yeah there could be some good options as you say cookie, glad the team sheets come out so early as it gives you plenty of time to tinker without making rash decisions.
I’m hoping for some good scores tonight as I wouldn’t feel comfortably going into the last match with 7 or 8 playing, knowing whatever score they get your stuck with…
Morning all,
all set for the first semi tonight?
So whats everyones strategy… heavy german defense… big on Brazil…a clutch of players from all 4 teams..
Hey Photek,
I was tempted at first to go big on Germany but have spread it round a bit more evenly now to get a decent mix. How about yourself mate?
I posted a new comment instead of reply – see number 3
Hey Cookie,
TBH, i haven’t looked at my team since Sunday, where i last left it, i had 5 germans and 1 brazilian the rest of my squad was a mixture of argies and dutch.
I was thinking that i needed more Brazilians but apart from Neymar, none of them have really made a big impression or scored that great pts wise, with perhaps the exception of Side Show Bob.
Still..theres time left to tinker some more tho
Photek,
it would really pain me to have Luiz in my side, but I said to Kop as they were playing Colombia, that that was the best game I have ever seen him play. Which is all relative, of course.
It’s the same for me, i don’t want Luiz in my side, i really don’t rate him and think he has the potential to get red-carded most times he takes to the pitch. Had i known in hindsight how lenient the refs would be to Brazil i would’ve got him from the start 😉
Has there really not been any posts on here since 9:46 AM? Disappointing, people :noshake:
i’ve been snowed under at work.
But i’ve looked at my team and see i have 5 germans and 5 dutch, which is optimistic for an all euro final in S.America. More tinkering to do later me thinks
Yeah Tekno, it’s been very quiet, thought it would have been busier with the game tonight.
How’s your team looking mate?
It’s ok Cookie, have some mids I’m not too sure about, but hopefully my squad is deep enough to cope with it. Currently got 14 players including 2 keepers, but might change it to only 1 keeper and 1 more striker.
Tekno, I’ve tinkered so many times I completely forgot what I have at the mo….right now only 2 strikers (had 3 this morning) and 15 players in all…..not going to touch it until the team are announced now….doing my head in!
My tactic is to not look at my squad until after I see tonight’s teams.
my mirror team for the semi’s
Neuer
Blind, Hummels, Howedes,
Schneijder, Oezil, Mueller, Oscar
Messi, Robben, RVP
Bench… Romero and David Louis…
any comments on that?
cheers and enjoy the game tonight
Mike
Looks pretty solid that Mike, I take it you fancy Germany?! Can’t argue with it I’ve gone very similar with my Mirror one.
looks good Mike, I don’t play Mirror, so am not aware of all the scoring details, transfers, squad make-ups etc. One thing I would be wary of is Ozil though – has done nothing in the tournament. Think I would rather lose RvP for Mueller and then have Sneijder for Ozil.
Good luck mate
Cookie it’s more akin to FPL scoring so CS, assists and goals only really. That said he’s already got Muller and Schneijder 😉
oh yeah, i’ll shut up and walk away quietly !!
Yeah!
Been thinking about the scoring though with this McD game and the Mirror comparison has reminded me. I actually think the McD one has added an extra layer to it and we will all find the FPL one a bit boring again for a while once it begins.
I know what you mean Init, but once the FPL is launched we’ll have at least 4 weeks of RMT’s…we’ll all have forgotten the WC by the time the PL kicks off!!
That’s why we should all definitely play UFPL init
I played UFPL last season but for some reason I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the McD’s game.
Afternoon all.
Back in the land of the living/ sober after a brilliant 5 days in vegas.
How’s everyone doing?
Got to agree on the scoring chat between MDs / UFPL and FPL. I’d be really pleased to see FPL come more in line with MDs/UFPL/MLS from a scoring perspective next season. (Not so much from a selection point of view though.) Can’t see it happening though and i can many a debate again re how soandso got the 3 bonus points for doing f all. Love it!
Not as good as you Chins! How was Vegas you lucky sod? Any money left?
Hi Init!
Vegas was class thanks mate. And yeah, its not the place to go if you’re looking to save money! My first time. Stayed at the Cosmopolitan. Highly recommend it.
We were planning on doing a Calvin Harris pool party but after seeing how hot it was the day before we binned it and spent the money seeing Gareth Emery in a night club instead. Awesome decision.
Gambling was more a spectator sport for me as i don’t really know what i’m doing. Finished off up for the week though so that was nice.
Its a wierd place. If you’ve not been then i recommend it as its something everyone should experience once. Definitely hit the old Vegas on Freemont street. Proper freak show!
Back to reality now though. Job search starts tomorrow. Well, after the world cup. Maybe.
Chins, I’m worried bout you man. Since you’ve moved you’ve had nothing but upheaval, no belongings, living out of a suitcase and no fun.
Give yourself a break mate and let your hair down, old boy – you deserve a break :hippo:
Cookie, i really appreciate your concern for my health/risk of burnout. Unfortuantly, Mrs Chins doesn’t quite agree with you.
I won’t pass on her exact words, but safe to say, my idea of a post-Vegas wind down in Cancun has been declined for the foreseeable future.
They’re strange creatures at times aren’t they. Oh well, you know the score, get a babysitter, take her out for dinner, show her some love, buy her a vase for the new gaff and then explain how hard it’s been for you to settle in, miss your mates, normal environment etc and just need to clear your head.
Works every time.
Ross McCormack: Fulham sign Leeds United striker
Leeds United’s Scotland international striker Ross McCormack has joined Championship rivals Fulham for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £11m.
I really cant believe this…I thought the days of stupid transfer fees were somewhat behind us!!
Clearly not Kop. That’s a crazy fee eh? Unless
Fulham have just found a cash happy billionaire!
Madness! I know the lad has a decent record, but…
It looks like Fulham are going all out for a quick return to the PL.
They analysed him this morning on Sky – his record was only good last season, very average before that. Crazy stuff, its as bad as paying up for Carroll and Fellaini !!
Is this the bloke who made a fool of himself on Sky on transfer deadline day on the phone saying he was leaving etc?
I think it’s worse Cookie…Fulham should’ve left the Michael Jackson statue alone!!
I’d be somewhat concerned if I were a Leeds fan.
5m tops I would think