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.
Evening you ‘orrible lot, Oscar or Gustavo ?
Allo Elle, hope you’re feeling better mate.
That’s a tough one and very much depends on how you feel Brazil will go…and indeed their team selection. if Oscar is given the Neymar role, then he should be involved in most of the Brazilian attacks – but can they penetrate the German defence?
Gustavo will be expected to win plenty of ball, but is unlikely to be involved going forward.
I’ve made the case for both – what you thinking now?!
Evening Cookster, arthritis in the knees + elbows, just to add to a long list of ailments, but i’ll be around for a while yet, so to the game, i think the krauts will win at a canter, but don’t forget i’m usually wrong, also the home advantage will probably stir the brasillians into action, so they may well do something + as you say i think Oscar will be involved, just worked him in to replace Gustavo.
Cool, i’ll get Gustavo :hippo:
Cookie for the mirror game, Luiz or Blind ?
Elle I’ve not been playing the Mirror game, so my answer will be based on the players themselves.
Is Blind guaranteed to play? If so I would go for him, personally, though I think I’ll probably be in the minority there!
I’ve got Blind at the moment, so i’ll stick.
Netherland’s striker Robin van Persie a doubt for World Cup Semi-Final with stomach problem
De Vrij or Blind?
De Vrij for me
Thanks Cookie. What about Boateng or Hoewedes? Don’t really know either of them, who has the more attacking threat?
don’t think either offers much going forward fulltime, but it seems like Boateng has picked up more recoveries etc, so I’d take him out of the two
Yeah I have him at the moment put if Merts starts I think I will bring him in for Boateng.
Cookie.
Boetang or Hoewdes or Hummels
Whose more at risk of losing place if Merts starts…?
Bigp,
hopefully we’ll find out soon!!
VAN PERSIE DOUBT FOR SEMI-FINAL
Netherlands captain Robin van Persie is a doubt for the semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday with a stomach problem. Boss Van Gaal says he didn’t train today.
“Robin van Persie has an intestinal problem and I didn’t want to take a risk,” – Louis Van Gaal.
Yo peeps…
Thinking ahead to EPL ..
Arsenal look like they’ve signd Sanchez 30m & Debuchy 10m…
Both good signings for the Gunners…
Will they be in your FPL team..
& How much do you think they’ll cost us…?
Worth thinking about Biggy, at least theres no Goofy to worry about.
Brazil starting XI vs. Germany: César; Maicon, Dante, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Fernandinho, Hulk, Oscar, Bernard; Fred.