Fantasy World Cup Preview Group D
GROUP: D ENGLAND, URUGUAY, ITALY, COSTA RICA
Our World Cup previews continue at a pace and we would like to extend a very warm welcome and thank you to Milk and Busquets as he gives us his take on Group D, the teams involved, which players you should pick and who is likely to progress.
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. You can register now and you can begin to pick your squad from June 8th ahead of the big kick-off on June 12th. We will publish the FF247 league codes as soon as the league option is open on there. In the meantime we encourage you to plan ahead and as such here’s Group D for you all…
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England
Overview
The Three Lions are always an interesting prospect at any football World Cup. They have been perennial underachievers on the international scene ever since winning it in 1966, but when they qualify they do at least tend to qualify from the group stage. However, the English face a colossal challenge at Brazil 2014. Will they make it to the knockouts this time round?
England are in good form, as winners of their qualifying group, with 6 victories and 4 draws in their 10 matches. They were the only undefeated team in their group, scoring a mammoth 31 goals and conceding only 4. However, their confidence will have been tainted by recent defeats in friendlies against Germany and Chile.
Fantasy Player Perspective
Captain Fantastic leading from the front has to be Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool and England captain will be guaranteed a starting berth and a share of the set-pieces, with 13 goals and 15 assists in the Premier League, the talisman looks like a good fantasy prospect. A bit further up field is another Liverpool player, Daniel Sturridge. The man with the funny dance missed almost a quarter of the domestic season, but was still able to bag 22 goals and 8 assists. Worth remembering – Wayne Rooney has never scored a World Cup goal and will need to step up in a big way for the English to advance.
We would stay away from their defence, but if you were to twist our arm for a recommendation it would be Toffee Leighton Baines. The left-back will most likely have some of the set-pieces for England. With 5 goals and 5 assists this season, he is the only real prospect from the English backline.
The options of Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley could prove to be great, cheap alternatives. The former bagged himself 9 goals and 7 assists, while Barkley accumulated 6 goals and 4 assists in an Everton team that was subjected to heavy rotation.
Fixtures
England’s first game against Italy seems to lean towards the Azzurri. The two sides have faced one another five times in World Cup matches and qualifiers, with England managing just a single victory to Italy’s three. Added to that, Italy were the Euro 2012 runners-up, too. From a fantasy perspective: An English midfielder will work in the game, additionally there might not be a clean sheet for England.
England’s second game is even worse – Uruguay. A combination of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, and Diego Forlan would strike fear into the hearts of most. However, defensively Uruguay’s central defenders are vulnerable against pace and rely on their reading of the game instead. From a fantasy perspective: Transfer every English defender you have out. Bag a pacey English winger, or even a striker to feed off the delivery from said winger.
Finally, some light at the end of tunnel, England’s game against Costa Rica. It will be a tough day to break down five at the back and an in-form keeper, but this is the game that England will need maximum points – going in with a midfielder and striker as well could prove beneficial.
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Uruguay
Overview
Los Charrúas are the reigning Copa America 2012 champions, and are likely to qualify from the group of death. The majority of the squad is coming off the success of a semi-final in South Africa 2010 and the victory in the Copa America, so they know how to perform at big international tournaments. The team seems to ride on a wave of spirit, and their form might dip and rise, but one can never rule against them. If omens speak for themselves, Uruguay won the last World Cup on Brazilian soil.
Fantasy Player Perspective
Do we really have to say it? Is it not that obvious? One player to have, for the entire tournament, regardless of form, fixture, location or dentist is Luis Suarez. El Pistolero bagged a ridiculous 30 goals and 25 assists in the season, despite missing the opening five games. His strike partner Edinson Cavani cannot be neglected either. The PSG-based striker bagged 25 goals in a season that saw him pick up a thigh injury quite early – although this is of no now concern since El Matador is back and raring to go.
The veteran defensive pairing of Lugano and Diego Godin offer up stable and consistent options at the back. Lugano played seven times in the Premier League for West Bromwich Albion and bagged himself a goal, while Godin has played the season for Atletico Madrid, helping them to win La Liga and make the Champions League final with four goals and an assist.
Fixtures
Uruguay kick off Group D with arguably their easiest game of the World Cup, against Costa Rica. Although Costa Rica’s defence has been resolute in qualification, Suarez and Co. have shown that no matter how good the defence is, they’ll find a way through it. Fantasy recommendations are thus no surprise as we recommend: A Uruguayan striker and defender, with the former a must-have.
Their next game is against England. Possibly one of the biggest talking points for the World Cup will be how the English defence holds out against Suarez after his demolition of almost every team in the Premier League this season. Although England were undefeated through the qualifiers, the recommendations are still of an offensive nature: A Uruguayan striker. However, as England are expected to pack their midfield in an attempt to nullify Uruguay’s attacking threat, one striker will be enough. The pace of England’s potential attacking options makes us believe that they’ll exploit Uruguay’s slow centre backs, and thus transfer out any defenders you might have.
Uruguay end their group stage with an encounter with the Azzurri. The Italians are known for their defensive strength, but once again, you cannot bet against a Uruguayan striker. The game would appear to be a decider between who qualifies, or even who finishes top of the group, so expect a tense encounter that will result in a tight game with few chances.
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Italy
Overview
The Italians are coming into the World Cup in good form, having finished runners up at Euro 2012 and finishing top of their qualifying group with 6 victories and 4 draws, going undefeated throughout. Italy are known as defensive juggernauts, with the art of possession play. The team will be looking to maintain their strong backline, while their maestros in midfield provide opportunities for strikers that can produce greatness in the blink of an eye.
Fantasy Football Perspective
Andrea Barzagli and Gianlugi Buffon have been defensive stalwarts at Juventus this season. Juve had a record breaking season, and these two were brilliant throughout. Barzagli has been described as “the finest defender on the peninsula”, and we all know about Buffon. These are the two defensive ‘almost must haves’!
Two other options, one of which is quite expected: Andrea Pirlo, and Ciro Immobile. Pirlo needs no introduction, while Immobile might. The Torino striker ended the Serie A season as top goal scorer with 22 goals, and no doubt will be a differential pick.
Mario Balotelli is no surprise to feature on this list. He found the net five times in five appearances during World Cup qualifiers. The maverick striker has the potential for superstardom, but also the potential to flounder. If you’re a risky fantasy football manager, Super Mario might be for you.
Fixtures
Italy seem to enjoy playing against the English. That being their first game, and with Costa Rica as their second, fantasy football managers can plan ahead. Their first game will be a tight contest. So recommendations would feature an Italian defender (or goalkeeper) as a must, with a midfielder or striker to take them through into their second game.
Against Costa Rica, the defender should remain as an easy pick, while the South Americans are a good defensive unit, it would be a potentially strong move to bank on Italy netting a few goals.
Their final group game against Uruguay could be the group decider. In this game, an Italian striker with speed will be a good bet, and an ever present midfielder who’s on free-kicks around the box is a good idea. Transfer out any defenders against Suarez, Cavani and Co.
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Costa Rica
Overview
Runners up in the qualifiers behind the United States, Los Ticos will be in good spirits coming into the World Cup. They were formidable at home, but struggled on their travels – this might be the case in Brazil. No matter what way you look at it the Costa Ricans appear to be the whipping boys for the Group of Death!
Fantasy Football Perspective
It is hard to pick a player from this team in the Group of Death that will be a safe bet for fantasy football points. Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas was a star in La Liga, and he was the first goalkeeper to 100 saves in the season. With the plethora of attacking talent that will be on display in Group D against Costa Rica, one has to bank on the goalkeeper racking up save points.
Brian Ruiz is an attacking midfielder that can dismantle any defence with his speed and dribbling skills. He is also equipped with a powerful long-range shot, so the Costa Rican midfielder is a potential differential.
Fixtures
What can we say about their fixtures against the three colossuses in this group? They can almost be lumped together. Costa Rica face Uruguay first, followed by Italy, and end with England. With all due respect, they probably won’t win any of the games. Los Ticos could turn to their defensive strategy and play for draws throughout the tournament, and hope for a counter-attacking goal. If you’re going for any of their defensive players, we would suggest getting them in after Uruguay. If you plan on a differential attacking player, you’re gutsy, so you might as well get them in for the Uruguay game, as their game against fellow South Americans will be an electrifying one!
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Group Summary
The winner of Group D will play the runner-up of Group C, and conversely the runner-up of Group D will play the winner of Group C. This will mean having to face one of Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast or Japan so we imagine that the teams that progress will not be too fussed either way!
Morning all – Milky thanks mate for a cracking write up mate – perfect length, probably not something you’re told much.
And a very interesting personal collection of pics you have mate – next time you wander off to Costa Rica let me know mate/
And when you get there drop us a note and tell us which continent it is in 😉
Phew. Thanks Init. Thought I was gonna burst!
Finally!!! The elephant in the room!!
My trivia confidence is low right now so i didn’t want to say anything in case i was wrong. But COME ON, everyone knows Costa Rica is in Asia. What a plonker.
Chins, can’t work out if you’re trolling brilliantly or even worse at geography than Milky…
Calvin, I was joking of course!! 😉
Honestly, Costa Rica is actually one of my favourite European cities.
Chins, I love going to the Costa Del Rica. That lass in the picture works in one of the local restaurants. Treated me to a lovely portion of roast suckling pig.
Today is a smutty day.
It is a good day.
It is a sunny day.
But it is a smutty day.
I feel partly to blame, but in my defence, how was i to know where simple throw-away remarks about sandwiches and Costa Rica would take us?!
In other news… Has anyone else played their wildcard in T20 Blast yet?
Am I missing some inside joke?
Milky we had originally overlooked that you had placed Costa Rica in South America!
:cuss: :noshake: :rant: :finger:
All I can hope from this group is that Diego Lugano plays like he did for West Brom this season, mon England, cheers Milky.
Thanks for all the comments gents… and all the perverted comments about photos and my perfect length! Don’t know about the rest of you, but I have one MUST HAVE from this group – the Costa Rican fan :O.
Dunno Milky. I think the Italian one wins that particular battle.
And what a battle it would be!!
Hmmmmm…. Wrestling.
Yeah but Italian girls are used to rich, smooth Italians! I might be smooth, but the South African Rand won’t get me very far!
Yes Milky, but i’ve seen the Lethal Weapon films, you can wooo her with your diplomatic immunity!!
😉
Lovely chins, so you’re suggesting if Miss Italy doesn’t bow to Milky’s advances, then she shall be chained and drowned ? Seems fair.
Haha chins, I’m a terrorism expert, not a diplomat yet!
Exactly Cookie! Ok back to the books!
Queen Elizabeth would twat the both of ’em! She’s got the Household Cavalry n’ stuff.
Out of all the chicks the one that stands out for you is Queen Elizabeth? 😉
What can I say Raz. I’m patriotic! 😉
Not impossible to reach the next round. Though reading these articles (or viewing should I say) I think Costa Rica is my fav in this group. 😉
Good job on the article milkey way.
The more I look at this group, the more terrified I am of England’s chances!
At first I gave em no chance (same is Holland) but maybe against all odds they make a miracle and reach the next round.
I think they get by, don’t think Uruguay is that good.
Hmmm. There has never been a European country to win a WC in South America (the Dutch loss a final in Argentina in 1978 by the way, ffs). If I recall correctly England also play a few games in the jungle? Which also really favors the South American teams.
Indeed Mito. Uruguay’s record in qualifying was nothing special, and they only had to beat Jordan in the AFC/CONMEBOL play-off. (I don’t understand how a team can finish 5th out of 9 teams and still get to go to the World Cup, but I guess that’s another story.) But why aren’t they better? They have two of the best strikers in the world. It baffles me.
Europeans are not winning here. Even when you include the 2 World Cups played in Mexico and the one in America, the Euros still haven’t won over on this side of the world. Brazil & Argentina are the favorites in my opinion.
Don’t worry Raz. I’m sure by kick off all my adrenalin will overcome any doubts I have that we’ll win the World Cup. haha
Because their defence has been terrible for the last couple of years. They are hot and cold team. They started off blazing hot and where in 1st place and undefeated through the qualifiers and before anyone noticed they were in sixth and outside of any possibility of going to the world cup. They were able to scramble back into 5th and sneak in the back door again. I say again, because in 2010 they did the same.They went into that World Cup with less expectations than this one and finished 4th. Because they got hot at the right moment. They can beat anyone in the group, their problem is, it wouldn’t shock me if they lost 3-0 to Costa Rica either. Very inconsistent side with some very, very shotty defending.
Very interesting. Thanks for that insight. Something tells me they’ll be hot for England and cold for Costa Rica. Seems they play best when the heat’s on. In fact those two legs against Jordan seem to exemplify their polarized tendencies in a nutshell. 5-0 when they had to. 0-0 when they didn’t. (Ok so the tie was dead, but they still had a full strength line up)
Exactly. They have been doing that for the last 3 qualifiers in South America. I be surprised if they didn’t play well vs England and throw up a stinker vs Costa Rica.
Thanks for this Milky.
After reading this I’ll most likely have an Italian defender in my team. Not really sold on Uruguayan strikers though; I’m a little skeptical to how they’ll perform in the first place and I’ll most likely have Ronaldo + Messi/Kun in my team, could be expensive with Suarez/Cavani in there as well.
Tekno – I assume you’ll be on the look out for some super cheap squad players then? – Can’t see it being easy to squeeze Ronaldo and Messi in together. Reckon they’ll be priced so most will have to chose one or the other. Maybe with a Greek defence you’ll be able to afford it!
chins
These are the players I’m currently intending to have in my team:
Lloris – Karnezis (Greece GK)
Zabaleta – Italian defender
Colombian J-Rod
Ronaldo – Messi/Kun
Argentina has arguably the easiest group so an attacker from them is a must (Bosnia is in that group as well, Dzeko might be a good option). If it’s too expensive I’ll downgrade Ronaldo to someone else. A little difficult to plan how many cheap squad players I’ll have before we get to see the prices and budget, but with a 23-man squad I’ll probably have some really cheap non-starters.
Tekno, Wow – You’re way further down the road than i am with the planning mate. Short list looks good so far. Hope you can afford it!
I can see it being a mad rush for me to get a squad together for the deadline. And then we need to survive 3 gameweeks without any transfers! Week 3 could be a right mess.
Chins
How will the scoring for Potty 32 be done? Will it follow the McDonald’s score?
And i dont like the way you are sitting idle there. Dont want a group without competition.
B, I’ve got no idea. I assume it will just be a H2H format using the McDonalds points as you suggest.
And i’m not idle. I’m like a swan. Graceful to the eye above the water, but i can break your arm with my beak.
Or something like that. Sayings never was my strongest subject.
(And nor was Geography, before some bright spark chirps up).
* But working hard below the surface! (Aka. Researching lots in the background.)
Knew it’d come to me eventually.
Great to know that Im in a competition with a swan. Was always scared of them.
He’s not confirmed yet but I think we all be in a league together or in 8 mini leagues but yes it’ll all be run on the BigMac site.
Tekno.
I was also thinking of having a strike force of Suarez – Ronaldo – Messi but it seems like it is quite an impractical approach and the squad will suffer. In this case, our best bet is to get a high scoring midfielder from Portugal/Argentina instead.
If you dont go with Ronaldo, make sure you get Moutinho instead as he is on most of the set pieces. Honestly, i dont see any good midfielder choice from Uruguay that interests me, and would prefer Suarez.
I also think that RVP and Suarez will perform similarly in initial stages, so ill be picking the one who is cheaper.
But then again, going in the World Cup without Ronaldo might be suicide. :hippo:
Nice backbone there Tekno. I just want the prices to be out already! Then I can crack on. As you said, I expect to have many non-starters! It would be very difficult but kind of cool if we just had a 23 man squad at the beginning and no more transfers, but with unlimited transfers between rounds there really is no need for anywhere near close to 23 players. I envision 10 uber-cheap bench-warmers…
Tekno,
If its worth anything I have this so far:
Asmir Begovic
Gianluigi Buffon
Daniel Alves
David Luiz
Laurent Koscielny
Ezequiel Garay
Diego Godin
James Rodriguez
Antonio Valencia
Dries Mertens
Kevin de Bruyne
Alexis Sanchez
Arturo Vidal
Paul Pogba
Federico Higuain
Lionel Messi
Luis Suarez
Fred
Neymar
Jackson Martinez
Carlos Bacca
This was a quick look at the groups and a gut reaction. I’d expect i’d have at least a good six or seven of these come the kick off.
No Germans GP?
Don’t fancy them to do well, or is it because it’s a tough group?
Chins,
Howdy. Yeah i do think they are in a bit of a toughie group and I’m wary of their match locations. I may do Reus depending on price.
All will be clearer when we say the pricing structure!
Hi GP (I really should’ve started my last post with a “Hi” – Sorry about that!)
I think Reus will be a good shout.
I’ve got no recollection of playing a National sides fantasy game before, but i’m hoping they’ll be generous with the budget. It’s certainly going to be fun picking a team.
GP I think you have been messing with MLS too much. You might confusing Higuain brothers. 😉
GP, surely Fredrico Higuain would be red flagged in MLS if he was at the world cup, do you mean Gonzalo Higuain ?
chins,
I reckon I played 2010 WC but can’t remember it very well at all.
Certainly gonna be a busy place with RMTs come the 8th!
Mito/elle
Deiberate *cough* mistake.
Well spotted boys. You done good
*slopes away* . . . .
Hi GP
That’s a lot of strikers you have there, maybe a little unnecessary considering you’ll only be able to play 3 at most? Or is it possible to sub out players who’ve already played (don’t know how the sub system works). I’d also look to get in Zabaleta, if he plays for Argentina like he plays for City I reckon he would generate a lot of points.
Tekno
This is just a shortlist. It will be whittled down to four strikers come the beginning of the tournament.
Zabaleta or Garay – it will be one or the other I think.
Zabaleta. When Argentina has the ball they tend to shift into a 3-1-4-2 with Zaba joining Di Maria on the attack on the other side of the field. When they lose control of the ball they sort of shift into a 4-3-3 with Zaba joining the back four. He is asked to join the attack when they recover the ball and the holding mid covers for him when he gets really high up the pitch.
Good evening one + all, heres an easy teaser to start with tonight :- Who is the only born and bred Scouser to have won the FA Cup with Liverpool and Everton? :thumbup:
Gary Abblet?
Evening elle, Gary Ablett?
Get in line!
I win. I said evening and I also spelt Ablett correctly 😉
Fair do’s init. Poor spelling costs me yet again.
And oh yeah… Evening Elle!
Ok, calm down, calm down, youvare both correct.