Here’s our World Cup fantasy football review of Day 3 of the round of 16 which consisted of France v Nigeria and Germany v Algeria. We’ll look at lineups, key player performance, match comments and Sun Dream Team scoring but concentrate on those teams progressing. We’ll also preview key players for Day 4 which involves Belgium v USA and Argentina v Switzerland
World Cup 2014 fantasy football – Round of 16 Day 3 review Day 4 preview
France 2 Nigeria 0
Goals: Pogba Assists: Valbuena 2
Lineups (lineups and ratings from the Daily Mail):
France (4-3-3): Lloris 7; Debuchy 6.5, Varane 6.5, Koscielny 6, Evra 5.5; Pogba 7, Cabaye 6.5, Matuidi 7; Valbuena 7 (Sissoko 90), Giroud 5 (Griezmann 62, 7.5) Benzema 7.
Subs: Ruffier, Landreau, Sakho, Cabella, Mavuba, Mangala, Sagna, Digne, Remy, Schneiderlin.
Booked: Matuidi.
Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Enyeama 6; Ambrose 6.5, Yobo 6, Omeruo 6.5, Oshaniwa 6.5; Onazi 7(Gabriel 59 – 6 ), Mikel 7.5; Odemwingie 7, Moses 6.5 (Nwofor 90), Musa 7; Emenike 7.
Subs: Ejide, Agbim, Uzoenyi, Egwuekwe, Odunlami, Oboabona, Azeez, Uchebo,
Ameobi.
Lineup comment:
France: Made alot of changes from the Group stage game against Ecuador where there was very little at stake. I would say the team above is the first choice team apart from Koscielny who was in because of the Sakho injury. There’s also some debate about the Giroud/Griezmann/Sissoko position.
Match comment:
A very open game where both teams had a number of chances. Eventually Frances subs changed the game and they ran out winners
Player comment:
Benzema
Started on the left with Giroud in the middle which seems such a waste. Had 2 excellent chances to score though which he missed. Moved into the centre with the Giroud to Griezmann sub and looked far more lively. I can’t see Deschamps making the same mistake again and in the next game I expect Griezmann or Sissoko to start
Pogba
Was excellent all game long and scored the goal that gave France the lead. Constantly found space and drove France forward in the centre of the park.
Valbuena
Caused havoc all game long on the right of the front 3 with a number of telling crosses and ended up with 2 assists. Also has set pieces.
The French defence
Did keep a clean sheet although didn’t look that secure. Organised very well and a number of chances spurned by the organisation of the back 4. Debuchy in particular attacked well.
Sun Dream Team scoring:
France: 7’s for Evra, Matuidi, Cabaye and Benzema. 8’s for Lloris, Varane, Pogba and Valbuena. Valbuena was deservedlly the Star Man
Germany 2 Algeria 1
Goals: Ozil Schurrle/ Djabou Assists: Muller Schurrle/ Feghouli
lineups:
Germany: Neuer, Mustafi (Khedira 70), Mertesacker, Boateng, Howedes, Lahm, Ozil, Schweinsteiger (Kramer 109), Kroos, Gotze (Schurrle 46), Muller.
Subs: Zieler, Weidenfeller, Grosskreutz, Ginter, Podolski, Klose, Draxler, Durm.
Algeria: M’Bolhi, Mandi, Belkalem, Halliche (Bougherra 98), Ghoulam, Lacen, Mostefa, Feghouli, Soudani (Djabou 100), Taider (Brahimi 79), Slimani.
Subs: Si Mohamed, Zemmamouche, Mesbah, Yebda, Ghilas, Medjani, Bentaleb, Cadamuro, Mahrez.
Booked: Halliche.
Lineup comment:
Germany: Mustafi came in for the injured Hummels with Boateng moving into the centre. Gotze came in for Podolski
Match comment:
An incredible game which Germany managed to squeak through. They started poorly and that set the tone for the rest of the match. Germany played a very high line. This coupled with terrible passing which allowed Algeria to counter attack and get at the back 4 regularly. Ozil was particularly guilty and gave the ball away on numerous occaisons. Luckily Neuer played a sweeper role perfectly and saved them a number of times. Schurrle though improved the situation with his running with the ball and ability to get forward. He also got the goal that broke the deadlock.
Player comment:
Muller
Had a number of chances which he missed but still returned an assist. Again played that central striker role
Gotze
Only played half a game and generally disappointing. Should have scored with 1 chance
The German defence
Didn’t inspire confidence at all even if the clean sheet was only lost in the 120 minute of injury time.
Sun Dream Team scoring:
Germany: Neuer, Schweinsteiger and Muller got 7’s. Kroos who seems a Sun favourite got 8. The Algeria GK got the Star Man award
Round of 16 Day 4 Key Players
Argentina v Switzerland
Argentina should win this. The Swiss defence despite the poor performance against France has a good record though.
Messi
If you haven’t got him and are in a format that you can, you should get him. A must have.
Higuain
Hasn’t been in great form at this World Cup but has the quality to step up.
The Argentinian defence
Has to have a reasonable chance of a clean sheet here. Rojo is the budget option
Belgium v USA
I think Belgium should win this although given both teams form it could be a low scoring game
Hazard
Another player who’s had a poor World Cup. Only showed his fantastic Chelsea form in 10 minutes so far against Russia. A leap of faith
The Belgian defence
Another reasonable clean sheet prospect. Alderweireld is the budget option.
Good luck today.
Follow us on twitter @ fantasyfoot20 or www.facebook.com/fantasyfootballgeek
This website is free. If you find it useful please support us through the donate button
World Cup 2014 fantasy football
World Cup 2014 fantasy football
