World Cup 2014 – Dugout Discussion – Matchday 4, Day 1

Having restructured our squads with the aid of unlimited transfers across the Fantasy games, we now have two crucial clashes to focus on as the knockout stages get underway. First up this evening is an all-South American affair, as hosts Brazil square up to a Chile side that has already disposed of defending champions Spain in the group stages:

Felipe Scolari’s troops will again look to Neymar to make the difference after the Barcelona forward notched twice in two of his three appearances. A goal against Cameroon will surely boost Fred’s confidence after he struggled to make an impact, whilst Oscar’s Fantasy owners will be hoping for more of the same, with the Chelsea midfielder producing a goal and two assists thus far.

Having also won two of their three group fixtures, Jorge Sampaoli’s troops won’t be lacking in confidence. As Mexico showed earlier in the tournament, Scolari’s side have struggled against sides utilising wing-back systems and Chile’s 3-4-1-2 formation could well prove a stumbling block for the home side. Front two Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas – along with midfielder Charles Aranguiz – have delivered a goal and assist apiece, highlighting the underdogs’ potential ahead of the 5pm kick-off.

In the later match, another couple of South American contenders for the crown go head-to-head as Uruguay face Colombia for a place in the last eight. After losing their opener against Costa Rica, Oscar Tabarez’ side have done well to turn around their tournament but the suspension of Luis Suarez makes their task significantly more difficult – Diego Forlan looks the man most likely to get the nod alongside Edinson Cavani in a default 4-4-2.

Jose Pekerman’s side will have every reason for optimism, though. One of only four sides to win all three of their group games, Colombia rested most of their chief Fantasy assets for the final Group C clash with Japan and, in James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado, have two of the tournament’s in-form midfielders. Rodriguez has scored in all three of his appearances so far and also delivered a pair of assists, whilst Cuadrado has served up a goal and three assists thus far. Jackson Martinez is pushing for a start after bagging a brace in the 4-1 win over Japan and may well retain his starting role in the 9pm kick-off.