I need men.

May 16, 2006 11:56 AM

My homies and I are playing a Fantasy World Cup Competition, any hot tips?

Which players should I go for? Already established brilliance is no good as you'll have to pay for it, so I'm looking for just-off-the-radar sure fire winners. i chose Ronaldhino last time around and felt mighty smug, a repeat of that would be nice.

posted by greytape to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (22 answers total)

Klaas Jan Huntelaar baby!
posted by Mean Mr. Bucket at 12:00 PM on May 16, 2006

Theo Walcott could be worth a punt.
posted by triv at 12:09 PM on May 16, 2006

Steven Gerrard (England). Just look at his goals in the FA Cup on Saturday - stupendous. COME ON YOU REDS!
posted by ganseki at 12:11 PM on May 16, 2006

Also, in choosing your team, you'll probably have to pick something like a goalkeeper, 4 defenders, 4 midfielders and 2 strikers. So, whilst you're doing this, looking for high scoring centrebacks/midfielders as goals are usually where the action is.

For example, John Terry (Centre Back) managed about 9 goals last season and 7 goals this season. Staying with Chelsea, Frank Lampard (attacking midfielder) scored 20 goals this season alone and would net you a fair few extra points.

Good luck :D
posted by triv at 12:19 PM on May 16, 2006

Don't buy Ronaldo(BRA). He's spent like David Blaine.

Cristiano Ronaldo could burst onto the scene as could Fabergas, both Portuguese

Kasey Keller (USA) in goal.

In response to Ganseki above...

AR-SENAL
AR-SENAL
AR-SENAL

We'll be taking that trophy tomorrow.
posted by UncleHornHead at 12:49 PM on May 16, 2006

Cristiano Ronaldo. Robin van Persie.

We'll be taking that trophy tomorrow.

and I cannot wait. GO ON YOU (N5) REDS.
posted by pdb at 12:56 PM on May 16, 2006

How is the scoring system set up? Goals, assists, what else? Also, how knowledgeable are your opponents? You might be able to get a lot of world-class players if the people you're up against just don't know any better.

Also, careful what you see in previous responses here. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar wasn't selected by the Dutch, and Cesc Fabregas is Spanish.
posted by sellout at 1:10 PM on May 16, 2006

Actually, re-reading your question, I notice you'll have to pay more to get higher-profile players. Who are the most expensive to acquire? Do you have a list?
posted by sellout at 1:13 PM on May 16, 2006

Response by poster: Scoring
During the tournament, the fantasy football players will be allocated a point score after each game, based on their performances in the matches. Actions occurring in extra time count but penalty shoot-outs do not. Points are awarded as detailed in the table below:

Action Points
Playing 1 - 60 minutes 1
Playing more than 60 minutes 2
For each goal scored by your goalkeeper or defenders 6
For each goal scored by your midfielders 5
For each goal scored by your forwards 4
Goal assist 3
Clean sheet by a goalkeeper or defender (must also play at least 60 minutes) 4
Clean sheet by a midfielder (must also play at least 60 minutes) 1
For every 3 shot saves 1
Penalty save 5
Penalty miss -2
For every 2 goals conceded by your goalkeeper or defenders -1
Yellow card -1
Red card -3
posted by greytape at 1:23 PM on May 16, 2006

I'd say Lionel Messi (Argentina) as a player who'll make a big impact, but I'm hoping he twists his ankle horribly tomorrow after tripping over a blade of grass.

Also, Phillipe Senderos (Switzerland's Swiss Tony), Luca Toni (Italy), you might get Eddie Lewis (USA) and Aaron Lennon (England) for a steal. Kasey Keller's spent, much as I hate to say it; Mad Jens Lehmann (Germany) is currently the most in-form keeper in the world, but after his amazing saves tomorrow he'll command a high price. Seconded van Persie and Fabregas.

Ah, who am I kidding. Just pick the Arsenal first XI, they're the greatest footballers in the universe. Ooh, to be a Gooner.
posted by Errant at 1:23 PM on May 16, 2006

Since they won't make it our of their group, avoid American players.
posted by DieHipsterDie at 1:24 PM on May 16, 2006

DieHipsterDie makes a good point - try to pick players from teams more likely to make the closing stages of the finals. Think Brazil/Italy/Germany/England (I can dream!)
posted by triv at 1:29 PM on May 16, 2006

I'm sure you all said the same thing about the Yanks in 2002.

Ignore the Sammers at your peril!
posted by UncleHornHead at 1:33 PM on May 16, 2006

Ok, here are some worthy strikers:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Lukas Podolski
Ronaldo
Adriano
Thierry Henry

Each will score a few goals, although i'm certain you'll only be able to afford one or two of them.
posted by triv at 1:45 PM on May 16, 2006

Some solid recommendations here, especially the note about choosing players from teams that will get past the first round (obviously, Germany is a lock).

A few strikers you should take a look at:

David Villa (ESP)
Francisco Fonseca (MEX)
Miroslav Klose (GER)
Jan Koller (CZE)
posted by sellout at 2:08 PM on May 16, 2006

I think Japan are getting out of their group, and I see Sweden getting to the quarter finals. I think you could pick up some players on either team relatively cheaply.
posted by jamesonandwater at 2:10 PM on May 16, 2006

Ah, who am I kidding. Just pick the Arsenal first XI, they're the greatest footballers in the universe. Ooh, to be a Gooner.

Patrick who, again? Boring, Boring Arsenal have never made me prouder than they have in the last four weeks. I can't wait till tomorrow.

Fabregas, be he Spanish, Portugese, Manx, whatever, is well worth selecting. In addition to picking from teams that will go far, stay young if you're looking for low-budget picks. I'd take a flier on Pascal Chimbonda, if you have space in your team; I think his Anelka-esque ego is backed by real talent, and he could surprise a few people this summer.
posted by pdb at 2:27 PM on May 16, 2006

Chimbonda's another under-the-radar type, although his bust-up with Wigan could have some lingering impact. Still, he's looking to transfer, so he'll want to impress.

This is definitely shaping up to be a World Cup for the exciting young players. Fabregas, Messi, Walcott if he plays, Torres, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Kaka -- players who'd walk into any club team's starting eleven, and just about every nation has one or two of them. It's going to be a great tournament.

(Confidential to pdb: the best moment of the season was Vieira getting ambushed by, of all people, Bobby Pires (!), who then threads a pass through Henry to Cesc for the knock-in. Patrick who, indeed. Thanks for all the service; enjoy your match-fixing scandal.)
posted by Errant at 3:41 PM on May 16, 2006

You might consider picking up goalkeepers/defenders from groups where the seeds might not be brilliant but the opposition will be weak in the first round. (I presume you will get points for clean sheets.) Specifically, Spain might fit this bill. Useful unseeded teams you might top up with: Sweden, Netherlands and Portugal. Avoid group E players, it's got group of death written all over it.

I should also add that I'm rubbish at these things.
posted by biffa at 3:00 AM on May 17, 2006

Walcott - players who'd walk into any club team's starting eleven

You've not thought that through have you?
posted by biffa at 3:05 AM on May 17, 2006

Admittedly, I wrote the last bit first, then started inserting names while going over team lists. It is, as they say, a fair cop.
posted by Errant at 9:40 AM on May 17, 2006

Check out the African players as well. Their teams have done well in the past few WC editions - so look out for players from Ghana (Essien) & Ivory Coast (Drogba), for example.
posted by arrowhead at 2:10 AM on May 20, 2006