Hello Rankers!
To help you score better in RankingBall and win more, here's a strategy guide which can kick you off.
The tournament stage of the Russia World Cup is going on, with France and Uruguay advancing to the next round.
(Good bye Messi, Good bye Ronaldo)
In this guide, we will go over which players you can expect to put in your RankingBall bingo.
Croatia preview
Its now or never for Croatia. Croatia has never brimmed with so much talent until now. Led by Real Madrid midfield Luka Modric and Barcelona playmaker Ivan Rakitic, Croatia is definitely one of the strongest contenders for the World Cup. After defeating Messi's Argentina 3-0 and securing their top place in the group Stage, Croatia faces a rather lackluster Danish side. Nevertheless, to Croatia to achieve its former glory at the 98 France World Cup(3rd place) or go even further, Denmark is the first test they have to overcome.
Possible Starting XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack point - The Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric seems as the definite choice in this case. Modric has been the core of the team's offense both in the club and the nationals. With the striker Mario Mandzukic out of form, Modric seems like the most probable source of goals. Another good choice would be the FC Barcelona midfielder Rakitic. Florentina midfielder Milan Badelj is another good choice, as he has 1 goal and 1 assist each to his name.
Goal - As stated above, with Madzukic out of form(0 goals in 3 matches so far), Luka Modric is seemingly the most reliable source of goal for Croatia.
Assist - Honestly speaking, Croatia has a deep squad that makes predicting assists very hard. Out of 3, 2 assists came from substitutes Badelj and super-sub Kovacic. Other reasonable candidates for the assist tile would be Perisic and Brozobic
Card/Foul - Croatia is one of the most toughest teams, with 8 yellow cards collected so far. With most of the squad being booked with yellows, I would not recommend a Croatian player in a card bingo. However, if fouls come up as a team condition, Croatia is much more likely to play rough.
Shot on - Any other offensive player such as Kovacic, Rakitic, Perisic would make a good option, unless you are going for an 'easy bingo'
Offside - As stated before, Mandzukic is out of form. Expect him to fall in traps.
Denmark Strategies
Denmark somehow managed their way out of Group C, managing a lucky win over Peru and drawing against France in a notorious 0-0 draw. However, midfielder Christian Eriksen and goalkeeper Kasper Schmichiel will prove that Denmark is not a walkover. In the past world cups, there were always unexpected teams in the group of 8 and beyond since 1998 (Croatia, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay), and why can't Denmark become the Dark Horse? However, Denmark would have to come up with a plan B as Croatia will try to stifle Eriksen's creativity (especially with the likes of Brozovic). Can Denmark overcome Croatia's golden generation and become the Dark Horse of this tournament?
Possible Starting XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack Point - On paper, the Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen looks like the go-to option. However, expect him to be shut down by Croatian midfield. Croatia plays a thick 4-4-1-1 formation, which will keep the pressure on Eriksen. But who knows whether the Premier League's top midfielder will be able to crack through? Another alternative is Youssuf Poulsen, who is a winger, and therefore be under less pressure. Poulsen also has 1 goal to his name.
Goal - Another player between Poulsen and Eriksen that you have not put for Attack Point. Particularly Poulsen.
Assist - Tough question here. Among Denmark's 2 goals in the group stage, 1 was made by Eriksen and the other was made by the substitue Jorgensen.
Card/Foul - In terms of carding, expect Delaney to earn some cards, as he would have to foul to stop Modric. In terms of team fouls, stick with Croatia, as they are the rougher side of the two.
Shot on - The classical forward Dolberg seems to be the right answer in this department.
Saves - Kasper Schmichel is a super saver who has even contributed to Leicester City's surprise EPL win. Denmark would be the go-to option when it comes to the save tile.
Play RankingBall Croatia vs Denmark on www.rankingball.com