This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
8:00 a.m: Portugal v. Mexico
2:00 p.m: Chile v. Germany
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Rui Patricio, POR v. MEX ($5,000): Portugal is the top favorite on the slate despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the tournament early to attend to his newborn twins. If the first match in the opening round between these two sides is any indication of what we should expect on Sunday, Portugal will sit back defensively and absorb the pressure from Mexico's attack. Portugal utilized its strength on the counter last time against Mexico, however, with Ronaldo out, there may be a change in tactics. Although Patricio scored minus-2 fantasy points last game against Mexico, Portugal is the safest it gets for goalkeeper on a two-game slate given the competitive nature of the Chile-Germany final. If you don't trust Portugal, Claudio Bravo ($4,500) is the pivot, for he is underpriced as the keeper of an underrated Chile side.
DEFENDER
Miguel Layun, MEX v. POR ($5,300): Layun sent in 14 crosses last game against Portugal, though it was partly due to the game going to extra time. If he starts again, he should be regarded as the top defender on this slate, especially if he plays as a wing-back.
Mauricio Isla, CHI v. GER ($4,400): Isla has been one of the most attacking defenders in the tournament. He makes plenty of runs up the field throughout a game, which sometimes end in crosses, shots and assists.
Eliseu, POR v. MEX ($4,300):Eliseu is filling in for Raphael Guerreiro, who is out injured. Although the match went into extra time, Eliseu sent in five crosses and earned 10 fantasy points against Chile to follow up his 19-point performance against New Zealand.
MIDFIELDER
Alexis Sanchez, CHI v. GER ($8,700): Alexis is the man Chile depends on to spark the attack. He is a menace on the break, and if he gets any space against the Germans on Sunday, he will make them pay. Although he does not have the safest floor, his price has decreased to help lessen the risk. He still needs a goal or assist to meet value, but this match may go into extra time, which would help raise his floor. Chile is an underrated side, and against a young German team, they will need Alexis to prove why they should be recognized as a world power.
Arturo Vidal, CHI v. GER ($7,500): Vidal is the heart of La Roja. He plays in the middle of the field, he is one of the best ball-winners in the world and his attacking capabilities are understated. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in all four games this tournament, and there is no reason why he shouldn't have another Sunday.
Charles Aranguiz, CHI v. GER ($4,700): Aranguiz takes set pieces for Chile, and he comes at a very modest price. He gets involved in the attack in the run of play, and he posts up a solid number of defensive peripheral stats. If he earns an assist or a goal, he could be the difference maker.
FORWARD
Ricardo Quaresma, POR v. MEX ($8,900): This is the type of game where Quaresma could shine. It means almost nothing, yet it is a platform for players to showcase their talent and earn a spot in the starting XI. Without Ronaldo in the lineup, Quaresma will look to be the star of the show for Portugal.
Timo Werner, GER v. CHI ($8,300): Werner is tied for the most goals in the tournament, and while he will face a stiff test against a very strong Chile defense, his pace and finishing ability could be enough to make him the golden boot winner.
Eduardo Vargas, CHI v. GER ($5,400): Vargas is the center forward for Chile, and he is always knocking on the door. He has 13 shots (five on goal) in the tournament but just one goal. If Germany lines up with five at the back, it will be more difficult for Vargas to find room, but a back four would afford him enough space to keep shooting.
