We have reached the business end of the European Championships and I have to say I have been a little disappointed with the tournament as a whole- I might be the only one who feels this way, but I think there has been a lack of real stars at the event and the overall quality of football has really gone down in my opinion.
I might just be feeling nostalgic, but I was looking back at some of the names that were involved in the World Cup of 1998 or the European Championships of the early part of the 21st Century and I just think there are a number of players that would walk into the sides on show at this tournament.
It's the forward players that have disappointed me the most- you have people in the media speaking about how well teams are defending, but the number of absolute clear-cut chances that have been missed have been disgusting to be perfectly frank.
Mario Gomez is a prime example of someone who would not, in my opinion, have been near the starter of a national team going back ten years- I was looking at Davor Suker of Croatia and I honestly think he would pretty much walk into any national side that was involved in this tournament.
Like I say, maybe I am being a little nostalgic, but I do think there is a lack of quality in World Football at the moment as teams rely on athletes and hard-working players rather than those with skills in their boots (couple of exceptions being Ronaldo and Lionel Messi).
I actually think the best four teams in the competition have made it through to the Semi Final, but I am not entirely convinced we are going to see two great matches. The Spain-Portugal affair could be tight and tense, while Italy may be a little tired after their exploits in the Quarter Final against England.
It looks like we are going to see another Spain-Germany match at a major international event, the third time in a row that will occur, but the tournament has been devoid of any real surprises so far and maybe we are going to get our first with one of those nations failing to make it through!
June 27th
Portugal v Spain Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14535-Portugal-v-Spain.htm)
June 28th
Germany v Italy Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14536-Germany-v-Italy.htm)
MY PICKS:Spain to win 1-0 @ 6.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Germany to win and at least three goals scored @ 3.75 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Euro 2012 Update: 7-17, - 2.11 Units (36 Units Staked)
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Showing posts with label Euro 2012 Picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Euro 2012 Picks. Show all posts
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Euro 2012 Quarter Final Picks (June 21-24)
I can't believe we have already reached the Quarter Finals of the European Championships in Poland/Ukraine- it seems the tournament only started yesterday, but it has been a busy month for sports so I guess that, along with work, has seen the time pass much quicker than would have been expected.
Anyway, all that means is we are getting closer and closer to the start of the Premier League season again with slightly under two months to go until kick off!
Group A saw a surprising turn of events in the group stage as Russia, who had won their first game 4-1 against the Czech Republic, actually exited the competition, while the Czech Republic went on to not just qualify, but actually win the group!!
I didn't much rate the Czech Republic before the tournament began, and I don't particularly rate them now, and the fact that they won the group says to me that Group A was arguably even weaker than I imagined before the tournament began.
Russia will be kicking themselves as they could not take their chances in their last two games against Poland and Greece, eventually losing 0-1 to Greece when any kind of positive result would have seen them through to the next round. It was a real surprise turn of events and I just didn't see it coming, not after the way they played in the first game. They will be severely disappointed back home with the showing of the side, but I think they will bounce back and be in contention for playing at the World Cup in 2014 where they will look to regain their reputation.
Group B was labelled the 'group of death' and it was the case for Holland who went out of the tournament with a little more than a whimper- three defeats, just two goals scored and it was all over for the Dutch. It seems to be the case that the dressing room just can't get on with one another during these major tournaments (2010 World Cup being an exception rather than the rule), while tactically they looked a mess at times.
Portugal and Germany were the two teams who got out of the group and I think both have very real chances of reaching the Final on July 1st, with a small possibility that they could face each other again after Germany beat Portugal 1-0 in the opening group game.
IF Cristiano Ronaldo can fire, Portugal look a real threat in this competition, although they are likely to meet Spain in the Semi Final. I expect they will be too good for the Czech Republic in the Quarter Finals and they look a real dark horse contender.
Everyone knows about Germany and they may be secretly quite happy with the way their route to the Final has worked out. They will be heavily favoured to beat the Greeks in the Quarter Final and would then face the winner of the England-Italy game, a winner that they will not fear.
It was almost one of the big surprises of the competition as Spain were labouring in their game with Croatia and the latter were presented an absolute sitter to take the lead, a lead that would have seen them leapfrog Spain in the standings and join Italy in the last eight.
However, it was not to be for Croatia but Spain look every bit the vulnerable favourites I thought they were at the beginning of the tournament. It is clear they are lacking a real forward who they can rely on (even reduced to picking Cesc Fabregas ahead of Fernando Llorente), while the defence has never looked so vulnerable.
For all the possession Spain have, both Italy and Croatia created some real openings against them and I think it would now almost be a surprise to me to see the Spanish win their third major international competition on the bounce.
Italy joined Spain in the Quarter Finals, but they haven't really impressed me that much in the competition- for sixty minutes they have looked a solid team, but they seem to lack the stamina to see out games and have looked vulnerable in the final 20-30 minutes of games. It's hard to imagine a team being able to win a big prize with that as a major concern, especially as the defence has not been as tough as would be expected of the Italians.
Personally, I think it would be quite an achievement for them to reach the Semi Finals, let alone go on and actually win the tournament.
Roy Hodgson has really set his England side up well in the tournament, although he has also been gifted with a bit of fortune to see them through to the Quarter Finals. Ukraine should have had an equaliser in the final game of the group and it would have been interesting to see how England would have coped with the boisterous atmosphere and lifted opponents if the score had reached 1-1 with 20 minutes to play.
England haven't been impressive, but have shown some toughness and resilience to get through the group and we have seen other teams ride their luck to big tournament wins in cup competitions already this season (Chelsea) so it is a little premature to rule England out completely.
It may take a little more luck, especially if they get through and were to meet Germany in the Semi Final, but the expectation is definitely beginning to rise in England- just take a walk to the water cooler at work and I guarantee you at least one person will say 'England CAN win this'!
Laurent Blanc guided France through to the Quarter Final but was visibly upset that they lost their final group game to eliminated Sweden and now have to face Spain instead of Italy in the last eight. I just haven't been convinced about France in the tournament as Karim Benzema's insistence on coming back deep to pick up the ball means there are little or no runners coming from midfield to exploit gaps and teams can remain compact against them.
I don't know if that is something they can change at this stage of a tournament, but it does make it hard to see them winning the trophy with the way they have played. England coped pretty effectively for the most part against the French attacks, as did Sweden, so you have to think the likes of Spain and Portugal are not too upset at having to deal with them.
June 21st
Czech Republic v Portugal Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14519-Czech-Republic-v-Portugal.htm)
June 22nd
Germany v Greece Pick: Thanks to my laptop dying on me for the millionth time over the last 12 months, I didn't get a chance to write a full preview for this game.
However, I will be taking Germany to win by a couple of goals at least as I think they are far too good for a Greece team that have been defending averagely at best. Forget the clean sheet against Russia, they have allowed opportunities and the Germans definitely have the quality to hurt them.
If Germany get ahead, you can only see bad things happening to the Greeks today and I think they are just happy to be here- you never know though, maybe Germany will hit the post numerous times, miss some sitters and Greece will get a lucky goal on the counter (with the way my luck has been in this tournament, that is more than a slim possibility).
Still, if Germany play like they can, I expect they will win by 3 or 4 tonight in a one-sided Quarter Final and so I will take then on the Asian Handicap.
June 23rd
Spain v France Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14529-Spain-v-France.htm)
June 24th
Suffice to say, I was very unimpressed with a 92nd minute penalty that was awarded to Spain yesterday which pretty much ruined a game that I had almost capped perfectly... It's been happening all season with stupid late goals, so I am not that surprised.
It just seems a touch ironic that I back goals in the Portugal game and they decide to miss about 500 clear cut chances and we get 1 goal, yet in this game we have maybe 3 chances and we get 2 goals... Just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes, but bloody annoying I tells you!
England v Italy Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14532-England-v-Italy.htm)
MY PICKS: Portugal to win and 3/4 goals scored @ 3.75 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Germany - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Pinnacle (3 Units)
Spain-France Under 1.5 Goals @ 3.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Italy HT-Draw FT @ 17.00 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Euro 2012 Update: 7-16, - 1.11 Units (35 Units Staked)
Anyway, all that means is we are getting closer and closer to the start of the Premier League season again with slightly under two months to go until kick off!
Group A saw a surprising turn of events in the group stage as Russia, who had won their first game 4-1 against the Czech Republic, actually exited the competition, while the Czech Republic went on to not just qualify, but actually win the group!!
I didn't much rate the Czech Republic before the tournament began, and I don't particularly rate them now, and the fact that they won the group says to me that Group A was arguably even weaker than I imagined before the tournament began.
Russia will be kicking themselves as they could not take their chances in their last two games against Poland and Greece, eventually losing 0-1 to Greece when any kind of positive result would have seen them through to the next round. It was a real surprise turn of events and I just didn't see it coming, not after the way they played in the first game. They will be severely disappointed back home with the showing of the side, but I think they will bounce back and be in contention for playing at the World Cup in 2014 where they will look to regain their reputation.
Group B was labelled the 'group of death' and it was the case for Holland who went out of the tournament with a little more than a whimper- three defeats, just two goals scored and it was all over for the Dutch. It seems to be the case that the dressing room just can't get on with one another during these major tournaments (2010 World Cup being an exception rather than the rule), while tactically they looked a mess at times.
Portugal and Germany were the two teams who got out of the group and I think both have very real chances of reaching the Final on July 1st, with a small possibility that they could face each other again after Germany beat Portugal 1-0 in the opening group game.
IF Cristiano Ronaldo can fire, Portugal look a real threat in this competition, although they are likely to meet Spain in the Semi Final. I expect they will be too good for the Czech Republic in the Quarter Finals and they look a real dark horse contender.
Everyone knows about Germany and they may be secretly quite happy with the way their route to the Final has worked out. They will be heavily favoured to beat the Greeks in the Quarter Final and would then face the winner of the England-Italy game, a winner that they will not fear.
It was almost one of the big surprises of the competition as Spain were labouring in their game with Croatia and the latter were presented an absolute sitter to take the lead, a lead that would have seen them leapfrog Spain in the standings and join Italy in the last eight.
However, it was not to be for Croatia but Spain look every bit the vulnerable favourites I thought they were at the beginning of the tournament. It is clear they are lacking a real forward who they can rely on (even reduced to picking Cesc Fabregas ahead of Fernando Llorente), while the defence has never looked so vulnerable.
For all the possession Spain have, both Italy and Croatia created some real openings against them and I think it would now almost be a surprise to me to see the Spanish win their third major international competition on the bounce.
Italy joined Spain in the Quarter Finals, but they haven't really impressed me that much in the competition- for sixty minutes they have looked a solid team, but they seem to lack the stamina to see out games and have looked vulnerable in the final 20-30 minutes of games. It's hard to imagine a team being able to win a big prize with that as a major concern, especially as the defence has not been as tough as would be expected of the Italians.
Personally, I think it would be quite an achievement for them to reach the Semi Finals, let alone go on and actually win the tournament.
Roy Hodgson has really set his England side up well in the tournament, although he has also been gifted with a bit of fortune to see them through to the Quarter Finals. Ukraine should have had an equaliser in the final game of the group and it would have been interesting to see how England would have coped with the boisterous atmosphere and lifted opponents if the score had reached 1-1 with 20 minutes to play.
England haven't been impressive, but have shown some toughness and resilience to get through the group and we have seen other teams ride their luck to big tournament wins in cup competitions already this season (Chelsea) so it is a little premature to rule England out completely.
It may take a little more luck, especially if they get through and were to meet Germany in the Semi Final, but the expectation is definitely beginning to rise in England- just take a walk to the water cooler at work and I guarantee you at least one person will say 'England CAN win this'!
Laurent Blanc guided France through to the Quarter Final but was visibly upset that they lost their final group game to eliminated Sweden and now have to face Spain instead of Italy in the last eight. I just haven't been convinced about France in the tournament as Karim Benzema's insistence on coming back deep to pick up the ball means there are little or no runners coming from midfield to exploit gaps and teams can remain compact against them.
I don't know if that is something they can change at this stage of a tournament, but it does make it hard to see them winning the trophy with the way they have played. England coped pretty effectively for the most part against the French attacks, as did Sweden, so you have to think the likes of Spain and Portugal are not too upset at having to deal with them.
June 21st
Czech Republic v Portugal Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14519-Czech-Republic-v-Portugal.htm)
June 22nd
Germany v Greece Pick: Thanks to my laptop dying on me for the millionth time over the last 12 months, I didn't get a chance to write a full preview for this game.
However, I will be taking Germany to win by a couple of goals at least as I think they are far too good for a Greece team that have been defending averagely at best. Forget the clean sheet against Russia, they have allowed opportunities and the Germans definitely have the quality to hurt them.
If Germany get ahead, you can only see bad things happening to the Greeks today and I think they are just happy to be here- you never know though, maybe Germany will hit the post numerous times, miss some sitters and Greece will get a lucky goal on the counter (with the way my luck has been in this tournament, that is more than a slim possibility).
Still, if Germany play like they can, I expect they will win by 3 or 4 tonight in a one-sided Quarter Final and so I will take then on the Asian Handicap.
June 23rd
Spain v France Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14529-Spain-v-France.htm)
June 24th
Suffice to say, I was very unimpressed with a 92nd minute penalty that was awarded to Spain yesterday which pretty much ruined a game that I had almost capped perfectly... It's been happening all season with stupid late goals, so I am not that surprised.
It just seems a touch ironic that I back goals in the Portugal game and they decide to miss about 500 clear cut chances and we get 1 goal, yet in this game we have maybe 3 chances and we get 2 goals... Just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes, but bloody annoying I tells you!
England v Italy Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14532-England-v-Italy.htm)
MY PICKS: Portugal to win and 3/4 goals scored @ 3.75 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Germany - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Pinnacle (3 Units)
Spain-France Under 1.5 Goals @ 3.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Italy HT-Draw FT @ 17.00 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Euro 2012 Update: 7-16, - 1.11 Units (35 Units Staked)
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Euro 2012 Group Stages- Round 3 (June 16-19)
The Euro 2012 tournament is already half way through as far as matches are concerned and I have to say I haven't been overly impressed with the quality, although that hasn't dampened the excitement of the matches. There just seems to be very few stand-out players and perhaps it is just me being a little nostalgic for the tournaments I enjoyed when I was growing up.
I also don't believe it is right that the tournament will be extended to 24 teams in four years time as I already feel the talent pool is being stretched with the teams we have here now. Adding the likes of Belgium, Montenegro, Estonia, Turkey, Bosnia and Norway doesn't exactly thrill me that we will be getting any more out of the event, while the potential for the 'best third placed' teams to get through brings its own problems at the group stage.
Don't be surprised if there are more 'convenient' results set up in the final round of games to make sure teams have the 'best third place points' and ensure qualification to the next round, but that is an issue for four years time.
There is still everything to play for in Group A as we reach the final games and a big chance for the co-host nation Poland to get through, although they have to create history by winning their first EVER game at the European Championships. It looks a winnable game against the Czech Republic, but hope and expectations are tough factors to actually determine how much they will affect a game. It may just be how Poland deal with those two issues that will ensure a place in the last eight or an unsatisfying exit from the group stage.
The other game seems a little more clear cut and Russia are the right favourites to get the point necessary to ensure they are playing in the Quarter Finals for the second successive Euro Championships. Greece have looked shaky and it is hard to see them turn that around in their final game, while Russia do look like a side that can score a few goals.
I can't wait for the Portugal-Holland game in Group B on Sunday evening as it should be one where neither team sits back and tries to protect a lead. It has all the makings of an extremely high-scoring game as Holland need to win by at least two goals if they have any hope of getting out of a group where they have lost their first two games. I don't have much faith in either teams ability to defend and I think the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie could be given a few chances to make a real mark at the tournament.
Unfortunately for those two nations, one of them will definitely be exiting on Sunday night, while both could go out if Holland win and Denmark avoid defeat to Germany. The Germans have looked solid and have won the group by beating the two 'better' nations in the group and will be expected to seal their passage into the last eight with another win.
However, am I really the only person that thinks Germany may be happy to play out a draw and hope that Holland beat Portugal to ensure both potential threats are eliminated at the group stage? It is a dangerous game as a Denmark win/Portugal fail to win could see Germany displaced at the top of the group and thus ensure a tougher route to the Final, but it is something worth noting.
For example, imagine if news comes through to the German game that Holland have taken an early lead in their game- would it really be that unimaginable that both Germany and Denmark then settle in and wait to see what happens next? Probably is a little too far into the world of conspiracy theories, but I would be VERY interested to see how the Germany-Denmark game developed IF Holland were winning by two goals before any goals have been scored in Lviv.
Talking about potential conspiracies, how about the fact that if Spain and Croatia draw 2-2, Italy will be out no matter what they do against Ireland in their fixture? Italy will know all about that 2-2 result as it was exactly what Denmark and Sweden played out in 2004 to knock the Italians out of the Euro 2004 tournament at this very stage, and it is clear that a team that has the majority of players in the Serie A League affected by match-fixing scandals are clearly worried about this possibility.
It has gone so far that Italian players like Gianluigi Buffon has been quoted as saying that Spain wouldn't do this for their pride. It has also riled up some of the Spanish and Croatian players who are adamant that they will not do this, but it is definitely a possibility that has to be considered- Spain would still win the group, Croatia would go through and a potential big rival in Italy would be out of the competition so everyone (well not the Italians) would win.
Anyway, this is all suggesting the Italy result over Ireland is a 'gimme' and I don't believe that is the case no matter how bad the Irish have played so far in the tournament. Giovanni Trapattoni will really get his team up for his game and it was the one game the Irish really fancied for some reason so I expect them to put in a big effort.
Add in the fact that Italy have struggled to maintain their tempo and performance for a full game so far in the tournament and there is every chance the Irish can sneak a result that will put Italy out of the competition anyway.
It will be a tough game for the Italians, but it would be made all the tougher if the 2-2 scoreline haunts them again.
France have virtually got two feet into the Quarter Finals of the tournament thanks to their 0-2 win over the Ukraine yesterday and they either need one point from their last game with Sweden OR they need England to avoid defeat to Ukraine to ensure they are going through.
Even if France lost 0-1 to Sweden in their final game, an England loss would also see them through to the next round so they are in a really strong position. Their motivation for the game against Sweden may well be decided on Monday night once they figure out if finishing first or second will avoid meeting Spain in the Quarter Finals- I think the French are likely good enough to decide their own fate in the group and I expect they will do what it takes to avoid playing Spain.
The other game between Ukraine and England will be fascinating as a win would guarantee a place in the last eight, while England can also sit back and avoid defeat to make their way out of the group. It was a dramatic turnaround win over Sweden that has given England this leeway in their final game, but there were some real worries with the way they defended and I think they were fortunate to be playing a poor Swedish side in all honesty.
Ukraine didn't look all that much against France either so I think England, with the returning Wayne Rooney, will do enough to qualify. However, things will get a lot tougher with Spain most likely their opponents in the Quarter Finals so there is plenty to look forward to as the tournament marches on.
June 16th
Poland v Czech Republic Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14476-Poland-v-Czech-Republic.htm)
Greece v Russia Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14477-Greece-v-Russia.htm)
June 17th
Denmark v Germany Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14488-Denmark-v-Germany.htm)
Portugal v Holland Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14489-Portugal-v-Holland.htm)
June 19th
Sweden v France Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14506-Sweden-v-France.htm)
Ukraine v England Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14507-Ukraine-v-England.htm)
MY PICKS: Poland to win and at least 3 goals to be scored (Quatro) @ 4.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Russia win both halves @ 5.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Germany to win both halves @ 4.50 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Portugal-Holland Over 4.5 goals @ 6.00 Bodog (1 Unit)
France to win and 3/4 goals scored @ 3.75 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
England to win and 3/4 goals scored @ 4.50 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Euro 2012 Update: 6-12, - 0.26 Units (28 Units Staked)
I also don't believe it is right that the tournament will be extended to 24 teams in four years time as I already feel the talent pool is being stretched with the teams we have here now. Adding the likes of Belgium, Montenegro, Estonia, Turkey, Bosnia and Norway doesn't exactly thrill me that we will be getting any more out of the event, while the potential for the 'best third placed' teams to get through brings its own problems at the group stage.
Don't be surprised if there are more 'convenient' results set up in the final round of games to make sure teams have the 'best third place points' and ensure qualification to the next round, but that is an issue for four years time.
There is still everything to play for in Group A as we reach the final games and a big chance for the co-host nation Poland to get through, although they have to create history by winning their first EVER game at the European Championships. It looks a winnable game against the Czech Republic, but hope and expectations are tough factors to actually determine how much they will affect a game. It may just be how Poland deal with those two issues that will ensure a place in the last eight or an unsatisfying exit from the group stage.
The other game seems a little more clear cut and Russia are the right favourites to get the point necessary to ensure they are playing in the Quarter Finals for the second successive Euro Championships. Greece have looked shaky and it is hard to see them turn that around in their final game, while Russia do look like a side that can score a few goals.
I can't wait for the Portugal-Holland game in Group B on Sunday evening as it should be one where neither team sits back and tries to protect a lead. It has all the makings of an extremely high-scoring game as Holland need to win by at least two goals if they have any hope of getting out of a group where they have lost their first two games. I don't have much faith in either teams ability to defend and I think the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie could be given a few chances to make a real mark at the tournament.
Unfortunately for those two nations, one of them will definitely be exiting on Sunday night, while both could go out if Holland win and Denmark avoid defeat to Germany. The Germans have looked solid and have won the group by beating the two 'better' nations in the group and will be expected to seal their passage into the last eight with another win.
However, am I really the only person that thinks Germany may be happy to play out a draw and hope that Holland beat Portugal to ensure both potential threats are eliminated at the group stage? It is a dangerous game as a Denmark win/Portugal fail to win could see Germany displaced at the top of the group and thus ensure a tougher route to the Final, but it is something worth noting.
For example, imagine if news comes through to the German game that Holland have taken an early lead in their game- would it really be that unimaginable that both Germany and Denmark then settle in and wait to see what happens next? Probably is a little too far into the world of conspiracy theories, but I would be VERY interested to see how the Germany-Denmark game developed IF Holland were winning by two goals before any goals have been scored in Lviv.
Talking about potential conspiracies, how about the fact that if Spain and Croatia draw 2-2, Italy will be out no matter what they do against Ireland in their fixture? Italy will know all about that 2-2 result as it was exactly what Denmark and Sweden played out in 2004 to knock the Italians out of the Euro 2004 tournament at this very stage, and it is clear that a team that has the majority of players in the Serie A League affected by match-fixing scandals are clearly worried about this possibility.
It has gone so far that Italian players like Gianluigi Buffon has been quoted as saying that Spain wouldn't do this for their pride. It has also riled up some of the Spanish and Croatian players who are adamant that they will not do this, but it is definitely a possibility that has to be considered- Spain would still win the group, Croatia would go through and a potential big rival in Italy would be out of the competition so everyone (well not the Italians) would win.
Anyway, this is all suggesting the Italy result over Ireland is a 'gimme' and I don't believe that is the case no matter how bad the Irish have played so far in the tournament. Giovanni Trapattoni will really get his team up for his game and it was the one game the Irish really fancied for some reason so I expect them to put in a big effort.
Add in the fact that Italy have struggled to maintain their tempo and performance for a full game so far in the tournament and there is every chance the Irish can sneak a result that will put Italy out of the competition anyway.
It will be a tough game for the Italians, but it would be made all the tougher if the 2-2 scoreline haunts them again.
France have virtually got two feet into the Quarter Finals of the tournament thanks to their 0-2 win over the Ukraine yesterday and they either need one point from their last game with Sweden OR they need England to avoid defeat to Ukraine to ensure they are going through.
Even if France lost 0-1 to Sweden in their final game, an England loss would also see them through to the next round so they are in a really strong position. Their motivation for the game against Sweden may well be decided on Monday night once they figure out if finishing first or second will avoid meeting Spain in the Quarter Finals- I think the French are likely good enough to decide their own fate in the group and I expect they will do what it takes to avoid playing Spain.
The other game between Ukraine and England will be fascinating as a win would guarantee a place in the last eight, while England can also sit back and avoid defeat to make their way out of the group. It was a dramatic turnaround win over Sweden that has given England this leeway in their final game, but there were some real worries with the way they defended and I think they were fortunate to be playing a poor Swedish side in all honesty.
Ukraine didn't look all that much against France either so I think England, with the returning Wayne Rooney, will do enough to qualify. However, things will get a lot tougher with Spain most likely their opponents in the Quarter Finals so there is plenty to look forward to as the tournament marches on.
June 16th
Poland v Czech Republic Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14476-Poland-v-Czech-Republic.htm)
Greece v Russia Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14477-Greece-v-Russia.htm)
June 17th
Denmark v Germany Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14488-Denmark-v-Germany.htm)
Portugal v Holland Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14489-Portugal-v-Holland.htm)
June 19th
Sweden v France Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14506-Sweden-v-France.htm)
Ukraine v England Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14507-Ukraine-v-England.htm)
MY PICKS: Poland to win and at least 3 goals to be scored (Quatro) @ 4.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Russia win both halves @ 5.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Germany to win both halves @ 4.50 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Portugal-Holland Over 4.5 goals @ 6.00 Bodog (1 Unit)
France to win and 3/4 goals scored @ 3.75 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
England to win and 3/4 goals scored @ 4.50 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Euro 2012 Update: 6-12, - 0.26 Units (28 Units Staked)
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Euro 2012 Group Stages Picks- Round 2 (June 12-15)
The first stage of the European Championships were completed last night and it has been a tough tournament to get a full read on at the moment.
Group A started off fairly as expected with the hosts Poland struggling to handle the pressure and being a little fortunate to actually get through the match with a point. The other game in the group saw the Russians totally outplay and dismantle the Czech Republic and put themselves in control of the group after just one game.
Group B saw the biggest surprise so far in the event as Holland were beaten by Denmark- it was another win for luck and fortune as the Danes were outplayed, but the Dutch decided they would miss a number of chances that would have been gobbled up on another day. The defeat has left Holland in a really tough position in the group as anything less than a draw (or possibly a win if Denmark beat Portugal) against Germany will see them exit the tournament before it has really got started.
That would not have been expected by the fans back home considering they had reached the Final of the World Cup just two years ago.
Germany then followed up with a tough and perhaps a little undeserved win over the Portuguese and are now the favourites to win the group and qualify for the last eight. However, they may be a little concerned with the nature of the win as they struggled to break down an organised defence, although the early stages of a tournament are about the three points and getting out of the group rather than any mind blowing performances. The Germans also know avoiding defeat against Holland should put them in the driving seat to qualify as well as putting their rivals in a desperate spot.
Spain and Italy duked out a 1-1 draw in their game in Group C and that was the most entertaining game of the tournament as both teams pushed forward for the win. I am not sure the tactic of playing six midfielders and no striker will work for Spain going forward and I actually think they looked a lot more dangerous when Fernando Torres came on to lead the line. It is much easier for defences against teams that play everything in front of them, like Spain had to with no one leading the line, and the Italians struggled a little to contain Torres' runs once he joined the game. In fact, it took a couple of misses from the striker from good positions that saved Italy a point.
Neither one of those nations can take qualification for granted after Croatia beat the Republic of Ireland 3-1 in the other game in the group. The Irish were a little unfortunate as one goal looked offside, while another saw the ball hit Shay Given on the head after coming off the post.
It was also bad timing that they conceded two minutes either side of half time and the team did look demoralised at the end of the game. I think the result puts pay to the Irish chances of getting through to the Quarter Finals, but also leaves both Italy and Spain in the position of not being able to afford to drop points when they meet Ireland. Croatia's two goal win also gives them a buffer when it comes to goal difference and has made the match between themselves and Italy absolutely huge on Thursday.
Finally, England kicked off their campaign and it is interesting to hear the mixed reaction to their 1-1 draw with France to open Group D. My personal view is that England looked average going forward, but were well organised in defence- that means it will be interesting to see how they react when the onus is on them to attack and win the game rather than avoiding defeat which they clearly were happy to do in the opening game.
France were a very good technically, but I think Karim Benzema needs to make more of an effort to get on the end of the nice passing moves the likes of Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery instigate. Too often, Benzema came far too deep and allowed England to compact the game with no threat of a ball over the top and that needs to change if the French are going to justify dark horse status.
Both England and France, like Italy and Spain, will be wary that Ukraine beat Sweden in the other game and are now top of the group. It does mean that both England and France must also beat Sweden to give themselves a chance of qualifying, although neither the Ukraine or Sweden looked massive threats.
The game between France and Ukraine on Friday will be very interesting to see exactly where the Ukrainians are in terms of actually competing to get out of this group. France provide a real test, but Ukraine have a lot of momentum and it could be tough for Les Bleus who will also know a defeat leaves them in a desperate position.
June 12th
Greece v Czech Republic Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14432-Greece-v-Czech-Republic.htm)
Poland v Russia Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14433-Poland-v-Russia.htm)
June 13th
That was the most frustrating day of the tournament as both teams I picked decided to take the ultimate way out... Greece decided to not turn up for the first half and conceded twice in the opening six minutes, while Russia seemed to be playing far too cockily in the second half and screwed up a number of good looking opportunities to grab a vital second goal and ultimately paid the price to a Poland team that may have won the game in the end.
Here is hoping for a better time after a 0-6 run.
Denmark v Portugal Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14437-Denmark-v-Portugal.htm)
Holland v Germany Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14448-Holland-v-Germany.htm)
June 14th
Italy v Croatia Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14453-Italy-v-Croatia.htm)
Spain v Republic of Ireland Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14454-Spain-v-Republic-of-Ireland.htm)
June 15th
Ukraine v France Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14464-Ukraine-v-France.htm)
England v Sweden Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14465-England-v-Sweden.htm)
MY PICKS: Greece @ 3.40 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Russia @ 2.50 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Portugal to win and at least 3 goals scored @ 4.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Holland-Germany Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.05 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Italy to win by one goal @ 4.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Spain - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.90 Pinnacle (2 Units)
France to win and at least 3 goals scored @ 4.20 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
England to win by 1 goal (English Handicap Draw) @ 3.80 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Euro 2012 Update: 5-7, + 1.94 Units (22 Units Staked)
Group A started off fairly as expected with the hosts Poland struggling to handle the pressure and being a little fortunate to actually get through the match with a point. The other game in the group saw the Russians totally outplay and dismantle the Czech Republic and put themselves in control of the group after just one game.
Group B saw the biggest surprise so far in the event as Holland were beaten by Denmark- it was another win for luck and fortune as the Danes were outplayed, but the Dutch decided they would miss a number of chances that would have been gobbled up on another day. The defeat has left Holland in a really tough position in the group as anything less than a draw (or possibly a win if Denmark beat Portugal) against Germany will see them exit the tournament before it has really got started.
That would not have been expected by the fans back home considering they had reached the Final of the World Cup just two years ago.
Germany then followed up with a tough and perhaps a little undeserved win over the Portuguese and are now the favourites to win the group and qualify for the last eight. However, they may be a little concerned with the nature of the win as they struggled to break down an organised defence, although the early stages of a tournament are about the three points and getting out of the group rather than any mind blowing performances. The Germans also know avoiding defeat against Holland should put them in the driving seat to qualify as well as putting their rivals in a desperate spot.
Spain and Italy duked out a 1-1 draw in their game in Group C and that was the most entertaining game of the tournament as both teams pushed forward for the win. I am not sure the tactic of playing six midfielders and no striker will work for Spain going forward and I actually think they looked a lot more dangerous when Fernando Torres came on to lead the line. It is much easier for defences against teams that play everything in front of them, like Spain had to with no one leading the line, and the Italians struggled a little to contain Torres' runs once he joined the game. In fact, it took a couple of misses from the striker from good positions that saved Italy a point.
Neither one of those nations can take qualification for granted after Croatia beat the Republic of Ireland 3-1 in the other game in the group. The Irish were a little unfortunate as one goal looked offside, while another saw the ball hit Shay Given on the head after coming off the post.
It was also bad timing that they conceded two minutes either side of half time and the team did look demoralised at the end of the game. I think the result puts pay to the Irish chances of getting through to the Quarter Finals, but also leaves both Italy and Spain in the position of not being able to afford to drop points when they meet Ireland. Croatia's two goal win also gives them a buffer when it comes to goal difference and has made the match between themselves and Italy absolutely huge on Thursday.
Finally, England kicked off their campaign and it is interesting to hear the mixed reaction to their 1-1 draw with France to open Group D. My personal view is that England looked average going forward, but were well organised in defence- that means it will be interesting to see how they react when the onus is on them to attack and win the game rather than avoiding defeat which they clearly were happy to do in the opening game.
France were a very good technically, but I think Karim Benzema needs to make more of an effort to get on the end of the nice passing moves the likes of Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery instigate. Too often, Benzema came far too deep and allowed England to compact the game with no threat of a ball over the top and that needs to change if the French are going to justify dark horse status.
Both England and France, like Italy and Spain, will be wary that Ukraine beat Sweden in the other game and are now top of the group. It does mean that both England and France must also beat Sweden to give themselves a chance of qualifying, although neither the Ukraine or Sweden looked massive threats.
The game between France and Ukraine on Friday will be very interesting to see exactly where the Ukrainians are in terms of actually competing to get out of this group. France provide a real test, but Ukraine have a lot of momentum and it could be tough for Les Bleus who will also know a defeat leaves them in a desperate position.
June 12th
Greece v Czech Republic Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14432-Greece-v-Czech-Republic.htm)
Poland v Russia Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14433-Poland-v-Russia.htm)
June 13th
That was the most frustrating day of the tournament as both teams I picked decided to take the ultimate way out... Greece decided to not turn up for the first half and conceded twice in the opening six minutes, while Russia seemed to be playing far too cockily in the second half and screwed up a number of good looking opportunities to grab a vital second goal and ultimately paid the price to a Poland team that may have won the game in the end.
Here is hoping for a better time after a 0-6 run.
Denmark v Portugal Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14437-Denmark-v-Portugal.htm)
Holland v Germany Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14448-Holland-v-Germany.htm)
June 14th
Italy v Croatia Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14453-Italy-v-Croatia.htm)
Spain v Republic of Ireland Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14454-Spain-v-Republic-of-Ireland.htm)
June 15th
Ukraine v France Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14464-Ukraine-v-France.htm)
England v Sweden Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14465-England-v-Sweden.htm)
MY PICKS: Greece @ 3.40 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Russia @ 2.50 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Portugal to win and at least 3 goals scored @ 4.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Holland-Germany Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.05 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Italy to win by one goal @ 4.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Spain - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.90 Pinnacle (2 Units)
France to win and at least 3 goals scored @ 4.20 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
England to win by 1 goal (English Handicap Draw) @ 3.80 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Euro 2012 Update: 5-7, + 1.94 Units (22 Units Staked)
Friday, 8 June 2012
Euro 2012 Group Stage Picks- Round 1 (June 8-11)
I am going to divide my picks from this tournament into sections to make it easier for you guys to find them and view them. I figured I would divide the picks from the group stages into the three round of matches and then create a separate post for the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Finals going forward.
You can find my outright picks and preview of the tournament as a whole at this link here
As always, I will post a link to this thread on twitter whenever new picks are made and I will update results as they come through.
June 8th
Poland v Greece Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14401-Poland-v-Greece.htm)
Russia v Czech Republic Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14402-Russia-v-Czech-Republic.htm)
June 9th
Holland v Denmark Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14405-Holland-v-Denmark.htm)
Germany v Portugal Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14406-Germany-v-Portugal.htm)
June 10th
Spain v Italy Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14409-Spain-v-Italy.htm)
Republic of Ireland v Croatia Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14411-Republic-of-Ireland-v-Croatia.htm)
June 11th
France v England Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14413-France-v-England.htm)
Ukraine v Sweden Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14417-Ukraine-v-Sweden.htm)
MY PICKS: Greece + 0.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Russia @ 2.25 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Holland @ 1.67 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Germany-Portugal Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.92 Stan James (2 Units)
Spain-Italy Under 1.5 Goals @ 2.88 Stan James (1 Unit)
Republic of Ireland-Croatia Draw @ 3.20 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
France @ 2.50 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Ukraine-Sweden Draw @ 3.30 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
First Round Group Stage Update: 3-5, - 0.96 Units (13 Units Staked)
You can find my outright picks and preview of the tournament as a whole at this link here
As always, I will post a link to this thread on twitter whenever new picks are made and I will update results as they come through.
June 8th
Poland v Greece Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14401-Poland-v-Greece.htm)
Russia v Czech Republic Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14402-Russia-v-Czech-Republic.htm)
June 9th
Holland v Denmark Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14405-Holland-v-Denmark.htm)
Germany v Portugal Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14406-Germany-v-Portugal.htm)
June 10th
Spain v Italy Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14409-Spain-v-Italy.htm)
Republic of Ireland v Croatia Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14411-Republic-of-Ireland-v-Croatia.htm)
June 11th
France v England Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14413-France-v-England.htm)
Ukraine v Sweden Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14417-Ukraine-v-Sweden.htm)
MY PICKS: Greece + 0.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Russia @ 2.25 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Holland @ 1.67 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Germany-Portugal Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.92 Stan James (2 Units)
Spain-Italy Under 1.5 Goals @ 2.88 Stan James (1 Unit)
Republic of Ireland-Croatia Draw @ 3.20 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
France @ 2.50 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Ukraine-Sweden Draw @ 3.30 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
First Round Group Stage Update: 3-5, - 0.96 Units (13 Units Staked)
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Euro 2012 Pre-Tournament Preview and Outright Picks
It feels like just yesterday we were putting the final touches on the domestic season, yet the Euro 2012 tournament has sneaked up on us and is just days away. There are plenty of previews of the event out there, but one more won't hurt too much.
The tournament hasn't really gripped in the same manner as previous tournaments of this nature and I am not sure why? It looks like a decent event with plenty of good teams and the format means the 'less competitive' games you can sometimes see at the World Cup are not really here.
Which other tournament would see the matches of the calibre of Germany-Portugal, Spain-Italy and France-England in the first four days? I am looking forward to the football to begin and am very pleased that the times are almost perfectly for when we come out of work.
Poland
Russia
Czech Republic
Greece
Germany
Holland
Portugal
Denmark
The tournament hasn't really gripped in the same manner as previous tournaments of this nature and I am not sure why? It looks like a decent event with plenty of good teams and the format means the 'less competitive' games you can sometimes see at the World Cup are not really here.
Which other tournament would see the matches of the calibre of Germany-Portugal, Spain-Italy and France-England in the first four days? I am looking forward to the football to begin and am very pleased that the times are almost perfectly for when we come out of work.
Group A
Poland
Poland are one of the co-hosts for the event and were one of the top seeded teams in the draw along with Germany, Spain and the Ukraine. They will be pleased with the way things worked out as they were placed alongside Russia, Czech Republic and Greece and the expectation is surely to get to the Quarter Finals at the very least.
Being a co-host will bring its own pressures and there are no guarantees that that will ensure their path through to the next stage. Four years ago, both Austria and Switzerland were dumped in the group stage, but the opposition in this group should not hold too many fears for Poland.
There are some decent players in the squad that they call upon, although the first game against the Greeks looks the key to their chances as they surely can't get away with anything less than the three points in that one.
Results in their friendly matches have not been that inspiring if I am honest and it does look like goals will be a real problem for them.
Player to Watch: Robert Lewandowski- Scored plenty of goals for Borussia Dortmund to help them win the Bundesliga and you have to think he will need to do the same to fire the hosts into the Quarter Finals.
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group
Russia
The Russians were the surprise package of Euro 2008 when they reached the Semi Finals and who can forget their awesome destruction of the Dutch in the Quarter Finals that year? The team has the same feel from the one that impressed so many with their style of football in Austra/Switzerland and they couldn't really ask for a better group from which to progress, perhaps to another Quarter Final with Holland.
Russia finished top of their qualifying defeat and recovered from an early home loss to go unbeaten in their final 8 games in that section. They have also recorded some decent friendly results with the most eye-catching coming just days ago as they beat Italy 0-3 away from home.
Dick Advocaat has got the team playing good football and he has a few decent options in the attacking department which will make Russia a threat. They are also solid right through the team and will be a tough test for whichever team they face in the Quarter Finals.
Player to Watch: Alan Dzagoev- He is only 21, but is considered the next big thing in Russian football and will be expected to provide the ammunition for the team as well as scoring key goals
Predicted Finish: 1st
Czech Republic
Long gone are the days when the Czech Republic were considered one of the dark horse to win a tournament of this magnitude as they were in the early part of the 21st Century. These days, qualifying for the event is seen as a success, but I won't go overboard in downplaying their chances in this group.
The Czechs also beat Montenegro twice in the Play Offs to advance to this tournament, and that is something that England failed to do when in the same group as the latter. However, they were fortunate to finish above Scotland in their own section when they earned a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park in a qualifier in a game they were given a soft penalty while Scotland were denied a stonewall one themselves. If Scotland had won that game, they would have finished above the Czechs and perhaps been here instead.
Friendly results have been mixed for a side that doesn't have the same type of talent as they did ten years ago and it is hard to see them getting enough points from the section, despite it not being the strongest here.
Player to Watch: Tomas Rosicky- Will have to be at his best to ensure the team create enough chances to progress.
Predicted Finish: 4th
Greece
Hands up if you are not Greek and looking forward to seeing them play at the event this Summer... Not too many hands showing I expect.
However, they are a much better team to watch these days compared to the mind-numbing side that actually went on and won the European Championships in 2004. While the side do open up a little more than they did eight years ago, they are still a very well organised and disciplined defensive side as shown by the five goals scored in their ten qualifying games to get to Poland.
I don't think they could have hand picked a better group to be in and I think they may be the surprise package from it, but all will depend on how they get on in their first group game against the hosts Poland. If they can avoid defeat in that game, they could really amp the pressure on the teams fighting for qualification with a win over the Czech Republic in their second game and may even have the benefit of playing an already qualified Russia in their final game.
They haven't inspired anyone with their results in friendlies, but they do have a decent set piece package that may cause issues for their opponents. Goals can be a problem, but they may not need too many to get out of this group.
Player to Watch: Giorgios Karagounis- He might be in the twilight of his career at 35, but continues to pull the strings and is an expert dead ball striker... It will be his performances that will determine how far the Greeks go
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Group B
Germany
Undoubtedly one of the favourites to win the tournament after coming so close in the last three major international events. Germany reached the Final of this event four years ago and have twice been Semi Finalists in the World Cups that took place in 2006 and 2010, but they are now in the longest drought since winning their last international trophy in 1996.
The squad is packed full of talent with a few areas of concerns, but the biggest may be how the players from the Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund teams can play having been involved in long seasons already.
The Bayern players have also got to get their heads right after a crushing defeat in the Final of the Champions League that was played in their home stadium. However, on paper the Germans look like being one of the teams to beat with the strength available to them in the squad they are taking to Poland and the Ukraine.
They qualified for the tournament by winning all ten games in their section and, while friendly results have been up and down, I would be very surprised if they didn't get to the latter stages again and perhaps break their 16 years of hurt.
Player to Watch: Lukas Podolski- Some will consider this a strange choice, but Podolski always seems to come alive at the big events for his country and he has 8 goals in the last 3 major tournaments he has played. With Mario Gomez being hit or miss and Miroslav Klose coming towards the end of his career, Podolski may need to chip in with big goals.
Predicted Finish: 1st
Holland
Not too many people were impressed with the Dutch showing in the World Cup Final 2010 as they looked to kick lumps out of the Spain team they were facing rather than try to play football and that was a disappointment considering the talent available to them.
This group has been described as the 'group of death' and Holland do look a vulnerable side to going out a little earlier than their fans would be expecting. While they have a strong depth of attacking talent to call upon, the defensive side of the game looks susceptible in a group where they will face the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and a combined strength of Germany.
Holland had no problems qualifying for the event with only one defeat from ten games, while they have some decent friendly wins to also fall back upon.
The opening game against Denmark looks a pivotal one for them... The Danes will be the team that the other three teams in the group will be targeting for a win and anything less will put a lot of pressure on Holland when they face Germany in their second group game.
Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben should provide plenty of goals for the Dutch if they are on their game, but pressure can do a funny thing to players (see Robben for his penalty miss against Chelsea in the Champions League Final) and they may be a surprise loser in the early stages of this tournament.
Player to Watch: Wesley Sneijder- While the two players I mentioned above are key to scoring the goals, Wesley Sneijder will need to bounce back from an average season to provide the bullets for the Van Persie and Robben calibre players.
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Portugal
Portugal are, like the Czech Republic, not quite the dark horses they were a few years ago when their 'golden generation' failed to pick up a big international prize that they crave so badly. However, any team that has a talent like Cristiano Ronaldo is sure to be a danger to the very best teams in the World.
Ronaldo's confidence should be high after helping Real Madrid lift the La Liga title this season, although he hasn't always been able to transfer that form to his international team as his opponents know he is by far and away the biggest threat in this side.
It would have been a different story if the likes of Rui Costa and Luis Figo were still around, but Portugal could be a surprise package if Nani can get on one of his hot streaks of form that he has displayed for Manchester United. Nani is capable of going on a run of 3-4 fantastic matches in a row and, if he can do that here, that could help Portugal get through a tough section and perhaps cause some surprises down the stretch.
The team also have a decent defensive discipline, although that wasn't always shown in their qualifying campaign when they were forced to win in the Play Offs having finished behind Denmark who are also in this group.
They face the Danes in their second game and that could be the key to their chances of progressing, especially if Portugal fail to get a result against Germany in their first game.
Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo- So much of what Portugal can achieve will be down to Ronaldo... If he has a big tournament, Portugal could be a real surprise package in the whole tournament
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Denmark
Twenty years after surprising the whole of Europe by being crowned the winners of the European Championships, Denmark will try and surprise the viewers again and overcome the 'group of death' when they have been viewed as almost a non-factor.
Morten Olsen will look to inspire his team by reminding them that they beat Portugal, one of their rivals in this group, back in the qualifiers and finished above them to automatically book their ticket to Poland and the Ukraine. The Danes suffered just one loss in eight games in the qualifiers, that coming in a trip to Lisbon, but they were impressive for the most part. However, friendly performances leading up to this event have not been so impressive.
The problem for Denmark is that they won't be able to slowly make their way into the tournament as they did in 1992 when they went on to win it. That is because they likely face their closest rivals, Holland and Portugal, in their first two games and will not want to go into their final match with Germany needing points to qualify.
That kind of pressure can be telling on what is a fairly young and inexperienced group and despite their talents, it could be too much for them to overcome in this group.
Player to Watch: Christian Eriksen- The young Ajax midfielder has been attracting the attention of the biggest clubs in Europe and he could really show what he is about in a tough group against talented opposition.
Predicted Finish: 4th
Spain
Group C
Spain
The reigning European and World Champions will be going for an unprecedented third straight major international title. Spain remain the favourites to win this competition after that period of dominance, but they do look a little vulnerable with the likes of Carlos Puyol and David Villa not travelling to Poland and the Ukraine, while the members of the squad have all been involved in long domestic seasons.
Spain qualified with eight straight wins from eight games in their qualifying section, but there is a question mark to be answered as to who will provide the goals in the absence of Villa. Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente are the main strikers likely to lead the line, but the absence of Roberto Soldado from the squad is a little head-scratching.
We know what we are going to get from Spain with the sharp passing, but Xavi is older and has had a long season and the absence of their main striker is hard to ignore. Add to that the issues at centre half without Puyol and they definitely look vulnerable.
Player to Watch: Fernando Torres- This sounds crazy in a squad full of talent, but you have to think Torres will need to fire if Spain are going to find enough goals for them to go all the way. I expect it will be Torres that starts ahead of Fernando Llorente, but the latter can be substituted into this spot if he does get the call.
Predicted Finish: Likely too strong for group, 1st
Italy
Memories of 2006 came flooding back as Italian football has once again been rocked by a match-fixing scandal, although it is to a lesser extent (at the moment at least) than back in 2006 when they went on to win the World Cup.
The Italians are not the power house of former years as coach Cesare Prandelli changes their method of playing the game and they are now a lot more exciting to watch than when I was growing up. However, I feel they lack the stars of the old days as they no longer have the Franco Baresis, Paolo Maldinis, Alessandro Del Pieros or Roberto Baggios to call upon.
Italy got through a tough looking qualification section with eight wins from ten games and they were unbeaten in those games. They also only conceded two goals in those games and I am not going to put too much into their recent disappointing results in friendlies which have seen them lose to the likes of the USA and Russia.
The key to their entire tournament may just rest on how they cope with all the scandal that has hit home- in 1982 and 2006 they went on to win the World Cup, but I find it tough to think they can do the same here.
Player to Watch: Mario Balotelli- This enigmatic player has all the talent in the World and there is no reason why he can't get hot for six games to help the Italians go far in this competition. This could be the perfect setting for Balotelli to really make a statement on the World stage, although he will need Andrea Pirlo's supply line to be working.
Predicted Finish: I wanted to oppose the Italians, but I think they sneak 2nd
Croatia
This will be seen as a chance for redemption for a Croatia team that failed to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa after a truly heartbreaking loss to Turkey in the Quarter Final of the 2008 European Championship.
It could be said that the national team has never got back to the heights that saw them knock out England before the Euro 2008 tournament and also finish above the eventual Runner Up, Germany, in the group stages of that event. In the Quarter Final, Croatia scored in the 119th minute, but conceded in the 123rd minute before being beaten on penalties.
They actually finished behind Greece to qualify for this event and had to earn revenge over Turkey in the Play Offs to reach this stage, but there hasn't been enough to suggest they are ready to beat one of the big nations like Spain or Italy in this group.
There are plenty of talented players in the Croatian team, but defensively they look suspect and I am not sure how their midfield will hold up against the Spanish or Italians and I don't know if they have enough about them to break down Ireland.
Croatia have to get off to a good start in their first game against Ireland if they are to have a real chance of getting through to the next stage, but it looks a tough ask.
Player to Watch: Luka Modric- Can Modric pull the strings and help create the chances needed against the tough midfields the Italians and Spanish will send out against them.
Predicted Finish: 4th
Ireland
It has been ten years since the Irish last graced a major international tournament and a lot of their fans will feel it has been a long time coming after the way they were put of the World Cup thanks to a Thierry Henry handball.
It is already an achievement for them to make it into the final 16 teams in Europe, but the draw has not been kind to them and while they are going to be tough and determined, I don't believe they have enough attacking options to cause either Spain or Italy too many problems.
Giovanni Trapattoni's experience will stand them in good stead and they have not lost to the Italians under his guidance, but they will need more than 3 draws if they have a real belief they can qualify for the Quarter Finals (and a potential match against England).
Ireland qualified by beating Estonia in the Play Offs, but they were only beaten once in a tough group along with Russia and Slovakia, while they were unbeaten in their games away from home. They will be well drilled as I said, but it looks too much for them to finish higher than third in this group.
Player to Watch: James McClean- The youngster has only 2 caps to his name but looked a real livewire for Sunderland in the Premier League and Ireland may need his goals from the wide areas to cause a surprise.
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Ukraine
England
France
Sweden
Spain qualified with eight straight wins from eight games in their qualifying section, but there is a question mark to be answered as to who will provide the goals in the absence of Villa. Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente are the main strikers likely to lead the line, but the absence of Roberto Soldado from the squad is a little head-scratching.
We know what we are going to get from Spain with the sharp passing, but Xavi is older and has had a long season and the absence of their main striker is hard to ignore. Add to that the issues at centre half without Puyol and they definitely look vulnerable.
Player to Watch: Fernando Torres- This sounds crazy in a squad full of talent, but you have to think Torres will need to fire if Spain are going to find enough goals for them to go all the way. I expect it will be Torres that starts ahead of Fernando Llorente, but the latter can be substituted into this spot if he does get the call.
Predicted Finish: Likely too strong for group, 1st
ItalyMemories of 2006 came flooding back as Italian football has once again been rocked by a match-fixing scandal, although it is to a lesser extent (at the moment at least) than back in 2006 when they went on to win the World Cup.
The Italians are not the power house of former years as coach Cesare Prandelli changes their method of playing the game and they are now a lot more exciting to watch than when I was growing up. However, I feel they lack the stars of the old days as they no longer have the Franco Baresis, Paolo Maldinis, Alessandro Del Pieros or Roberto Baggios to call upon.
Italy got through a tough looking qualification section with eight wins from ten games and they were unbeaten in those games. They also only conceded two goals in those games and I am not going to put too much into their recent disappointing results in friendlies which have seen them lose to the likes of the USA and Russia.
The key to their entire tournament may just rest on how they cope with all the scandal that has hit home- in 1982 and 2006 they went on to win the World Cup, but I find it tough to think they can do the same here.
Player to Watch: Mario Balotelli- This enigmatic player has all the talent in the World and there is no reason why he can't get hot for six games to help the Italians go far in this competition. This could be the perfect setting for Balotelli to really make a statement on the World stage, although he will need Andrea Pirlo's supply line to be working.
Predicted Finish: I wanted to oppose the Italians, but I think they sneak 2nd
CroatiaThis will be seen as a chance for redemption for a Croatia team that failed to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa after a truly heartbreaking loss to Turkey in the Quarter Final of the 2008 European Championship.
It could be said that the national team has never got back to the heights that saw them knock out England before the Euro 2008 tournament and also finish above the eventual Runner Up, Germany, in the group stages of that event. In the Quarter Final, Croatia scored in the 119th minute, but conceded in the 123rd minute before being beaten on penalties.
They actually finished behind Greece to qualify for this event and had to earn revenge over Turkey in the Play Offs to reach this stage, but there hasn't been enough to suggest they are ready to beat one of the big nations like Spain or Italy in this group.
There are plenty of talented players in the Croatian team, but defensively they look suspect and I am not sure how their midfield will hold up against the Spanish or Italians and I don't know if they have enough about them to break down Ireland.
Croatia have to get off to a good start in their first game against Ireland if they are to have a real chance of getting through to the next stage, but it looks a tough ask.
Player to Watch: Luka Modric- Can Modric pull the strings and help create the chances needed against the tough midfields the Italians and Spanish will send out against them.
Predicted Finish: 4th
IrelandIt has been ten years since the Irish last graced a major international tournament and a lot of their fans will feel it has been a long time coming after the way they were put of the World Cup thanks to a Thierry Henry handball.
It is already an achievement for them to make it into the final 16 teams in Europe, but the draw has not been kind to them and while they are going to be tough and determined, I don't believe they have enough attacking options to cause either Spain or Italy too many problems.
Giovanni Trapattoni's experience will stand them in good stead and they have not lost to the Italians under his guidance, but they will need more than 3 draws if they have a real belief they can qualify for the Quarter Finals (and a potential match against England).
Ireland qualified by beating Estonia in the Play Offs, but they were only beaten once in a tough group along with Russia and Slovakia, while they were unbeaten in their games away from home. They will be well drilled as I said, but it looks too much for them to finish higher than third in this group.
Player to Watch: James McClean- The youngster has only 2 caps to his name but looked a real livewire for Sunderland in the Premier League and Ireland may need his goals from the wide areas to cause a surprise.
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Group D
Ukraine
As I said in my brief comments about Poland, the co-hosts are not guaranteed of making it through the group stages and I think the Ukraine look very vulnerable to falling victim to this stage.
Both France and England will provide tough tests for the hosts, while Sweden are no pushovers, so it looks like being a really tough ask for the Ukraine to find the four points that will likely be needed to get through to a Quarter Final.
Injuries had already taken their toll on the squad before the tournament began, while those in the squad have had to deal with a food poisoning crisis which should not affect them in their first match on Monday 11th June.
Friendly results have improved for the team in recent games, but there is no making up for competitive football and their first game against Sweden looks huge to dictate their chances of qualifying for the next stage. If the Ukraine are beaten in that game, I think they will already have one foot out of the door.
Player to Watch: Anatolli Tymoschuk- The Bayern Munich midfielder will need to lead by example from the midfield areas and protect the back four effectively if Ukraine are to qualify for the next stage.
Predicted Finish: 4th
England
This has been one of the worst build ups to an international tournament for England as long as I can remember and that has led to the least expectation for them at home. England didn't have a set captain or manager until a month ago and they will also be without their best player in Wayne Rooney for the first two games of the tournament.
Roy Hodgson is the man at the helm and he is sure to set his England team out to be hard to beat. The draw looks tough with Sweden having never lost a competitive game against them and France being one of the favourites for the tournament, while injuries to the likes of Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill will have troubled the fans... And that is not even talking about the controversy they courted by leaving out Rio Ferdinand for 'footballing reasons'.
Being solid won't be enough for England as far as I am concerned and they will have to find a win from somewhere. The hope for them will be they can get through the first two games with a chance to bring back Rooney and qualify for the Quarter Finals in their last game with the Ukraine.
However, I can't be excited by a squad that contains players like Jordan Henderson, Martin Kelly and Andy Carroll and I think they will have exceeded my expectations by getting out of the group.
England qualified comfortably enough for the tournament, but they had a number of inconsistent performances in a group that contained Montenegro, Switzerland, Wales and Bulgaria, while the friendlies haven't really excited anyone for their chances.
Player to Watch: Ashley Young- Can he provide and score enough goals to help England in the absence of Wayne Rooney in the floating role behind Andy Carroll in the first two games? If he can, England may just get into the Quarter Finals.
Predicted Finish: 3rd
France
It was an absolute shambles for the French team at the World Cup in South Africa with the low point being the strike organised by Patrice Evra as they made their way out of the tournament at the first hurdle. How things have changed since then!
Laurent Blanc came in as manager and has immediately stamped his authority on the team and they have been in very good form over the last 18 months which makes them one of the leading contenders to win the tournament as far as I am concerned.
However, there are some vulnerabilities in the side and it has to be remembered that it took a late penalty for them to finish above Bosnia in their qualifying group (Bosnia were subsequently thumped by Portugal). It is the friendly wins over the likes of Germany, England and both co-hosts of this event that would have excited their supporters and given them extra belief.
There are plenty of attacking talent in the side and they have very good young players in the squad and Les Bleus could be a serious threat to the likes of Germany and Spain in this tournament.
Player to Watch: Karim Benzema- France have a lot of talent in their squad, but I don't feel they have much behind Benzema so they will hope he can replicate the form shown for Real Madrid this season and fire France all the way.
Predicted Finish: 1st
Sweden
If any of the teams are going to help knock England out of the tournament at the group stage, Sweden are the ones alongside the French that should benefit. They qualified for the tournament without having the need for a Play Off despite finishing behind Holland and their win at home over the Dutch is impressive.
Sweden also have a fabulous record in competitive football against England and they look the kind of team that will cause the French and Ukraine problems with their brand of attacking football.
The biggest concern seems to be a defence that conceded 6 goals in two games against Holland in the qualifiers and they still have the ageing Olof Mellberg in the backline which is likely to cause some issues.
They do have goals in the side and that bodes well, but I have a feeling they will have to get a result against Ukraine to put themselves in good stead in the group, while they face England without Wayne Rooney and I think they have a chance to cause a surprise.
Player to Watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic- He plays in his favoured deeper position for the Swedes and he may finally get the chance to impress the English people who have criticised him heavily for Champions League performances against English clubs.
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Outright Picks
With the way that I believe the tournament is going to pan out, I think the most likely Semi Finals are going to be France v Germany and Spain v Portugal.
I know a lot of people will be expecting to see the Germany-Spain rematch from four years ago, but both of those sides look vulnerable and instead I am going to put my interest in the two underdogs of those Semi Finals knowing one of them reaching the Final would bring in the profit.
I really like the France team and they could take a Germany side who have players that have played a lot of football this season. If France get to this stage, they will be confident and will draw on the knowledge that they have beaten the Germans albeit in a friendly recently.
Portugal look a stunning price despite not being the force of old. I think their price will come tumbling in if they do manage to get through a tough group and they have a special player in Cristiano Ronaldo that could win tight matches with a moment of magic. It will also likely be necessary for Nani to have a big tournament to complement the talent of Ronaldo and to ensure that defences are not cheating one way.
Spain beat Portugal 1-0 at the World Cup a couple of years ago, but they are missing enough important players for me to think Portugal could reverse that if they manage to get into that position.
The top scorer is always tough to pick and there is an element of looking at the team that you favour to go all the way- I am no different and I think Karim Benzema could be someone that goes very close to achieving this goal (pardon the pun).
As I said above, I don't think France have too much depth at this position so I would guess Benzema is going to start all of their games as the lone striker. He has had a brilliant season with Real Madrid and is looking the player that everyone in Europe expected him to be as he made his way through the ranks at Lyon.
Both Sweden and Ukraine have had defensive vulnerabilities that he could exploit, and he could be well on his way to this award before the Quarter Finals begin. It has needed 4 or 5 goals to win this prize in the last four tournaments, so he looks worth a chance considering I can see him having perhaps 3 in the bag by the end of the groups.
Another player I like at a bigger price is Lukas Podolski of Germany- he is a player that has regularly performed for the Germans at these big events since making his way into the team and he will be playing far enough forward to think he can be on the end of the chances that the team is likely to create.
Group B also looks like being a high scoring group so he may have plenty of chances to add to goals before the Semi Final, while Germany should face a pretty average opponent in the Quarter Finals if they get that far and he may have more chances to add to his goal tally.
Other options I will take are Russia to win Group A as they look to me to be by far and away the best team in the group and I figure they will get 7 points from their games which will be enough in my opinion to top the section and most likely avoid Germany in the next stage.
I will also take France to win Group D and Germany to win Group B and two of those coming off will produce a profit immediately.
MY OUTRIGHT PICKS: France to win Euro 2012 @ 11.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit E/W) E/W is 1/2 odds
Portugal to win Euro 2012 @ 21.00 Bet Fred (0.5 Units E/W) E/W is 1/2 odds
Karim Benzema Top Goalscorer @ 13.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit E/W) E/W is 1/4 odds
Lukas Podolski Top Goalscorer @ 34.00 Bet365 (1 Unit E/W) E/W is 1/4 odds
Russia to Win Group A @ 2.50 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Germany to Win Group B @ 2.30 Pinnacle (2 Units)
France to Win Group D @ 2.60 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
LAMP'S Betting Blog
Introduction
Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman.
My name is Vinny and often I write football previews on http://www.goonersguide.com/ as LAMPS.
Despite only contributing for half a season my yield was very healthy when betting on the Barclays Premiership as seen by this link: http://www.goonersguide.com/english_football.php
Fellow contributor and good pal Dav has invited me to vent my thoughts on his blog as well as my previews.
I will mainly post direct links to GoonersGuide to read my previews in full but whenever I fancy a ramble you can catch that here too.
Hope you all enjoy my previews as well as Dav's and hopefully we can combine to make greater profits in the future.
Good Luck
Lamps
[Dav's Comment]: I hope you guys enjoy this column that will be in for the duration of the Euro 2012 tournament.
I invited Vinny (Lamps) to run a thread on the tournament as he has been excellent with his tips throughout the course of the season and I really respect the research he does for every pick he makes.
I look forward to reading this column throughout the tournament which begins on Friday and I hope you all do the same.
7th June 2012 - Euro 2012 Ante Post Thoughts
After those kind words from Dav- lets get down to business!
With the Euro's starting tomorrow I wanted to talk about a few bets that I've taken ante post that are more "specials" than anything outright. Hopefully you guys agree and get on, although I can't confirm what the prices are now so you'll have to double check that yourselves!
With the Euro's starting tomorrow I wanted to talk about a few bets that I've taken ante post that are more "specials" than anything outright. Hopefully you guys agree and get on, although I can't confirm what the prices are now so you'll have to double check that yourselves!
Danny Welbeck Under 0.5 goals at 1.80 Pinnaclesports
Now this bet doesn't look as good as it did 2 weeks ago when I took it! I personally think England could go out at the group stages and if they make it out, it will be as runners up and then Spain should see them off. So already I think England won't get many games which helps this bet.
Rooney is out of the first two games meaning Carroll or Welbeck will start up top. I persoanlly beleive after the FA Cup Final that Carroll is the man to start, he leads the line well and gives England an easy direct ball when in trouble.
However, Welbeck looked sharp and took his goal well in the 1-0 win over Belgium giving Roy some real headaches in his team selection. Even if Welbeck does get the nod I can't see him getting many chances and unless he finishes like he did v Belgium ie. 1 half chance 1 goal then I'll hold my hands up.
After the first 2 games, of which he may only have had a hat full of minutes then Mr Rooney is back and that should be that for Danny. Many will not like this bet after the Belgium goal but I'd still take it now at the 4/5 price.
After the first 2 games, of which he may only have had a hat full of minutes then Mr Rooney is back and that should be that for Danny. Many will not like this bet after the Belgium goal but I'd still take it now at the 4/5 price.
Russa > 4.5 points at 1.80 Bodog
Group A is weak- there is no beating around the bush here. Russia are a class above all 3 other sides and "should" top this group.
Advocaat's side open their account against the Czech Rep who in my eyes are the worst team at the Euros let alone Group A. If they win this one then two draws will be enough to cover this line which seems very reasonable to me.
Advocaat's side open their account against the Czech Rep who in my eyes are the worst team at the Euros let alone Group A. If they win this one then two draws will be enough to cover this line which seems very reasonable to me.
I expect this team to win at least two of their three games and against the Czech Republic, Greece and Poland this could well be a 9 point group win for the Russians. The biggest fear is they tank against the Czech's but I love the fact this bet can win and they only need to win one game!
Czech Republic Under 3.5 tournament goals at 1.93 Pinnaclesports
As mentioned above I don't rate the Czech's- and as a result I think they will struggle for goals in a group against 3 tight defesice sides.
Poland in Poland, I see perhaps 1 goal but no more, but then against the Greeks who conceded only 5 in qualifying whilst on their current run of 1 loss in 20 won't be easy, so again max of 1 goal. Finally against Russia the best side in the group looks a huge ask with Advocaat's side having kept 6 clean sheets in their last 7 competiteive matches including one against Italy in a recent 3-0 friendly win.
Two of the sides key attackers are Baros 8 goals this season and Rosicky 1 goal this season. Both are in major decline in my eyes and expecting them to get some goals is asking a lot for me. This was highlighted even further by the fact that the left back Kadlec was the sides top scorer in qualifying!
Hopefully this side gets beaten well by Russia in game 1, Greece will frustrate them into submission in game 2 and then come game 3 Poland will need this win more and that will be that for Bilek's men.
Good Luck
Daily Picks- Group Stage
As I publish all my picks over at Goonersguide I will attach the appropriate links to all my full previews below. I may add the odd comment if anything drastically changes in between writing and kick off. To make things easy to read my pick will be summarised at the bottom of each Group.
Just for clarity- all picks are for 1 unit at level stakes.
Group A:
Poland v Greece: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14365-Poland-v-Greece.htm
Russia v Czech Republic: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14366-Russia-v-Czech-Republic.htm
Greece v Czech Republic: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14412-Greece-v-Czech-Republic.htm
Poland v Russia: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14414-Poland-v-Russia.htm
Czech Republic v Poland: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14451-Czech-Republic-v-Poland.htm
Greece v Russia: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14452-Greece-v-Russia.htm
Summary:
Poland to win - evens general quote
Russia to win - 2.15 Bet Victor
Russia -0.75 AH - 2.90 with Pinnaclesports
Greece +0.25 AH - 1.962 with Pinnaclesports
Cze/Pol - Over 2.75 goals 2.51 with Pinnaclesports
Russia -0.75 AH 2.07 with Pinnaclesports
Group B:
Germany v Portugal: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14369-Germany-v-Portugal.htm
Holland v Denmark: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14366-Russia-v-Czech-Republic.htm
Denmark v Portugal: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14415-Denmark-v-Portugal.htm
Holland v Germany: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14416-Holland-v-Germany.htm
Denmark v Germany: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14468-Denmark-v-Germany.htm
Portugal v Holland: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14469-Portugal-v-Holland.htm
Summary:
Ger/Por Both teams to score yes: 1.80 general quote
Den/Hol both teams to score: yes 2.05 Bodog
Den/Por Over 2.75 goals at 2.77 with Pinnaclesports
Hol/Ger Over 2.75 goals at 2.352 with Pinnaclesports
Den/Ger Over 2.75 goals at 2.23 with Pinnaclesports
Por/Hol Over 2.75 goals at 2.03 with Pinnaclesports
Group C:
Spain v Italy:http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14365-Poland-v-Greece.htm
Republic of Ireland v Croatia: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14373-Republic-of-Ireland-v-Croatia.htm
Italy v Croatia: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14424-Italy-v-Croatia.htm
Spain v Republic of Ireland: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14425-Spain-v-Republic-of-Ireland.htm
Croatia v Spain: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14480-Croatia-v-Spain.htm
Italy v Republic of Ireland: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14481-Italy-v-Republic-of-Ireland.htm
Summary:
Spa/Ita - Time of first goal >27 minutes Bodog evens
Cro/Ire- Ire +0.5 AH at 1.78 Pinnaclesports
Ita/Cro- Under 2.25 goals 1.71 Pinnaclesports
Spa -1.75 AH 2.2 Paddy Power
Spa -0.75 at 2.08 with Pinnaclesports
Ire +1.5 at 2.02 with Pinnaclesports
Group D:
France v England:http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14365-Poland-v-Greece.htm
Ukraine v Sweden: http://www.blogger.com/goog_912427365
Sweden v England: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14439-Sweden-v-England.htm
Ukraine v France: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14438-Ukraine-v-France.htm
England v Ukraine: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14486-England-v-Ukraine.htm
Sweden v France: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14487-Sweden-v-France.htm
Summary:
Fra/Eng- Fra +0 AH 1.752 Pinnaclesports
Ukr/Swe- Swe +0.25 1.825 Bet365
Eng -0.75 2.58 Pinanclesports
Fra -0.75 2.55 Pinnaclesports
England -0.75 2.71 Pinnaclesports
Fra/Swe - Ov 2.75 2.16 Pinnaclesports
Daily Picks- Quarter Finals
Czech Republic v Portugal: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14501-Czech-Republic-v-Portugal.htmGermany v Greece: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14514-Germany-v-Greece.htm
Spain v France: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14515-Spain-v-France.htm
England v Italy: http://www.goonersguide.com/football-pick-14516-England-v-Italy.htm
Summary:
Por -0.75 at 2.025 with Pinnaclesports
Gomez/Ger Wincast at 2.30 with Betfred
Spa >1.5 goals at 2.35 with Pinanclesports
Eng/Ita BTTS: Yes 2.25 with Pinnaclesports
Daily Picks- Semi Finals
Spain v Portugal: http://www.goonersguide.com/match_detail.php?matchID=14531Germany v Italy: http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-14538-Germany-v-Italy.htm
Summary:
Spa >1.5 goals at 2.60 with Pinanclesports
Germany to win by 1 goal at 3.75 with Ladbrokes
Daily Picks- Finals
Spain v Italy: http://www.goonersguide.com/match_detail.php?matchID=14547Summary:
Spa to win to nil 3.10 with Pinanclesports
Good Luck
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