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 Recap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Euro 2012 Recap. 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)
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