Euro 2008 final

Germany V Spain

In one corner, wearing the white we have the three time champions Germany. In the other corner, the great pretenders, The Spanish with one major title to their name. After all is said and done, all the talk about every team these are the final two. I must admit that I am on the two of these from the beginning so I cannot lose either way but after a few rounds of matches I really though the Netherlands would be the team to beat. However they departed at the hands of the Russians and apart from the Russian no other side really threatened to go all the way.
The best way to look at this game is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. From a neutral point of view the two teams have both in abundance.

Lets start with the Germans.
Weaknesses – Lehmann, he is just not good enough at this level and he had a shocker against Turkey which almost cost them. Mertesacker and Metzelder are not the most convincing of centre backs either and will have it all to do to keep out An attacking Spanish side.
Strengths – Lahm, he’s a great little player, gets into great attacking positions and well able to put in a cross.
Podolski and Schweinsteiger are proven goal getters and Schweinsteiger in particular is very good from set pieces and added to the arial threat of Klose this is somewhere that the Germans can exploit.

Spain – weaknesses. I have to say that I think their defence is also a little suspect. Ramos has not been convincing and Puyol has not been properly tested. The speed of Lahm attacking them should be interesting. I guess I would count their boss, Aragones as a weakness, his stubbornness in leaving Fabregas on the bench has been astounding, especially considering how good Fabregas has looked with every sub appearance.
Strengths – attack, Torres can score from nothing, Villa is out and his absence is a blow but when you have a player like Fabregas coming in to replace him then all is not lost. Xavi and Iniesta are good at keeping the ball and passing about so the midfield battle will be where it will be won and lost.

Verdict
At the time of writing I cannot confirm whether or not Ballack will play. As a man who has lost all types of finals through his career I think it is most likely he will play through the pain barrier. He missed the world cup final through suspension in 2002 so it would be a travesty if he were to miss again. Spain have this title of choking on the big occasion whereas Germany have the title of winning even when not at their best. Spain have the edge in terms of quality but for me this game is very even. I think there will be an even amount of chances created so it all comes down to who is better equipped to take them. For me I think it will be a bit more open than people think and we could see a few goals
I have a range of bets taken, at the very least will keep me interested until the final whistle and some at nice prices I think.
Good luck whatever you chose

PICK
Over 2 goals (1.71 @ canbet) 4 points

Schweinsteiger anytime goalscorer (7 @ paddy power) 2 points
Podolski anytime goalscorer (4 @ paddy power) 2 points

Man of the match award
Fabregas (8 @bet365) 2 points
Casillas (15 @ bet365) 1 point

GAA on sunday

Down V Armagh

The Armagh boys are the favourites here but I wouldn’t be so sure. I feel this game is being priced up on past fortunes and reputation as opposed to ability. The ulster championship is well open to many teams now and this is as good a chance as Down are going to have. In Benny Coulter they have a goal getting machine and a very potential game winner. Their cover has been blown somewhat with the win over Tyrone but in that game they showed some admirable qualities and a never say die attitude that may see them through once again. It will be tough hard hitting stuff but the value has to be with Down to keep it close and possibly pull off another great win.

PICK
Down +2 ( 2.38 @ boylesports) 4 points

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Dublin V Westmeath

Huge expectations on the Dubs here and as usual the media circus is writing up their chances of All-Ireland success at this early stage. However while i feel they will most likely win this game today i dont think it will be easy by any means. Westmeath have adopted a very "northern" style of play and Dublin might struggle to break them down. Their defence is very good and they have absolutely nothing to lose here as everyone has written them off. The handicap is far too big here in my opinion and i think Westmeath should keep this one close enough to make for a nervy finish

PICK
Westmeath + 5 (1.91 @ Boylesports) 4 points

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Back later with a Euro final preview

Euro 2008 update

Well its semi final time and after some great opening days i find myself just about in profit. The games are getting harder to predict now but as we have only one semi left its almost over. Those of you who read the blog often may or may not remember that before anything had began i tipped up both Germany and Spain as outright winners. With one selection already in the final and possibly to be joined by another im quite happy with that.
Onto tonight and the Russians have surprised me too often to go against them again. Therefore i do not have any strong opinions on the game but will have a cheeky few quid on the game to go to penalties as i feel this may go the distance.
Il be back with a final preview though so check back and we'll see can we go out with a bang.
Good luck tonight whatever you chose.

Euro 2008 quarter final

Netherlands V Russia

To be honest I was one of the people who doubted that the Dutch would make any real significant contribution to the tournament but how wrong I was. They opened up Italy and France and a largely second string side beat the Romanians to give them a 100% record thus far. Now a new task faces them in the form of the Russians who have been hard to figure out to date. In the opening game against Spain they looked outclassed and didn’t impress all that much against the Greeks side either. But then came that wonderful display against Sweden where they scored two great goals and passed the ball about with ease. On that evidence its very hard to ignore the fact that they are capable of giving the Netherlands a good game tonight.
My only concern for the Russians is that they were in action on Wednesday night in a crucial game whereas the Dutch booked this ticket a long time ago giving themselves a chance to rest players. For that reason alone I think the Dutch will have a huge advantage in the fitness stakes and that especially as the game wears on this will come into play. Also the quality of the Dutch bench is worth noting, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are not guaranteed starting places and they would walk onto most national sides. For Russia Arshavin is they key man, he looked sharp and eager against Sweden but surely wont have as much time and space here tonight.

Verdict
I have to go with the Dutch here, they have demonstrated devastating attacking ability and created numerous chances against Italy and France, teams noted for their defensive qualities.
It may be tight for a while but as the game progresses I think Netherlands will show their superior fitness levels and and pull away. 2 – 1 or 3 – 1 is my verdict. Overs looks to be a decent shout here also.

PICK
Netherlands – 1 (2.18 @ canbet) 4 points

Euro 2008 tonight

Switzerland V Portugal

It will be very interesting to see how both sides approach this game. Both already know their destiny so for Portugal it may be a case of resting players. Still though they will want to keep the momentum going and id be expecting a decent performance. The players who will get their chance tonight will be eager to impress Scolari and Portugal have some great attacking players to call on
The Swiss are out but will be desperate to give the home fans something to cheer about. There is no pressure on them anymore so they can at least play with a little freedom tonight. Their problem so far has been up front, they have created chances but lacked composure. Their midfield is solid and their defence could be in for a rough night so they will need to be on their toes.

Verdict
Hopefully this will be an entertaining game with a few goals and the Swiss might have something to shout about. Theres nothing stopping them from going forward a bit and being a bit more adventurous while Portugal have plenty of attacking options. Even if they field a few subs, Nani or Quaresma? These players wont weaken the team one bit and im expecting a portugal win somewhere along the lines of 2 – 1 or 3 – 1

PICK
Over 2.5 goals (2.02 @ pinnacle) 5 points

Sunday picks

One GAA pick here. Odds are available at a range of bookies and ive chosen bet365 as they have the best odds for this pick.
Its Clare +15.5 points against Kerry.
Il be heading to the game shortly so il keep it short for now. Kerry will win this, of that theres no doubt, but i think the handicap is set too high for this one. Kerry could win by 20 if they want but i think the focus will be more on trying out new players and testing new formations as opposed to running up a big score which will not tell them much. The bookies have priced this one up wrong i feel. Kerry will most likely win by 10 - 12 points and Clare will be out to keep the score respectable.

PICK
Clare +15.5 points ( 2.05 @ bet365) 5 points

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Euro 2008 picks will be up soon

Euro 2008 - Day 8

Sweden V Spain

The Euro’s have gone a bit arse ways for me in the last few games so hopefully il get back on track today. First game off is the Swedes against Spain and this should be interesting as we will find out a lot about both teams chances today. Both won their opening games but against poor opposition so it remains to be seen just how good either of these really are. Spain overcame a rather poor Russian side with Villa scoring a hat trick. Torres played very well also and was extremely unselfish in some of his passing when others would have gone on their own. Spain played some typically attractive football and passed it about well and got into great scoring positions time after time, but their defence is still rather suspect and im not convinced. Ramos had an absolute howler and will need to improve considerably or Spain could be in trouble.
Sweden came through the opening game against Greece courtesy of some great play by Ibrahimovic. Interestingly he had not scored in a Swedish jersey since 2005 so hopefully he is back on track. Henrik Larsson will also be vital today. He will be up against Puyol and he will know the best way to get by him from his days at Barca. Overall the Swede’s are a very decent organised side who are well able to score. Christian Wilhelmsson is out injured though and this is cause for concern as he played well on day 1.


Verdict
As it stands I fancy both sides to go through but whoever finishes in second will have to face Portugal in the next round so a draw is not so good for either. Id like to see an open attacking game and that’s what im expecting. Goals then is the obvious choice

PICK
Over 2 goals (2.25 @ boylesports) 4 points


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Greece V Russia

Two teams without a point and defeat for either means an early exit for the loser so both will be keen to take the three points.
Neither side impressed too much in the opener but at least Greece looked like getting a result. The Russians caved in far too early and never really looked like getting anything from the game. Even when they were behind they never attacked the game as if they were desperate for a result, inatead they passed it about and didnt seem too worried.
Greece don’t play the most attractive football but it is usually effective. For large parts of the Sweden game they looked comfortable but my only concern was the lack of a threat up front. The defence is the first priority but Otto Rehhagel is likely to be a little more adventurous tonight.
Russia are a well drilled team and have a great leader in Hiddink. However they are sorely missing their top scorer Pogrebnyak and look very tame up front.


Verdict
Il keep it short and sweet, why the Russians have been installed as favourites im not sure but one thing is for certain and that is that Greece wont go out as defending champions without a fight. I would give the Greeks the slight edge but am very weary of a draw so Greece +0.5 is my choice in a low scoring encounter

PICK
Greece +0.5 (1.69 @ pinnacle) 5 points

Euro picks for today

Busy weekend with a good bit to chose from. After a great start to the Euros, things have gone a a bit pear shaped for me but were still in profit. Im still angry about the 93rd minute goal conceded by Poland but anyhow, onwards and upwards. il be back later with my Euro picks and also a very strong selection for tomorrow in Gaa. Check back later, about 1 or 2 pm.

Euro 2008 - Day 7

Italy V Romania

We all know what happened in the first round games here. Italy were thumped 3 – 0 by the Netherlands and Romania played out a 0 –0 with France. After the Dutch game I was very fast to write off Italy but in hindsight maybe I didn’t give them enough credit. On watching the highlights of the game I think it is fair to say that everything went right for the Dutch whereas Italy did not have any luck in front of goal. Who knows if Toni had scored that great chance when they were 2 – 0 down then anything could have happened.
Anyhow onto today and this is a must win game for both sides. I think Italy have much more in terms of ability and luckily for this bet they are a humiliated team and playing for pride. Romania are very limited and happy to frustrate teams and try to take their chances on the counter attack. However the Italian defence got a lesson the last night so I would expect them to tighten up at the back considerably. The introduction of Grosso and Del Piero brought a bit of spark to the Dutch game so hopefully they will start tonight.

Verdict
Taking the two opening games into consideration I would say that the scoreline was harsh on Italy and flattered the Romanians a little as they didn’t really try to come out and score.
Italy do have the technical advantage and I don’t expect them to take this challenge lightly or to make the same defensive errors again. Italy win for me.

PICK
Italy win (1.73 @ paddy power) 5 points

Euro 2008 - Day 6

Austria V Poland

Pre tournament everybody was saying how bad Austria were and that they would be the whipping boys. On opening day they were very unlucky not to get something from the game against Croatia. The big question is, did they play above themselves? And if the answer is yes then can they do it once more. Croatia looked very tired for some reason and despite some decent scoring chances the Austrians just could not score. Striker Roland Linz looks set to miss and if he is out his absence will be a huge blow.
Poland lost the opening game 2 – 0 but were always up against it against tournament favourites Germany. They still made 2 or 3 chances and maybe if a little sharper in front of goal could have got a result. Nevertheless the introduction of Roger Guerreiro at half time brought a new dimension to the Polish attack and he looked very dangerous. I hope he is starting tonight.
A result is vital for both sides tonight but I think people are over reacting on the opening day results and not giving Poland much credit. Remember they finished above Portugal in the qualifying group so the players are there. Austria are outside the top 100 in the world rankings and even though they played well on day 1 I still think they will finish bottom of the group. A Poland win would set them up nicely for the last game against Croatia and that is how I see this one going.

Verdict
A Poland win is where I see this one going. 1 – 0 or 2 – 0 perhaps. Im quite surprised at the odds but think this is a reaction to the opening fixtures. Just because you are the home nation does not entitle you to any advantage, just ask the Swiss about last night.

Pick
Poland ( 2.32 @ pinnacle) 4 points


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Croatia V Germany

Interesting tie here, both teams were well talked as pre tournament faves. Both won on opening day but under different circumstances. Germany were their usual selves and played some good football against Poland. Croatia looked very tired and were hanging on to a 1 – 0 lead for much of the game against whipping boys Austria. Maybe over confidence or whatever im not sure but they certainly didn’t do anything to convince me they should be backed as outside favourites. Germany powered through Poland. Two goals from Podolski and in truth they could have easily had 2 or 3 more. On saying that though they left a few spaces at the back but luckily for them Poland couldn't capitalise.
Now normally I would jump on a German win here but I'm cautious for one reason. If this game is level with say 10 or 15 minutes to go then you could see both sides sit back and take the foot off the pedal as a draw is good enough for both sides. Germany face Austria in the last game so realistically have 3 points there if they want. Croatia would then head into the game against Poland knowing a draw would be enough (presuming Poland win tonight)
On that basis I think it might just finish a draw. Therefore for me the better value is to find a first goalscorer
Klose and Gomez got into enough scoring chances against Poland but unselfishly laid the ball off. I think both of them will be well up for this again tonight so will go for either of them to score first with small stakes.

PICKS
Klose 1st goal – 7 @ coral ( 1 point)
Gomez 1st goal – 7 @ coral ( 1 point)

Euro 2008 - Day 5

Portugal V Czech Republic

First things first, I do not rate the Czech’s. They were lucky in qualifying and really lucky to get by the Swiss in the opening fixture. Without Rosicky they really do not possess the attacking threat needed to be considered as candidates to win.
Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Cech - Grygera, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal, Jankulovski - Sionko, Matejovsky, Galasek, Kovac, Plasil - Koller
Portugal on the other hand can score goals from anywhere and have exciting attacking options, especially from the midfield in.
Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Ricardo - Bosingwa, Pepe, Carvalho, Ferreira - Moutinho, Petit, Deco - Quaresma, Nuno Gomes, Ronaldo
As I see it, Portugal have the upper hand here in all areas and have a full squad to chose from. Winning the game is vital for both sides but again I think Portugal will want to wrap up qualification as early as possible and perhaps rest a few players in the final group game.

Verdict
Portugal look good to me and have too much attacking ability. They are a fast moving team and should have too much pace for the Czech’s.

PICK
Portugal (2 @ betsense) 4 points


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Switzerland V Turkey

Im doing my best to find an angle here but to no avail. The Swiss deserved something from the opening round but didnt get it and now are without Frei. Turkey were poor against Portugal and were lucky that they were only beaten by 2 goals.

No bet for me

Euro 2008 - Day 4

Actually i am not doing anything for either of tonights games. Im just not familiar with the teams to make an informed decision. The Greeks defensive organisation may prove to be too much for Sweden but the Swede's have a match winner in Ibrahimovic so anything is possible.
I thunk Spain should be good enough to beat the Russians also but not at the odds. The Russians have Gus Hiddink in charge and he is a man capable of miracles so for me its a game best left alone.
Good luck whatever you chose!

Euro 2008 - Day 3 - The group of Death

France V Romania

Everyone seems to be siding with the French here and im not sure why. France are beatable, any Scottish fan can tell you that and they are typically slow starters at big tournaments.
Romania deserve a lot of credit for how they qualified, finishing above the Netherlands who are also in the same group as them. They are a very organised unit with a decent defence in the shape of Chivu, Contra, Tamas, Goian and Rat. This is a huge test for them but they are in the perfect position as nobody really gives them a chance and doesn’t everyone love to be tagged an underdog? I guess what people are saying about the French now is very similar to what people were saying 2 years ago before they reached the world cup final. William Gallas and Lillian Thuram are the centre backs while Makélélé is in the middle with Toulahan who replaces the injured Viera. Ribery is sure to be the main player and if he’s on form then anything is possible here. Up front Domenech has to chose from Henry, Benzema and Anelka and it appears he will rest Henry.
Predicted line-up: Coupet; Sagnol, Abidal, Gallas, Thuram; Toulalan, Makélélé, Ribéry, Malouda; Anelka, Benzema
Romania come into this competition without the injured reserve goalkeeper Danut Conman and midfielder Ovidiou Petre but they have little to worry about otherwise.
Predicted line-up: Labont; Contra, Rat, Goian, Tamas Chivu; Radoi, Dica, Petra; Mutu, Marica

Verdict
This is the group of death so every game is vital. I have a feeling that the tag of underdogs might play right into the Romanians hands here and they can get a result. The French have a habit of disappointing when they should win and haven't convinced me enough to say that they should be as low as 1.83 in places. The main advantage they have here is in terms of experience but I think the organised Romanians can frustrate the French and take a result.

Pick
Romania +0.5, +1 (1.82 @ gamebookers) 4 points


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Netherlands V Italy

Interesting clash here. Italy are the same as usual, even without Cannavaro they have a world class defence and probably be in the final 4 whenever that time comes. Luca Toni had an amazing season and he will no doubt fancy his chances here against a suspect looking Dutch back four.
The Netherlands were dealt a massise blow midweek when they learned that Arjen Robben will miss this game through injury. His absence seriously limits the Dutch teams attacking options. They have a few casualties to deal with too as Clarence Seedorf pulled out before the tournament and Ryan Babel injuring himself in training. Robain Van Persie has spent most of the last season injured and its unlikely he will play tonight.
With the exception of Cannavaro, Italy have more or less a full squad to chose from.

Verdict
Il keep it short and sweet, I think the Dutch are going to have it all to do to qualify here. I think the Italians are the best side in the group and will most likely emmerge as winners. They have a top notch defence and will fancy themselves going forward against a weak Dutch defence. If Robben was playing id be a little more optomistic for the Dutch but without his creativity and speed I don’t see where the goals will come from.
Italy draw no bet for me

PICK
Italy +0 ( 1.7 @ bet365) 5 points

Euro 2008 - Day 2

Germany V Poland

Everything looks set for a cracking match here as neighbours clash. Germany are the title favourites and probably rightly so as they are strong in defence and midfield and will probably keep many clean sheets and from an attacking perspective have plenty of options.
Predicted Line-Up: Lehmann, Lahm, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Jansen, Frings, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Gomez, Klose
This is Polands first European championships and they have it all to do here as they have failed to beat Germany in the last 15 attempts. Midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski suffered a hamstring injury and is ruled out for the entire tourney so his absense is a blow to Leo Beenhakker.
Predicted Line-Up: Boruc, Zewlakow, Wawrzyniak, Bak, Wasilewski, Lewandowski, Lobodzinski, Murawski, Dudka, Smolarek, Zurawski
There has been trouble in the media lately with the Polish press printing images of Beenhakker holding the severed heads of both Ballack and Löw, something that didn’t go down well in the German camp.

Verdict
In Arthur Boruc Poland have one of the best goalkeepers in the business and he will have to be on top form if Poland are to get anything from this game. The Germans are very sound defensively and Poland are going to have to be very clinical up front and not waste any chances they may get. Overall though it is the Germans who have the better balance and quality and with Ballack and Frings in the middle they will have the edge here. 1 – 0 to the Germans wouldn’t surprise me but I think that Poland's best chance is to frustrate and unders looks like good value here

PICK

Germany V Poland under 2.5 (2 @ totesport) 4 points


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Austria V Croatia

The Austrians have qualified as hosts and are the lowest ranked team in the competition. Its really hard to make a case for them taking anything from any of the games. Coming into this game they lack experience, form and preparation and do not have the players required to cope at this level.

In stark contrast Croatia have been installed as dark horses and why not. They are technically very good and in Niko Kranjcar they have a player of genuine class. Its vital to get off to a good start and they will be fully focused today. I couldnt be but impressed at the way they beat England in the qualifiers and it takes a good team to beat the English at Wembley.


Verdict
A shorter than usual preview but I havent too much to say on this one, Croatia are highly ranked in the world rankings and I am a little surprised at the odds on offer for them to win. I feel the odds on offer are more to do with Austria being at a home venue but I cant see this helping them as much as people think.
There is a huge gulf in class here and I expect the Croats to get off to winning ways

PICK
Croatia ( 1.91 @ paddy power) 6 points

Euro opening games

Switzerland V Czech Republic

The hosts against the Czechs in what is sure to be a well supported first match to get us underway.
As I have mentioned elsewhere I think that Portugal are going to come out of the group as winners here so this game is vital for both sides. Its not all that bad an opening game for the Swiss though as I feel they can frustrate the Czechs. For me the Czech are not as strong this time around and they will be found out eventually. Rosicky is out and they will miss this playmaker badly.
The Swiss rely on a strong defence. They are not renowned for being prolific goalscorers and were eliminated from the last world cup having kept clean sheets in each of their games.
Home venue means massive local support for them but their lack of class up front will cost them.

Verdict
The longer that this game goes with no goal then the happier that both will be to settle for a draw. Senderos will be big and strong enough to match Jan Koller and if he can be kept from knocking down balls then its hard to see where the goals will come from.
A draw for me

PICK
Switzerland v Czech Republic Draw ( 3.1 @ vc bet) 3 points

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Portugal V Turkey

Portugals last game in the Euro championships was of course that defeat to Greece in the final. Pauleta and Figo are now gone but the Portuguese team still has plenty of potential. Ronaldo has just completed an amazing season and transfer talk has been rife in the last 2 weeks. Ricardo Carvalho Simao and Quaresma are more talented players and Quaresma in particular may be playing for a transfer deal if he plays well. Portugal look sound in defence but despite all their big name players they really lack a deadly striker. Gomes looks likely to be the lone man up front but should have plenty of support from both wings.
The Turks only scrapped through to the tournament but have enough quality to trouble teams. However their defence is suspect and keeping out Portugal will be extremely hard. Altintop is a serious doubt and Coach Terim will most likely stick with a 4-4-2, with either Senturk or Erdinc partnering Nihat up front. Aurelio is likely to be the man pulling the strings in the middle.

Verdict
The opening game is usually the hardest for teams but I think Portugal have the quality to take a vital win here. My only concern is the weight of expectation on Portugal and in particular on Ronaldo. However I think Turkey are a little slow at the back and will be caught out. Overs or a Portugal win? I'm a little weary of Portugal winning 2 – 0 so il stick with the win instead of overs.

PICK
Portugal ( 1.75 @ paddy power) 5 points

Euro 2008 outright bets

Im really looking forward to the next 4 weeks or so with non-stop football to bring us closer to the kick off of the domestic leagues.
Il jump straight in and I think that Germany are going to be there or thereabouts come June 29th. Interestingly they have not won a game at the Euro championships since 1996! But I think they have a tough defensive unit and are once more a team to follow as I expect them to grind out a few 1 – 0 narrow wins. Ballack is 100% fit for a change and I think the draw has favoured them so they have a slightly easier run to the knock out stages then others.

Another candidate that I have is Spain. It sounds strange to say it, as they have been guilty of choking many times before but its just too hard to ignore a team with as many stars as they have. Fabregas, Torres, Casillas, Silva etc, the names are all familiar and if they gel together then they have potential to go all the way. As with the Germans the group draws have favoured them and they are favourites to get to the next round.

Winners

Germany (5 @ centrebet) 3 points
Spain (6.55 @ pinnacle) 3 points

Group stages.
Group A
Maybe not the most original of picks but its very hard to ignore Scolari and Portugal to emerge as group winners. The reason is simple. The Czech republic are second favourites and I was not at all impressed with them as they struggled to draw with Ireland away in Dublin and just about did enough to beat the Irish at home. Being from Ireland I know just how poor this current Irish side is and I would have expected the Czech team to be far more convincing. Take Rosicky out from the middle and to me they look a little tame, who can forget his piledrivers at the last world cup. Up front they don’t do enough to convince me.
The two others are Switzerland and Turkey in this group and who’s to say either of these two cant progress? The Swiss are built around a firm defensive unit but then again as an Arsenal fan I know just what Senderos is capable of. Home advantage will help but will it be enough?
Turkey are the outsiders for this group and im not sure why, fair enough they face Portugal in the opening game but at least will head into the Swiss game knowing exactly how important the win will be. This is their first finals appearance since their third-placed finish at World Cup 2002 but need to tighten up at the back to do well. I expect the Turkish to score a few goals and give themselves a fighting chance.

Il go with Portugal as group winners here, I fully expect them to take at least 2 wins and a draw in the group and emerge as winners. All the talk lately is of Ronaldo and he will be out to impress. Im expecting big things from Quaresma too. For second place I think there might be a surprise here and think the Swiss might be that surprise.

PICK
Portugal group A winners (2.38 @ bluesq) 5 points
Portugal 1st/ Switzerland 2nd (6.5 @ paddy power) – 2 points



Top goalscorer

This is a tricky market to predict but if you want to find the top goalscorer then you have to look to the teams that will be around the longest and I think that a German has the best chance of taking this award. Michael Ballack is coming into this tournament on form and fresh having missed a large chunk of Chelsea’s season. Take into consideration the teams in Germany’s group, Austria a team they should beat with ease, Poland and Croatia will be a little more difficult but they should still get through both of these games with maybe a 1 or 2 – 0 scoreline.
Ballack is likely to kick any free kicks or penalties that come up making the 40/1 about him getting the golden boot most generous.
It should also be mentioned that Ballack is the bookies favourite to be named player of the tournament and at 10/1 he is also worth a shout here too. His presence is immense and he always plays well for his country.
Not much more to say on him really, the prices are too big to ignore and well worth a shot considering how much of a lottery this market can be

PICK
Ballck to win the golden boot (41 @ canbet) 2 points
Ballack- player of the tournament (10 @ boylesports) 3 points

Euro 2008

Its been a quiet few weeks for me since the EPL and English football finished but were back to business tomorrow with the kick off for Euro 2008. I will, time permitting be having a look at each and every game over the course of the month. Obviously some games will be a little easier to read than others but im looking forward to the next 4 weeks or so. So stay tuned and il be back later on tonight with a look at the first games and some early outright bets for the tournament.