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