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