EURO 2008 Group Stage Predictions [Archive] - SoccerVista

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HiyaVata

05-31-2008, 08:38 PM

http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/social/uar.gif

Who said the football season was over?! It just started! So if you thought your money was safe, think again because just around the corner is the Euro 2008.
Here is my thought on how the group stage will finish after the playoffs, who will top the groups, and some additional options to bet on along the way. Feel free to comment of course, the more opinions we have the better it is for us to bet.

GROUP A

http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/110.gif PORTUGAL 7Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/58837.gif Czech Republic 7Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/135.gif Turkey 1 Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/128.gif Switzerland 1 Pts

Last Euro's finalists, Portugal, will look to repeat that feat. In order to do so, they have to overcome step 1 which wont be that easy, but imo they have the quality and players to top the group, but breathing down their neck will be the solid hard-fighting Czechs. Who knows, they might even surprise and take top spot them selves. Leading them will be Chelsea's star goal keeper Petr Cech. Third place will be a battle. Both Turkey and Switzerland are good teams but lack that " umpf " in a team that produces higher results. I think Turkey is a better and complete team than the Swiss, but it's gonna be home crowd against them...we'll see.

Underdogs : Switzerland It's the home team, and with last european results, you never know what surprises lie ahead.

Possible top scorers in group : Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal); Hugo Almeida (Portugal); Jan Koller (Czech R.)

Total goals in Group A : Under 12,5

Odds @ bet365 : 1st - Portugal 2nd - Czech Republic @ 5.00

GROUP B

http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/47.gif GERMANY 7Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/56370.gif Croatia 7Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/109.gif Poland 3Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/8.gif Austria 0Pts

Luckily for Croatia, their first match is against Austria and not Poland. Why!? Well, mainly because even though Austria is the host country, they are somewhat friends and therefore wont be too booed by the home crowd nor influenced by them. The other reason is because Poland is my underdog in this group. Their football has improved tremendously over the past few years. They topped the qualifier group above Portugal and Serbia. Everyone knows that the first matches are the toughest ones. Unfortunately for Poland, they start their campaign against the always mentally strong and prepared Germany. Second round will be great to watch between Germany and Croatia, two possible finalists. The Croats will be without naturalized Brazilian star Silva, who they will dearly miss. Even so, both teams are in great form and could easily lift the cup.

Underdogs : Poland Toping a very strong qualifier group to get here, Poland have showed true team work. They don't have any "flashy" players, and this is what makes them more dangerous.

Possible Top scorer in group : Miroslav Klose (Germany); Lukas Podolski (Germany); Mladen Petric (Croatia)

Total Goals in Group B: Over 12,5

Odds @ Bet365 : 1st - Germany 2nd - Croatia @ 2.87

GROUP C

http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/43.gif FRANCE 5Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/113.gif Romania 5Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/66.gif Italy 2Pts
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/95.gif Netherlands 2Pts

Every competition has that one group that everyone's buzzing about. THE group. The one where literally anyone can win and most hard to predict. Just the fact that 3 out of the 4 in this group have lifted the European Cup at least once. Something the other groups can't be proud of. To complicate matters even more; Italy and France are coming from the same group in the qualifying round, and Romania and Netherlands were also in the same group in the qualifiers. How messed up is that! With this in mind, I think a lot of games will end in draw here and the wins would be a repeat of the qualifying rounds. France was better than Italy and Romania took the points away from the Netherlands. Look out for June the 17th because that's when this group will reveal who goes through and personally this will be the day of 2 great matches.
I know a lot of people will disagree on my Group C prediction positions, due to Romania, but hey, if you're so sure of another outcome put your life's money on it! "wink"

Underdogs : Italy No one can really pick an underdog here as no one can be a true favorite in this group. But since i put France and Romania to go through, look out for the World Champions going for a double like France did. I'm not too keen on this fact, but certainly they can make it through the group stage.

Possible top scorers in group : Thierry Henry (France); Sidney Govou (France)

Total goals in Group C: Under 12,5

Odds @ Bet365 : 1st - France 2nd - Romania @ 15.00

GROUP D

http://euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/122.gifSPAIN 9Pts
http://euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/57451.gifRussia 6Pts
http://euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/127.gifSweden 3Pts
http://euro2008.uefa.com/imgml/flags/15x15/49.gifGreece 0Pts

Defending champions in this group along with 3 very tough teams. Everyone will want to beat Greece and say they defeated the defending Euro champs. Hey, who wouldn't!? It would be a huge boost of morale. Spain not clearly the favorites here but almost so. This year should see them top group D but I think that's as far as they'll go. A lot of good players that unfortunately for them play -switch on-switch off- mode football. With them in the group is Sweden. Finished right behind Spain in their group qualifier and both took 3 points from each other. Not too enthusiastic about the Swede's, some good individuals but they lack that team spirit. Unlike Russia who is the underdog here but so much so that I think they will make it through the group stage and thus making the Swede's the underdogs. With Hiddink as the first man, Russia can do big this year. Greece was top in their group but only to a very poor group imo. Turkey was their biggest rival, not something you can boast about...

Underdogs : Sweden Pushed down by the Russians, Sweden might actually concentrate for once and do what is expected of them.

Possible top scorer in group : Fernando Torres (Spain)

Total goals in Group D: Under 12,5

Odds @ Bet365 : 1st - Spain 2nd - Russia @ 5.00

I hope this gives some insight to next weeks Euro 2008. If you guys agree and like most of what I posted here, vote on the poll and let me know whether to post predictions for goal odds for each group and players.

suprer

05-31-2008, 10:26 PM

this is a very good analyse HiyaVata thanks

naliha

05-31-2008, 10:47 PM

Thank you HiyaVata! it's perfect!

catalinho07

06-01-2008, 10:33 AM

Hat off for you :)

In group B, I don't think Austria will finish without any groups, the referees will help a bit, you can be sure of that.

About the Group C, it's kind of hard, well, very hard for Romania to finish on the 2nd place with teams like Franca and Italy. The opponent that we can win against is Holland and we will try to take full advantage of that. But thanks for your suppor. :)

HiyaVata

06-01-2008, 12:17 PM

I don't know, I don't see Austria as a threat to any of these teams.Even if they did get referee support, which I agree with you can happen very easily, I just think Germany, Hrvatska and Poland are too strong for Austria.
Romania is the biggest improvement along with Poland in the past few years and I'm really looking forward to seeing what they will do. Last night saw Romania thrash Montenegro 4:0. I know it's just a friendly, but... Italy didn't deserve to reach this far imo, remember that game against Scotland.. it's a very tough group with a lot of motivation. We'll see

ENGLISH

06-01-2008, 02:37 PM

Very good Hiya, i will be bedding down in this thread, England do not figure so my words will be unbias, Italy have a lot of young talent coming through and i expect to see a couple of them returning from Juventus friendly tour. I will look at all teams and find all the key players, as research is what i do, this will help i am sure.

roger-d

06-01-2008, 02:55 PM

Molodetz !!!

It's a wonderful job you did there.

i would think of Italy once more, but rest predictions and the picks you pulled from there is perfect.

Thank you.

Pavlik

06-01-2008, 03:43 PM

Great post!
Really

Group A - Agree, maybe Turkey can make some suprise...
Group B - 1/Germany 2/Poland - Just my opinion
Group C - I don't believe that Romania will qualify from group. Netherlands is my black horse for whole champs. 1/France 2/Netherlands 3/italy 4/Romania
Group D - 1/Spain 2/Sweden 3/Greece 4/Russia - I like under here on every match!

Radek

06-01-2008, 04:47 PM

Oh man, what a great post.

Thanks!

Ledi17

06-02-2008, 07:18 PM

Great post Hiyavata, this is my prediction and i will post some day before the Euro 2008 will start... My prediction:

Group A
1. Portugal
2. Czech

Group B
1. Germany
2. Croatia

Group C
1. Italy
2. France

Group D
1. Spain
2. Russia

Good Luck!!!

HiyaVata

06-02-2008, 09:04 PM

Good, so we mainly agree on the group positions. As predicted everyone will have a different thought on group C :D

Johosan

06-03-2008, 04:45 PM

The russians are coming, you will see that, all the country are standing up, all the players are from russian league, İ think they are the youngest average of players amongst all, Remeber Danemark at 1992 Russia suppose not to qualify but Croatia finished its job, i will bet that there is a semi final between Russia and Croatia, and Russia to the final.
Remember expect the unexpected, i hope i am not dissapoint after all

Behemoth

06-03-2008, 04:48 PM

Are you Russian? ;)

Johosan

06-03-2008, 05:00 PM

İ am not Russian i am egyption, but i love football specially suprises and by hear i am russian even i am learning russian now, it is me who wrote about Zenit, from 7 months before, and now i am caying Russia will reach the semi final.
İ hope, rmember it is football there is no gurantee from 2 days Tunisia lost them first game at the world cup camapain from Burkina Faso at Tunisia and the sure thing it was not a mafia game for the betting it just happened infront of me same like Egypt almost lost at cairo from Congo. just our luck and repetation did the job for us

suprer

06-04-2008, 12:59 PM

ledi im almost agree with you only holland wil qualify in place from italy

Rivaldo

06-04-2008, 10:18 PM

Group A
1. Portugal
2. Czech

Group B
1. Germany
2. Croatia

Group C
1. France
2. Netherlands

Group D
1. Spain
2. Sweden

Anyway Good Luck all :)

valkyrie

06-05-2008, 11:44 PM

OMG :eek: i accidentally click on NO for "Do you want more predictions and odds regarding Group stages?"

so guys, the 5.88% was me.

dule_rsfc

06-06-2008, 12:58 PM

Russia will pass the group 2.10
One reason is the big mastermind Gus Hidink.His clubs career and how hi was leading the national team during qualification made of me a big admirer.Second,russian football is in big expansion.Because the big sponsors,conditions are much better than before few years,transfers and wages are enormous(for Russia).They have no big individuals,but tactical lead and the discipline during the match make a strong colective from them.Zenith is the best example.All of that forsed me to think the EURO 2008 succes is the only logical continuation!

Holland will pass the group 1,85
No big reasons.Just a clear instict.I think they'll make an excellent result.I tip they'll reach the final (against Portugal or Germany).

The best goalscorer - M.Ballack 51,00
Just because unrealistic odd.Ballack is the best Germany player,manages all free kicks and penalties,they have easy opponets in the group stage,will reach semi-final for sure.Who knows.A small stake for me.(Btw. for Franck Riberry is the same odd,but Frenchs have a much stronger group.)

Note,all odds are from my local bookies,guess on the internet are nearly similar.

dekac

06-06-2008, 09:02 PM

Hi Bettors

Yes, it's time for soccer bettors again...I can see that we ready for Europen soccer tournament...

My favourites in "A" Group is:

Turkey
Portugal

For "B"
Germany
Croatia

P.s. Good luck to all...

XP43

06-06-2008, 09:50 PM

My predictions:

Group A
1. Czech
2. Portugal

Group B
1. Germany
2. Poland

Group C
1. Netherlands
2. Italy

Group D
1. Russia
2. Spain

Ajkson

06-07-2008, 12:50 AM

france against romania will play without henry and riberry

nikitakou

06-07-2008, 03:54 AM

Niksan

06-07-2008, 12:20 PM

i started writing a preview for the newslettter but didnt have time to finish it so i only managed to make a group A preview and here it is

Group A

Switzerland
May be this is the team that impressed me most of all during the preparation for EURO 2008. And if there is some logic in football i expect this team to be the one that will make the surprise on this tournament. They got draws with Brazil and Argentina in friendlies, they show modern football and have players in the best leagues in Europe - Behrami(Lazio), Sanderos(Arsenal), Fernandes(Man. City), Frei(Dortmund), Barnetta(Bayern Munchen) and more. Moreover, the home factor will no doubt add to the motivation of the players. And as their history in Euro championships so far is not rich - they have been in group stage twice and this is where their achievements end. So its now time for them to reveal their class and i expect them to go further.

Czech Republic
In 2004 the czechs managed to get to semi finals and now they will surely try to get that far again. However, this time a lot of their best players will be out. Nedved and Rosicky are out and now all the preasure will be put on the goalkeeper Cech who will be supposed to get the team to the next stage. Czechs should not be underestimated at all - they have tradition in EURO and now that they are no longer thought as favourites it may be easier for them to get higher. It will not be easy but will not be impossible for them to get out of this group as their ambition as high as everyone's else.

Portugal
No doubt this team is one of the favourites for the title on this tournament. The statistic from the last 3 tournaments looks pretty interesting - quater final(1996), semi final(2000), then defeated in the final(2000) - may be its now time for gold ? Portugals are generally good but with every year their players become more and more skilled. Most of the first team players play in the big leagues of Europe and even in the best teams here. They are used to success and will be looking for it. With a bit of luck i guess they will be able to get at least to the semi finals.

Turkey
The legendary goal scorer of the team - Hakan Sukur - is out for this tournament and this will surely affect the motivation of the team. Negative oppinion appeared exactly after the squad was announced and with every day they were getting stronger but still "the bull" will be out. Turkey were good in the qualifications even though they were fighting for the spot till the last game. Now they are here but are they ready for it? in 2000 they got to quater finals and in 2002 were third in the world. After that however they success suddenly disappeared. I expect nothing special from this team and even think they will get the last place in the group.

A short analysis of the group - one where nothing special will happen i think - no surprises. I think Portugal and Switzerland will get out of it and if for somebody it will be a surprise that Switzerland will get out - for me it wont be one. They are a nice team which, with little support from the refferies (im almost 100% sure there will be some), will get ahead of Czech Republic in the fight for the second team. Turkey should be the team that everyone is expected to beat. So the standing should be 1.Portugal 2. Switzerland 3. Czech Rep. 4.Turkey

Good luck with the bets and lets hope it will be a profitable Euro 2008

dule_rsfc

06-07-2008, 01:08 PM

Please please please! Don't be so optimistic about Russia!

As wonderful a manager Hiddink is, the players are the players. Yes the football in Russia is booming, and although this more concerns clubs, I agree that we are stronger than 2004.

However - when you watch the latest friendly against Lithuania, which looks convincing at 4-1, a country 10 times worse than Spain had multiple chances to score, but only quality of their strikers prevented the score from being something like 4-3 or 4-4. So consider real opponents!!!

Plus, the in-form Arshavin only plays vs Sweden (who we have best chances against) and Pogrebnyak, the UEFA Cup top-scorer, will at least miss Spain match. In the end, Russia always screws up (we never got beyond group stage since USSR) so please, consider again!!!

Therefore, Group D - 1 Spain, 2 Greece

So just consider my warning!!!!!! Btw I am Russian and would love if I am proved wrong!!!!

It seems we abroad have more faith in your national team then you Russians.:)
I think Russia today looks very different in comparation with the previous selections.Hiddink brought a tactical play on the result,beside high level of discipline.Friendly matches have no value as official.You played bad against Estonia?How you played against England(both)?Also,that was the last game before the start of EURO,the most of teams try to hide their real strenghts.

Always screw up?So,what Spain did in the las 20-30 years?!They're always
the favourites for wining the competition.

No big names?For what Greek name you(all of us) heard before the previous competition?Why they became a champions?Because Otto Rehagel made it from them.It looks very similar to me.I don't say you'll reach the final,but will pass the group.And don't be suprised if you'll make a good result against Spain.

Anyway,we'll see who's in right.

P.S.:all Serbians will support our ortodox brothers Russia and Greek!
Cheers!

roger-d

06-07-2008, 01:59 PM

yes, right, i am from Russia too, and i believe we will make it this time, and get the 2nd place in the group. Russia now is getting as powerful country (in all fields) as it used to be when called USSR.

Mi porvem Swedov, mi poimeem i ostalnix !!!

Lobby

06-08-2008, 10:26 AM

RUSSIA have been eased from 28-1 to 50-1 to win Euro 2008 after star striker Pavel Pogrebnyak was forced to pull out of their squad with a knee injury.

Pogrebnyak is expected to be replaced by uncapped midfielder Oleg Ivanov.

The tournament has also ended for Dutch winger Arjen Robben and Portugal goalkeeper Quim, who have withdrawn due to groin and wrist injuries.

This news is from the Racing Post today

HiyaVata

06-08-2008, 12:30 PM

HiyaVata

06-08-2008, 11:49 PM

Well, so far so good. Group A and group B passing as predicted. Was expecting a bit more from Croatia but ok, its the opening match so we'll give them that :) Germany played very well...shame Klose didn't score, even though that second goal (wich was very silly) could have been his. But looking forward to tomorrows great games

captainJaRT

06-09-2008, 10:01 AM

Hye all... i'm back..
for group c...
ROMANIA V FRANCE fRANCE win
HOLLAND V ITALY dRAW or iTALY win
GUD LUCK :cool:

Behemoth

06-09-2008, 12:19 PM

What do you think HiyaVata of Group C today?

captainJaRT

06-09-2008, 01:35 PM

:cool:

Rank Team Points
1 Portugal >5
2 Czech Republic >4
3 Switzerland <3
4 Turkey <3

captainJaRT

06-09-2008, 01:40 PM

:cool:

Rank Team Points
1 Germany 6-7
2 Croatia >4
3 Austria 1-2
4 Poland <3

captainJaRT

06-09-2008, 01:42 PM

:cool:

Rank Team Points

1 Italy >5
2 France >5
3 Holland <3
4 Romania 1-2

captainJaRT

06-09-2008, 01:43 PM

:cool:

Rank Team Points

1 Spain 6-7
2 Greece 3-4
3 Sweden 3-4
4 Russia <3

HiyaVata

06-09-2008, 07:55 PM

What do you think HiyaVata of Group C today?

Well, like I said in my post, I think Romania and France will share the points as so will Italy and Holland. HT it's 0:0. SO far so good. :)

HiyaVata

06-09-2008, 08:55 PM

Sluuusaj brata kad ti kaze nereseno! :)

Romania : France 0-0 FT... doesn't anyone listen to me any more? :(

Behemoth

06-09-2008, 11:24 PM

Jebiga nisi bio tu odavno... :)
odigrao sam ja tu x ali sam sa njim u double igrao x2 italijane... ko me bio po usima...

ENGLISH

06-11-2008, 12:05 AM

CAPTAIN.
If Austria lose, agin Poland, you are a gonner.

Behemoth

06-11-2008, 11:35 AM

wtf is gonner? :D

dule_rsfc

06-11-2008, 03:22 PM

bye-bye from this forum,i think.:D

Behemoth

06-11-2008, 03:58 PM

Well, bye then, cause Austria's not going to win against Poland...

HiyaVata

06-11-2008, 06:50 PM

Dude....if Austria BEATS Poland I'll go hang my self by the balls on the first lamp post!

Ajkson

06-13-2008, 04:20 PM

austria v poland.english ref was a biggest idiot in this competition webb u...fu ckin son of a bit ch!!!last second and a penalty from nowhere....just like that!!!!!!!!!

HiyaVata

06-13-2008, 05:53 PM

Now that u mentioned it... I didnt see the penalty because I thought the game was in the bag for Poland... wtf!?!?? happened in the 90th minute??? Is it possible that they gave a penalty to Austria just so that they would have a chance of qualifying????

HiyaVata

06-13-2008, 05:53 PM

btw... at least my balls are safe :D

HiyaVata

06-19-2008, 02:45 AM

Finaly a group hit spot on! Group D 100% as predicted! Odds @ 5.00 , I'm happy $$