Euro 2008 Part II Group A & B

[HiyaVata]

Due to your interest in more predictions for the Euro group stage, I am more than glad to share my thoughts on this. Once again, I urge everyone to post their thoughts, agree or disagree with me, so we can have a clearer and better picture on what to bet. All odds posted are from Bwin, so this doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will be able to bet on these types of bets... I'm hoping though you will have something similar in your local bookie shop or on any other web based bookie

GROUP A

Switzerland
Czech Republic
Portugal
Turkey

How many goals will be scored in group A?
Pick : Under 13,5 @ 2.10

Can't really see big goal scoring games except in round two of this group. This group opens the tournament so somewhat tight games expected in the first round.

How many group stage goals will Czech Republic score?
Pick : Over 3,5 @ 1.80

How many group stage goals will Portugal score?
Pick : Under 4,5 @ 1.80

How many group stage goals will Switzerland score?
Pick : Under 3,5 @ 1.75

How many group stage goals will Turkey score?
Pick : Over 2,5 @ 1,65

The Czechs are more than capable of scoring a goal in every match they play and all they need is to score 2 against any of the three. Portugal's chances of scoring 5 or more goals aren't impossible, i just can't see them scoring twice 2 or more goals against 2 of the three teams here. First round like I said will be tough, so a minimum 1:0 win over Turkey will be more than enough. The home side are gonna have to give 200% if they are to achieve 4 goals. They need to score against the Czechs, Portugal and thrash Turkey to do so...I just can't see that happening. Turkey's chances of scoring 3 goals are very high imo. A 1:1 draw against either Portugal or Czech Republic is very possible and 2 goals against Switzerland isn't a fairytale..

How many points will Czech Republic record in the group stage?
Pick : 6 points @ 5.50 or 7 Points @ 7.00

How many points will Portugal record in the group stage?
Pick : 7 Points @ 4.00 or 9 Points @ 6.50

How many points will Switzerland record in the group stage?
Pick : 1 Point @ 6.00 or 3 Points @ 4.50

How many points will Turkey score in the group stage?
Pick : 1 Point @ 4.50 or 3 Points @ 4.25

Of course Portugal and the Czech Republic as favorites to take all the points here, it's just a matter of how they play each other that will decide the final outcome. As you can see, I'm giving Portugal the upper hand here. Turkey and host Switzerland are in the same position as the top two, only battling for that 3rd spot.


Who will score the most goals for Portugal?
Pick : Nuno Gomes @ 5.25 or Hugo Almeida @ 6.50
Who will score the most goals for the Czech Republic?
Pick : Jan Koller @ 2.75
Who will score the most goals for Turkey?
Pick : Nihat Kahveci @ 3.75
Who will score the most goals for Switzerland?
Pick : Alex Frei @ 3.00

I know a lot of people are expecting Ronaldo to come out as top scorer, but his role in the team will be more to assist rather than score. In Manchester he had a lot of quality players that organized the game, here he is expected to do so.. i suspect Also, every team will be looking to stop Ronaldo, no matter what, and for good reason. For the Czechs, it has to be Koller for me. He's always upfront and he's always top scorer. It's hard to predict who will be top for the Swiss and Turks since they are the kind of teams that have a tactic to score from any side of the field, hence, anyone could score....

GROUP B

Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland

How many goals will be scored in group B?
Pick : Over 16,5 @ 1.90


Expecting everyone to score 3+ against or with Austria in this group. Even the big game between Germany and Croatia I expect to be over 2,50 so money on over 16 goals should be a safe bet....should!

How many group stage goals will Austria score?
Pick : Under 2,50 @ 1.80
How many group stage goals will Croatia score?
Pick : Over 4,50 @ 2.02
How many group stage goals will Germany score?
Pick : Over 5,50 @ 1.60
How many group stage goals will Poland score?
Pick : Over 3,50 @ 1.90

2 Goals are more than enough for Austria, I can't really see them scoring 3 or more, unless someone lets them. Croatia and Germany are expected to score, question is, will they deliver!? Poland's odds are nice. They can score anywhere and I'm expecting them to.

How many points will Austria score in the group stage?
Pick : 0 Points @ 4.00
How many points will Croatia record in the group stage?
Pick : 7 Points @ 6.25 or 6 Points @ 4.75
How many points will Germany record in the group stage?
Pick : 7 Points @ 3.00 or 6 Points @ 4.50
How many points will Poland record in the group stage?
Pick : 3 Points @ 4.00 or 4 Points @ 3.50

I'm sorry but I really do think Austria will struggle in this group. A group with two cup lifting candidates and a very strong underdog for the whole tournament. Germany and Croatia are expected to win both matches against the other two. Only question is, will they draw or will one of them cause an upset in the group!? Poland can easily take 4 points. A win over Austria and a draw against any of the remaining two. Will they!?

Who will score the most goals for Austria?
Pick : emmmm, no one!? ok, ok ... Erwin Hoffer/Roland Linz @ 4.50 ( exactly...who )
Who will score the most goals for Croatia?
Pick : Mladen Petric @ 3.30
Who will score the most goals for Germany?
Pick : Miroslav Klose @ 3.00
Who will score the most goals for Poland?
Pick : Euzebiusz Smolarek @ 2.55

Keep an eye out for this guy - Euzebiusz Smolarek- A player very capable of scoring 2 goals per match each match... Croatia's Petric might not be familiar to many, but he's always out there for the national team and delivers. Germany's side has many fruits to pluck but my pick will be Klose as he's a real danger for teams and knows how to strike, both foot or head.


Groups C & D coming soon...

[Ajkson]

very good postwaiting for more posts....!

[ENGLISH]

Hiya Vita. I like to think that i have brought something to SV over the past season on a day to day basis, But you have done and doing something speicial, it's great, and i cant wait for the World Cup. Proset.

[ENGLISH]

Swiss defense has had a blow with Van Bergen out of the whole thing, the rest are at 2s and 9s not knowing, or should i say, unable to gel. This is a young side with Top swiss league scorer, striker, Yakin not starting, Frie will, i think. The swiss will have huge support and pressure to do well and will be very happy with one point, Whomever wins this will, i am sure go through. The Czech's have a power house up front, Koller, he must be the biggest, strongest, striker in Europe or even the world, he is not quick but holds the ball and will only fall in the penalty area, In defence is a team on his own Prob ? i forgot his name. Voted player of the year in the Republic, which is a first for a defender in any League. X2 for me at around 1.4.

Portugal v Turkey. To follow, Before the night is out.

[Radek]

Swiss defense has had a blow with Van Bergen out of the whole thing, the rest are at 2s and 9s not knowing, or should i say, unable to gel. This is a young side with Top swiss league scorer, striker, Yakin not starting, Frie will, i think. The swiss will have huge support and pressure to do well and will be very happy with one point, Whomever wins this will, i am sure go through. The Czech's have a power house up front, Koller, he must be the biggest, strongest, striker in Europe or even the world, he is not quick but holds the ball and will only fall in the penalty area, In defence is a team on his own Prob ? i forgot his name. Voted player of the year in the Republic, which is a first for a defender in any League. X2 for me at around 1.4.

Portugal v Turkey. To follow, Before the night is out.

The player in defence you mean probably Jankulovski

Player of the year in Czech republic:
1.Jankulovski - AC Milan
2.Cech - Chelsea
3.Rosicky - Arsenal (he is not in Euro due to injury)

[ENGLISH]

Yes he play's, Golden bollock's, Ronaldo, along with the rest of the cream in which could be the team of 2008, if this team remains intact their will be no boundries, including Germany. Turkey, I enjoy it once a year, Xmas. This nation's finest do rise to the occasion, or so it may seem, The fact is most key players rather miss out all the fundementals and only appear under the spotlight, well this Portugese side will play as a practised team, while the Turks will play individual games. No offence to Turkey, but gobble up whats on offer for a Portugese win.

[ENGLISH]

Thank's Radek. He was on the tip of my tongue. but it's to late to start digging again. I am on Sunday's matches now.

[ENGLISH]

Some people, including 1 or 2 Austrian,s think a chance is on hand, with a 5-1 win over Malta confidence is high in the home camp, the only Malteser, Coventry's, mifsud who could have scored,did. Croatia, have lots of Mifsud's in their team, all need to be man marked x2. No points here for this home side, that face a Croate side that turned England into mourners.

Germany, the team to beat, Poland will press, but quality will prevail. Ballack is relaxed and knows he will be in the shake up, The manager let slip the game with Belarus, but who cares, the German starting 11 will be in the final.

Back on monday.

[ENGLISH]

No complaints thus far, not in this thread anyway, I will state my observations on the games so far, when i feel it prudent, but i have made some notes. Romania can play some good football, and will need to play their best to get anything from France, but France will have to have a poor game, my main consern is Ribary, he for me is thr heart, though my confidence will not be as strong without him, i will/ and have played France. If its confirmed Ribary plays,, i will double up.

Holland are in the myer and would love to have players in their squad like those of the world champions, i was considering X2 but 1.3 is not for me. With one yankee secured and one half in, i am playing these two again with tomorrows games.

Current holders Greece are finding it hard to emulate 4 years ago, and will find it hard to break down the Swede back wall, if they score i suspect it will be something speicial, The Swedes are liable to score from any angle, though a set play will be on everyones mind, A draw will be no good here, as this is the easiest either team will face. Sweden to nick it.

Spain and Russia have a top player or two sidelined, Russia are strong, but Spain are Quick, The team to score first and hold on, will be the one that settles down first, i think Spain will topple the Bear.

[ENGLISH]

Half time, Anelka has had the best chance, Romania hardly with the ball. I am going in again for a draw with Italy Sweden, Spain, Dont copy this, strategy unless you have already Germany and Croatia with France.