Euro 2008
2008-06-07 - Group A Preview vs
A Sports Betting Pick by Mike
Portugal : Czech Republic : Turkey : Switzerland
Weak Section Could Be Portugal’s For the Taking
PinnacleSports Odds : Group win 2.37 :: Title win 8.55
Portugal lead the Group A winner’s betting market to top the pool phase.
The Portuguese possess an enviable pair of wing wizards in Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani, but cannot match that quality in the striker department.
Though the Portuguese lost just once during Group A qualification, they finished second, having drawn six of their 14 games.
Ronaldo was their top-scorer with eight goals, but an unhealthy amount of expectation rests on his young shoulders, and if the opposition can neutralize his threat, coach, Felipe Scolari may struggle with a plan B.
As hosts in 2004, Portugal progressed to the final, and despite being strong favourites, lost out to a single Greek goal.
Portugal were left sweating on qualification for Euro 2008 right up to the final game and key playmaker Deco has had a poor season with Barcelona.
Nevertheless punters are making Portugal one of the top three favourites on their Euro 2008 overall betting market.
Czech’s Dealt Blow By Rosicky Injury
PinnacleSports Odds : Group win 3.33 :: Title win 21.00
After topping Group D at the finals of Euro 2004, with three wins, including victories over Germany and Holland, the Czech Republic became many punters’ favourites to go all the way.
In the event they were beaten by a dogged Greek side in an extra time semi-final. Much of their success was the product of the creativity of Tomas Rosicky and Pavel Nedved, and goals of Milan Baros.
However, Rosicky is out of the Euro 2008 through injury, Nedved is retired while Baros has struggled to emulate the form he showed in Portugal.
35year old striker Jan Koller is one of several Czech players reaching their sell-by date, so coach, Karel Bruckner, has tried to mix youth with experience.
Euro 2008 will be the Czech Republic’s fourth straight European Championship stretching back to Euro 1996 in England when they were surprise finalists, losing to Germany.
They qualified this time round ahead of tournament favourites Germany who they beat 3-0 in Munich, but are nevertheless considered unlikely winners with all the absences.
Turkey Seeking Stability & Composure
PinnacleSports Odds : Group win 8.44 :: Title win 58.00
Turkey’s third place finish at the 2002 World Cup was an immense achievement that catapulted those players involved to national heroes.
Unfortunately, the story since then has failed to match that magic, with failed qualification to the 2006 World Cup marred by violent scenes against Switzerland that ended with several lengthy bans, which will make the rematch potentially fiery.
Though some of that volatility remains, coach, Fatih Terim has been able to guide the national side through a tricky qualifying group to the finals in Austria and Switzerland.
A 2-1 victory in Norway was the pivotal result in their penultimate qualifier and if Turkey can show the same resolution at the Euro 2008 finals, they could easily negotiate a path out of an open group.
Injury problems have abated leaving Turkey without any major obstacles in preparation.
Emre hasn’t had a great season at Newcastle, but the left-footed midfielder is capable of match-winning skill, playing alongside Hamit Altintop who has enjoyed a steady season at Bayern Munich while Tuncay Sanli has steadily improved at Middlesbrough.
Volatility is the Turk’s main weakness, part of the reason why punters are pricing htem at more than 55.00 to win the tournament.
Swiss Host Hampered By Injuries
PinnacleSports Odds : Group win 4.78 :: Title win 35.40
Of the two hosts of Euro 2008, the Swiss are certainly considered the likelier to make a real impact on the event.
Their chances have however, been dealt a severe blow by a spate of injuries that has ruled out several key players and placed doubts of many more.
Tranquillo Barnetta, Christoph Spycher and Philipp Degan all missed the 2-0 friendly win over Slovakia on May 24th, though hopes are high that they will participate in the tournament.
On the plus side, striker, Alexander Frei has returned to form after long-term injury, and much is expected over 19 year old Eren Derdiyok.
The 6ft 2” striker, scored within minutes of a substitute appearance at Wembley against England, only his second appearance for the Swiss national side.
In common with Austria, Switzerland have lacked competitive football, qualifying as hosts, but their showing at the 2006 World Cup, where they didn’t conceded in open play in four games, shows they are defensively tough, if lacking creativity.
The Pick :
PORTUGAL to win the group.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Although I have my doubts about Portugal when the pressure comes on I think that they can win this group.Take PORTUGAL to win group A.
