EURO 2008

Turkey – Showed more passion in the previous game against Switzerland. An injury time goal from Arda give them a 2-1 win and a gleamer of hope to go through to the quarter final.

Semih Senturk (No. 9) Equalises

Czech Republic – Although they lose the game with Portugal, they did pose quite a few threats in the earlier part and seems to be able to win Portugal. However, the Ronaldo and Deco had other ideas, overturning the game with their individual flair and trickery. The great Peter Cech was humble by three goals against him.

The great Peter cech humbled.

Verdict – Both teams are equal in points, goals for and goals against on the table. If the score is level after 90 mins, it will go into penalties straight away, no extra time. Whichever team wins the game will go through to the quarter final. The Turks which have struggled so far looks likely to bow out with pride and dignity after this game. The Czechs is simply a class above them. Score: Turkey 0-3 Czech Republic.

Market odds: Turkey (+0.975), Czech (-1/4 +0.9)

Switzerland – Switzerland will play their last game with only pride to salvage as a co-host that did not make it through to the group stage since Belgium in 1988. They were made to rue over the missed chances they had in their second game playing Turkey in a game that could have gone both ways, amid the heavy downpour and water-logged pitch.

Overcoming their huge disappointment, the Swiss prepare for their last game against Portugal.

Portugal – Already qualified will need one point to guarantee top spot. Could be fielding an experimental team and allowing the first team regulars a deserved break.

Deco

Verdict – The pressure is off for Portugal while Switzerland will want to get a good result and savour playing the last game in the tournament. Score: Switzerland 1-1 Portugal. 

Market odds: Switzerland (+9), Portugal (-1/4, -975)

Switzerland – In the opening game, iInspirational captain Alexander Frie had a couple of good efforts on target only to be denied by Peter Cech and came off with a knee injury min before HT, cruelly spelling the end of his Euro 2008 campaign. The Swiss played a better game in the first half but had a few shots on target denied by Peter Cech. The Swiss were unlucky to have 2 penalties denied by the referee.

Turkey – The Turks displayed a few moments of Brilliance against Portugal, but they were mostly outclassed and outplayed by the Portugese.

Anyone for roast Turkey over red hot Swiss fire?

Prediction – Both teams will be even more passionate to get their Euro campaign on a positive note in a game that both cannot afford to lose if they were to make it through the group stage. I am gunning for the co-host to come out on top with the home crowd behind them. Score: Switzerland 2-1 Turkey.

Market odds: Switzerland (-1/4, +95), Turkey (+95)

Czech Republic – The Czechs were lucky to get away with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in their opener and it wasn’t a convincing win. The only bright spark was Peter Cech, stopping several of the Swiss’s attempt on goal.

Portugal – Played the opening game with a lot of speed and agility. Cristinao Ronaldo is not the only bright spark in the Portugese camp, Deco, Pepe and Nuno Gomes showed their true potential. Looks likely to top the group and is definitely a potential finalist.

Prediction – The Swiss attempted a few direct shots at goal only to be denied effortlessly by Peter Cech. However, the Portugese is capable of a few trickery to put the ball past the goalkeeper. Score: Czech Republic 0-1 Portugal.

Market odds: Czech Rep. (-0.975), Portugal (-1/2, +0.9)

Portugal – Three reasons that Portugal can make it through to the knock out stage: Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco & Luiz Felipe Scolari. Ronaldo, playing for Manchester United, winning two major trophies, the EPL and the Champions League, last season, is arguably the best player in the world right now. I had long been an admirer of Deco since his Porto days, now he plays for Barcelona. He is tireless and had an individual flair which is exciting to watch. Scolari is without doubt one of the most sought after coach today having led Brazil to win the World Cup in 2002.

Turkey – Turkey is a rising football nation and is definitely no push-overs. They have players with individual flairs who can win games. One in particular is Nihat Kahveci, an exciting player to watch with footwork like that of Maradona. However, in recent times he was plaque by injuries which prevented him from showing his full potential.

Prediction – This will be an exciting game with goals galore as both sides play attacking football. I am expecting Portugal to edge out Turkey with a scoreline of 3-2.

Market odds: Portugal (-3/4, -0.89), Turkey (+0.84)

Home advantage Switzerland starts off its Euro 2008 campaign playing Czech Republic in the opening match.

Switzerland – In recent memories, the hosts of a major soccer competition such as this and the World Cup has never failed to get through to the knock out stage. The only one host nation that have failed to make it to the knock out stage is Belgium in 1980. However, Switzerland does not have any prominent and outstanding players that may be able to get them the results they want. They have also lose 3 of their last five international friendlies, including England in Feb 08.

Czech Republic – Losing Tomas Rosicky, their team captain and Arsenal player, is a big blow to the Czech. Their strength is Petr Cech, goal keeper with Chelsea and one of the best in the world. They have also top the table in the qualifiers in the group which included Germany.

Prediction – Despite the dismal outlook for Switzerland, home defence and tight defence might just be enough to see them through to the knock out stage. However, they cannot be expected to bang in too many goals with Peter Cech between the posts. 

Expect a draw game, scoreline: Swi 1 – 1 Czech.

Market odds: Switzerland (0.0 +8.5), Czech Rep. (-9.25)

Result: Switzerland 0-1 Czech Rep.