EURO 2008

Austria – The Austrians get a lifeline through a stoppage time penalty. Their never-give-up attitude pays off. The Polish defense were prised open a few times but somehow the deservedly goal eluded them till the last minute.

Ivica Vastic scored the stoppage time penalty.

Germany – Germany rue their defensive errors and erratic play and didn’t pose much of a threat to Croatia in he last game. A draw may be sufficient to see them through to the knock out round provided Poland did not win Croatia by a big margin, which is not likely to happen.

Bastian Schweinsteiger .. Red carded for forcefully bringing down a Croat, one match ban.

Verdict – Both teams will need to fight to the very last minute. The Germans looked erratic and suddenly seems so vulnerable in the last game against Croatia. What  were they thinking? That they will have an easy game with the Austrians? Thinnk again … the Austrians will be sticking to the Germans like leeches and it won’t be easy to beat the spirited Austrians.
Score: Austria 1-1 Germany.

Market odds: Austria (-0.925), Germany (-1, +0.825)

Poland – Poland rue their stoppage time penalty giveaway to Austria. It has to win the game with at least a 2 goal margin and depends on Austria to beat Germany to go through.

Poland Captain Jacek Bak

Croatia – Croatia are beginning to look like Champion material in the game against an erratic Germany. They will likely give the reserves a chance to run out and soak in the atmosphere. They need a point to top the group, else Germany may overtake them.

Slaven Bilic providing the side show during the match.

Verdict – Poland is in a better position then the other two strugglers in the group as it plays against pressureless Croatia. However, they will get no favours from the Croats looking to avoid a quarter final clash with Portugal.
Score: Poland 1-1 Croatia

Market odds: Poland (+0.85), Croatia (-1/4, -0.925)

Austria – Their game plan seems to be tight markings leaving no room for the opponents to exhibit the flair and they played with a lot of passion against the Croats. They were also unlucky to have a few refereeing decision going against them. Did show they can pose a few threats in the game.

Poland – Were completely outclassed by the Germans. To be fair they played a good game in the opener. Their defense is the main concern here, allowing the Germans to come face-to-face with the goalkeeper on several occasions.

Prediction: Austria had to be careful of being too aggressive as they already had quite a few players yellow carded. Poland looks to be more superior here but the passion of the Austrian may see them get away with a draw. Score: Austria 1-1 Poland.

Market odds: Austria (+0.95), Poland (-1/4, +0.975) 

Croatia – Pint size Croatia players had good outing in the opening game, playing with speed and conviction against co-host Austria. However, they don’t looked like a convincing champion in this tournament. 

Germany – The Germans were too good for Poland in the opening game. The Polish defense was split open on several occasions. Germany is arguably the most outstanding team in the tournament right now.

Podolski – Man of the Match

Prediction – Whichever teams win the match will be guaranteed going into the quarter final. Height and technical superiority should see the Germans through and they will show the world what their superiority once again. Score: 2-0.

Market odds: Croatia (+0.875) Germany (-3/4, -0.95)

Germany – Perhaps the most technical and disciplined team in the competition. Qualified second in the table behind Czech Rep with the highest number of goals in the group. Had one of the tallest players in the competition averaging 1.85m. They had an unbeaten record of 11 wins and four draws against Poland since 1933. However, in their last encounter, they needed a 91st min goal to settle the score of 1-0.

Poland – Poland had made much improvement in recent years and had grown into a formidable force to be reckon with. In the qualifiers, they topped the group which included Portugal and Belgium. Of concern is that their winger Jakub Blaszczykowski and goal keeper Tomas Kuszczak both dropped out 2 days before the opening through injuries.

Prediction – Germany is the overwhelming favourite right now, however, I see an upset may be on the cards. Do not expect Germany to get too many goals past the Poles. Going by their last friendly match as guide, I hazard the guess that we will see the first goalless draw of the tournament. Germany 0-0 Poland.

Market odds: Germany (-1, +0.85), Poland (-0.925) 

Austria – Co-host of Euro 2008, Austria, had some respectable results in their last two friendlies, drawing 1-1 with Nigeria in 27 May 08 and winning Malta 5-1 in 30 May 08. However, they had only one win in 15 games going into the competition. Austria is not a big soccer nation and a large portion of the population couldn’t care less about Euro 2008. Should there be a possibility of a host not making it through to the knock out stage since Belgium in 1980, Austria could be the candidate.

Croatia – Although it has not secure any major titles in recent years, it is a team that seldom disappoints, be it in friendlies or big games. As it would be a very tough call to pick a clear cut winner in the Euro competition, it would be wise to pick one which is consistent in performance and Crotia is one of those. It should be noted that Croatia topped the qualifiers group with 9 wins, 2 draws and 1 lose, in a group that included Russia and England. However, Croatia had sorely missed their injured top scorer, Eduardo da Silva, as they had not scored in their last few friendlies.

Prediction – The Croatia coach, Slaven Bilic, had commented that they will be the surprise package to win the tournament, like Greece did in 2004, and I believe him. The Croats to demolish the Austrians with a decisive scoreline of 3-1.

Market odds: Austria (-0.975) vs Croatia (-1/2 +0.9)