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)

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) 

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)