EURO 2008

Portugal – Portugal’s reserve team was hammered 2-0 by the Swiss who managed to salvage some pride in their group game. Coach Scolari will be bringing on the first team regulars again, in the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco & Pepe, in the knock out stage of the tournament.

Luiz Felipe Scolari, gifted Swiss a last hoorah by fielding a reserved team, shake hands with Kuhn.

Germany – Came through with a high pressured 1-0 win over Austria. Lukas Podolski may not be available for the game because of a calf problem. Will be sweating on the fitness of Torsten Frings due to a broken rib. Joachim Löw is suspended for arguing with the fourth official and will not be permitted on the bench. Under UEFA regulations, he may follow the match from the stands but is not allowed in the dressing room, tunnel or technical area before and during the game, nor is he allowed to get in contact with his team.

Verdict – This is a clash of the giants. Scolari will be recalling all his fire power. Germany’s performance in the 2nd and 3rd game had not looked like they can overcome the Portugese. Germany’s saviour may come down to the goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann.
Score Portugal 2-0 Germany.

Market odds: Portugal (-1/4 -0.925), Germany (+1.0)

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)

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)