EURO 2008

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)

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.