EURO 2008

Germany – Drew first blood in the game against Portugal winning 3-2, Germany capitalized on its players height advantage pretty well. Knowing Portugal will lose in any aerial challenge, they had 2 free kicks which came off 2 headers and resulted in 2 goals. The free kicks were not directed at the goal mouth but at players standing around the goal mouth. Headers are more difficult to save than direct free kick. Germany found their winning strategy at last.

Bastian Schweinsteiger with his opener.

Turkey – Its like a cat having nine lives, came back from the dead in the last 2 games. Needed a 121min goal to force the game against Croatia to penalties in the quarter-final. Could miss out up to a third of the players in the semi-finals through injuries and suspension including top scorer Nihat Kahveci who is confirmed out due to a thigh injury.

Nihat Kahveci receives a pat on the shoulder from Turkey coach Fatih Terim as he limps out of the quarter-final against Croatia

Verdict – Turkey’s injury woe is Germany’s fortune. Score: Germany 3-1 Turkey.

Market odds: Germany (-11/4, -0.975), Turkey (+0.925)

Croatia – Croatia played their last game with reserves and still came out on top confirmed they had depth and quality players in their line up.

Ivan Klasnic eliminated Poland with the solitary goal in the last group game.

Turkey – It was drama all round as the Turks stage an amazing come back from the last group game against the Czechs with 2 goals down and 15 mins to go, they went on to score 3 goals to put the Czechs out of the tournament. Peter Cech and company were devastated. The Turkey goalkeeper, Volkan Demirel, was red carded for pushing an opposing player to the ground in stoppage time will sit out a two match ban. It was the spirit and the perseverence of the Turks that saw them through.

Nihat Kahveci scored two late goals to put the Turks through.

Verdict - The Turks had been lucky with the Czechs in the last outing but will have problem overcoming the more superior Croats. Score: Croatia 2-1 Turkey

Market odds: Croatia (-1/2, +1.0), Turkey (+0.9)

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 – 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)

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)