Euro 2012 »
Czech Republic v Poland, Saturday 16 Jun 2012, 19:45
25 points over 2.5 goals, best odds 2.10 @ Boylesports
or bet £10 risk free at Skybet
It’s been a very entertaining first week of Euro 2012, with the average goal ratio encroaching on the 2.8 goals per game mark. Russia set the ball rolling on the opening night with a 4-1 demolition of the Czech Republic, a stylish and cohesive performance that saw their odds dramatically shorten on winning the Championship. Dick Advocaat’s men are virtually playing on home soil in Poland & Ukraine and should easily top Group A with a win over Greece and therefore avoid Germany in the quarter finals.
The Germans themselves have looked solid and dependable while not really living up to their tag of tournament favourites. Their two victories have come against very average looking Portuguese and Holland sides that won’t be coming anywhere near the final in Kiev on the 1st July. With Germany meeting the runners-up from Group A, they probably won’t face a real test until the semi final stage.
From what I’ve seen so far, Spain are still clearly the team to beat. Their passing, fluidity and gracefulness on the pitch is unsurpassed, probably by any team who has ever played the game. The only players that come close to them in this tournament are the Russians, for the following reasons; seven of their starting XI play for Zenit Petersburg, while three play for CSKA Moscow (including the central defensive pairing) and one for Anzhi Makhachkala.
The midfield three of Denisov, Zyryanov and Shirokov are all Zenit players, and their awareness and one-touch passing has been sublime, something that can only be engendered by playing on a weekly basis over several seasons. For Spain, of course, the connection is Barcelona. The midfield three of Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta have dominated the Spanish domestic and International scene for the last three or four years.
The less said about England the better; they’re basically the opposite of the Russians and the Spanish. A showdown with Ukraine in their final Group D game should determine whether they qualify for the knockout stages.
The other hosts, Poland, have a tricky final game in Group A against the Czech Republic. The Poles need for a win (after registering two 1-1 draws) should make for an open and entertaining game with plenty of chances for both sides. The Czech’s have been involved in two over 2.5 goal results so far and I’d back this one to be number three as they don’t seem very assured in defence.
Poland will be roared on in Wroclaw on Saturday night in what should be a tremendous atmosphere. I’d expect the home team to really raise their game and go out and score at least two or three goals, even if they don’t convert them all, the Czechs will have their opportunities to strike on the counter-attack.
Thanks for reading,
Phil Rushton,
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