Tag Archives: 2012

Euro 2012 Countdown!

Posted on by
Reply

With Euro 2012 rapidly approaching, countries across the continent are finalising their plans ahead of the big kick-off next Friday. Co-hosts Poland and 2010 World Cup finalists Holland are among the sides in action on Saturday, with plenty of options available for the punters.

Denmark v Australia

Denmark were shock winners of their qualifying group, beating Norway to the sole automatic qualification spot in Group H.

However, they will have to raise their game still further at the finals, with Germany, Holland and Portugal – again – lying in wait in Group B.

The need to hit the ground running should ensure they take their friendly clash with Australia in Copenhagen seriously.

Australia will also see this as a key game with the first of eight matches in the final phase of World Cup qualifying taking place in Oman next week.

Key Aussie duo Josh Kennedy and Brett Holman are unavailable, meaning Holger Osieck’s men look weak up front.

For that reason, a Denmark win and clean sheet looks the value bet, with 2-0 priced at a handy 6/1.

Match odds – Denmark 4/5,  draw 23/10,  Australia 16/5

Poland v Andorra

Poland had the luxury of automatic qualification thanks to their co-hosting of the tournament so the players will be desperate for competitive action after two years of friendlies.

They will also be keen to erase the memory of their miserable Euro 2008 campaign, where they picked up just a point.

They should go into their tournament opener against Greece next week with confidence given their opponents on Saturday, Andorra, are ranked 205th in the world and finished bottom of their qualifying group without picking up a point.

Goals are where the value is in this fixture, with a 3-0 Poland win the value bet at 21/5.

Match odds – Poland 1/25,  draw 10/1,  Andorra 22/1

Norway v Croatia

Slaven Bilic’s Croatia were surprisingly beaten into second place by Greece in qualifying, but a 3-0 play-off victory over Turkey ensures they have the chance to go at least one better than their quarter-final appearance four years ago.

It is a side packed with talented individual players, but they face a tough task in a group alongside Spain, Italy and the Republic of Ireland.

Norway have not qualified for a major tournament since Euro 2000 and were narrowly beaten 1-0 by England in a friendly last weekend.

Norway manager Egil Olsen is a wily old boss who sets out his team to keep it tight at the back and they only conceded seven goals in qualifying.

However, they only scored 10 at the other end so a Croatia clean sheet is a tip here.

With the likes of Luka Modric, Nikica Jelavic and Ivica Olic in their side Croatia surely have too much for their Scandinavian opponents, with a 1-0 win priced at a potentially profitable 11/2.

Match odds – Norway 6/4, draw 21/10,  Croatia 8/5

Holland v Northern Ireland

Holland will once again head into a major tournament with plenty of backing to go all the way.

Their sides have always possessed talented individuals, but it is their ability to gel as a unit that has sometimes been questioned.

Bert van Marwijk appeared to do just that by guiding them to the World Cup final in 2010, despite criticism for their physical tactics, and they will be desperate to go one better this time around.

On paper Northern Ireland are facing a monumental task if they are to keep their opponents at bay for the full 90 minutes.

Not only are they ranked behind the likes of Guyana and Vietnam in the world rankings, but new boss Michael O’Neill has picked an experimental side as he looks to unearth a new generation of talent.

A Holland win is a certainty so the value is again with goals and a 5-0 win priced at 16/1 is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Match odds – Holland 1/6, draw 6/1, Northern Ireland 14/1

Portugal v Turkey

Portugal were forced to qualify for Euro 2012 via the play-offs and another tricky obstacle was put in front of them when they were drawn with Holland, Denmark and Germany in a formidable Group B.

Turkey reached the semi-finals in Austria and Switzerland four years ago but after finishing a commendable second behind Germany and ahead of Belgium in qualifying, they crashed out of the play-offs to Croatia.

However, Abdullah Avci’s men should provide Cristiano Ronaldo and co with a tricky challenge before the action kicks off next week.

There certainly appears to be a smaller gap between the teams than the 27 places in the current world rankings suggests so the draw appears to be the bet to make in this one – 1-1 is priced at 11/2.

Match odds – Portugal 8/15, draw 11/4, Turkey 9/2

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

French fancy for Euro 2012?

Posted on by
Reply

Ahead of Euro 2012, there have been some pundits who believe France can go all the way and take the title this year, but coach Laurent Blanc was quick to downplay expectations and his side’s chance of glory.

France, who are 12/1 to take the top prize, have been drawn in Group D with England, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine and there is a growing confidence amongst the French public that they could impress this year.

However, Blanc is quick to point out that his side have failed to navigate their way beyond the group stages in the last two tournaments (Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010) and believes reaching the quarter-finals would be an achievement for his side.

“We’re hoping to reach the quarters first and foremost,” said Blanc. “As you all know, once you’re in the knockout phase of a competition anything can happen over 90 or 120 minutes, and I can remind you that France hasn’t gone passed the first round the last two times. That’s the reality of the situation.”

Indeed, the French boss claims he cannot see his side winning the tournament and believes defending champions Spain, who are the 5/2 favourites ahead of Euro 2012, will take the top prize.

He added: “I can see Spain winning the Euros. I can’t say the same about us.”

Blanc’s caution should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt, however. Les Bleus are on an 18-game unbeaten run, which includes away victories over England and Germany, and they finished top of their qualifying group.

France are missing a number of key players for the tournament through injury, with Loic Remy, Eric Abidal, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby and Younes Kaboul all sidelined, but they do possess plenty of talent amongst their ranks.

France are 7/4 to fall in the quarter-finals, but there is every reason to suggest they can go further than the last eight based on recent form and the players at their disposal.

The star names in the French squad include Franck Ribery, who will be seeking to bounce back from Champions League disappointment with Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, who is expected to start as a lone frontman in France’s opening group game against England.

There is also a strong Premier League contingent in Blanc’s squad, such as Manchester City pair Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri, Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, Newcastle duo Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabeye, Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny and Chelsea veteran Florent Malouda.

Ben Arfa will be eager to impress after a stop-start season with Newcastle, while Lyon’s Yoann Gourcuff will also be desperate to make his mark after a disappointing domestic campaign.

There are plenty of players who ply their trades in Ligue 1 and for some Euro 2012 offers an opportunity to put themselves in the shop window in order to try and secure a move to one of the major European leagues.  The likes of Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and Marvin Martin all won plaudits for their performances in the French league this season and will be keen to show what they can do in international football.

Blanc may have played down France’s chances but they are one of the form teams heading into the tournament, they have a good mix of experience and younger players all eager to impress, and with players such as Ribery and Nasri to call upon they have some of the world’s most talented stars at their disposal.

So, at 12/1, Les Bleus are certainly worth some consideration.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Youngsters to star at Euro 2012

Posted on by
Reply

Following the conclusion of possibly the most exciting Premier League season ever, we now switch our attention to this summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine where the likes of Robin van Persie (9/1 – Tournament Top Goalscorer Outright), David Silva and Wayne Rooney will all be flying the flag for their respective nations.

However, these tournaments often produce surprises and it’s not always the big names that come to the fore. Over the last few years we’ve seen the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrey Arshavin and Arjen Robben all come of age at the Euros and there are a number of Premier League youngsters who could announced themselves to the footballing world this summer.

The first one to look out for is Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny who is expected to be between the sticks for co-hosts Poland (3/1 to win Group A).

After years of struggling to find a first-class stopper, the Gunners were forced to take a punt on youngster Szczesny and it’s certainly a gamble that has paid off and he’s now undoubtedly the club’s number one.

He has also recently established himself in the international side and his country’s performances will have a lot to do with how he deals with their opponents’ attacking threats.

Real Madrid are rumoured to be keeping an eye on the confident 22-year-old and a string of strong showings in the summer will only help to raise his profile.

Another Arsenal player who could make a big impact is controversial striker Nicklas Bendtner who will lead Denmark’s (12/1 to win Group B) line as they look to progress from Group B.

Whether you love him or hate him, there is no doubt that Bendtner is a talent and he always seems to produce his best on the bigger stages. The 24-year-old has also said that after spending the season on loan at Sunderland, he will never play for the Gunners again meaning he’ll have something to play for as he’ll want to impress.

Despite all his doubters, the Copenhagen-born star does have fans within the game and some good displays in the summer, could persuade one of Europe’s top sides to sign him.

Group C’s Premier League-based player to watch has to be Sunderland and Republic of Ireland (11/1 to win Group C) winger James McLean who, after coming from nowhere this season, will have no fear when it comes to facing Europe’s top nations.

McLean was unknown until Martin O’Neill took over at the Stadium of Light in December but has since established himself in the Black Cats side with a series of dazzling displays.

In this era of patient build-up and intricate passing, the 23-year-old is a totally different animal and his direct running and pace may cause some huge problems, as his trickery could open up teams from the start while his pace could expose tired defences if he’s used as an impact sub.

In Group D there are a number of youngsters to pick from but out of all of them Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck (66/1 – Tournament Top Goalscorer) looks as if he could have a massive tournament.

For years the 21-year-old has been tipped for the top and now looks to be fulfilling the promise after establishing himself in the United first team.

With team-mate Rooney suspended for the first two matches, Welbeck could get the nod to lead the line for the Three Lions and he’ll be confident that he has the ability to fire them to the knockout stages.

With the dual capabilities of being able to both hold the ball up and run in behind, the youngster can cause problems to any defence and this summer could see him emerge as one of the biggest names in the game.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Madrid to start 2012 with success

Posted on by
Reply

After the traditional winter break, Spanish football saw one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season on Tuesday as Real Madrid recovered from 2-0 down to take a 3-2 Copa Del Rey victory over Malaga. Jose Mourinho and his side now turn their attention to the league with their first La Liga fixture of the year on Saturday at home to minnows Granada (Real Madrid 1/14, draw 9/1, Granada 25/1).

Mourinho once again showed his ruthless streak in the Malaga match, making all three of his substitutions at half-time and the players he introduced all made a big difference. You can expect that trio of Benzema, Ozil and Khedira to be recalled to the starting XI at the weekend.

Of these three, Benzema (2/3 to score at anytime) will have the biggest point to prove as he continues to cement his place in the side ahead of Argentine Gonzalo Higuain. After a difficult first two seasons in Spain, where he struggled to adapt both on and off the pitch, Benzema is now one of the world’s premier strikers and has led the line with aplomb this term, scoring 14 goals in all competitions. Its pretty hard not to see him adding to his tally on Saturday and he’ll be looking for a big performance at the Bernabeu to help his side get 2012 off to the perfect start in the league.

Granada will be heading to the capital with little hope of winning and will view the match as a ‘damage limitation’ exercise. Fabri Gonzalez’s side have done well since their promotion and hold one of the best defensive records in the league. This has helped them rise to 13th in the league but it is at the other end of the pitch where they have struggled and they’re currently the lowest scorers in the competition.

However, they will certainly not lie down, especially after Madrid’s poor defensive display in the cup, and will look at Ikechukwu Uche (13/2 to score at anytime) as their best chance of breaking the Madrid rearguard. Uche is a well-travelled striker, having previously played for a number of top flight clubs in the last few seasons where he has always managed to find the net. The Nigerian has only scored once this season but has a habit of popping up with crucial goals and could find himself on the scoresheet.

However, Madrid should win this game and will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table ahead of Barcelona’s match on Sunday. All their stars will be looking to make an impact as they look to get their 2012 campaigns off to a good start so expect a comfortable Madrid win (Madrid 11/1 to win 6-1).

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Three to watch in 2012

Posted on by
Reply

With a big footballing year ahead, we look at three of the names that could have a big say in the domestic and international game in 2012. As the Premier League, Champions League and Euro 2012 issues get resolved, this trio could play a big role.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The Arsenal youngster is slowly starting to make an impact at the Emirates following his summer move from Southampton. With the Gunners still fighting on three fronts, Oxlade-Chamberlain could find himself coming to the fore, especially if Arsenal (6/5 Top Four Finish) suffer key injuries.

The inconsistent form of Theo Walcott is another factor which could lead to more game-time for the winger, who has scored twice in five appearances this season. The 18-year-old certainly looks the part and may even be an outside bet to make the England squad for Euro 2012 (England 11/8 Group D Winners), should Arsenal enjoy a some trophy success.

Arsene Wenger has already alluded to the fact that Oxlade-Chamberlain has impressed him and although normally wary to over-play his teenage stars, the Frenchman could be tempted to use his blistering pace and freshness in key games towards the end of the season.

Mario Balotelli

Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore Mario Balotelli. Opinion is divided as to whether he is a liability or a genius, with Roberto Mancini holding the answer.

The City boss is probably the only current manager able to get the best out of the striker, having worked with him before at Inter Milan. With Carlos Tevez set to leave in January and City (8/13 Premier League Outright) unlikely to splash the cash again in the New Year, Balotelli could have a big say in the destination of the Premier League title.

On the plus side, his goals and performances in recent months have been outstanding. He shone in the 6-1 win at rivals United and his cheeky finish against Norwich summed up his ability. The negatives are there to see as well though, with his daft sending off at Liverpool almost costing his team.

The 21-year-old is a likely inclusion in the Italy squad (14/1 Tournament Winner) for the European Championship and he will be flying should he have already collected a Premier League winners medal.

Connor Wickham

The young striker could yet hold the key to Sunderland’s top flight survival, with Martin O’Neill selecting him for his first two games as manager before injury struck. The capture from Ipswich was used sparingly during the reign of Steve Bruce and that now looks an unwise move.

Bruce attempted to ease Wickham into Premier League life, but with a lack of attacking options, the striker should have been starting sooner for the Black Cats (13/2 to be relegated). The 18-year-old has already impressed for England Under-21’s and in brief glimpses, has suggested that he can repay the £8million that Sunderland paid for him.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Ireland to seal Euro 2012 spot

Posted on by
Reply

Republic of Ireland grabbed a 4-0 win in Estonia on Friday night to all but guarantee their spot in the Euro 2012 tournament proper, ahead of Tuesday’s second-leg in Dublin (totesport – Euro 2012 coupon).

However, despite the fact the Irish enjoy such a commanding lead boss Giovanni Trapattoni will not be taking Estonia lightly and will be keen for his side to secure a win on Tuesday night.  Estonia will need to attack from the off, leaving them vulnerable at the back and with Ireland’s superior strength going forward they could blow their opponents away for a second time.  In the half-time/full-time market a Republic of Ireland/Republic of Ireland result is priced at 5/6, which represents better value than the 2/5 on offer for an Ireland victory.

Montenegro slumped to a 2-0 loss in Czech Republic in the first-leg and it looks as if the Czechs will be able to secure a place at Euro 2012.  Montenegro offered very little going forward in the first-leg and could struggle again, despite enjoying home advantage.  Czech Republic are priced at 7/4 to win the match, while Montenegro are 8/5.  Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky produced a fine display in the first-leg but his performance was not rewarded with a goal, the winger is priced at 10/1 to get his name on the score sheet and score first on Tuesday.

The most intriguing tie on Tuesday is Bosnia’s visit to Portugal as the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.  Bosnia will progress if they can secure a score draw in Portugal on Tuesday, which would be a massive achievement.  A draw is priced at 10/3, while 1-1 is available at 6/1. Portugal should prove too strong for Bosnia but the visitors should not be dismissed lightly as they have quality amongst their ranks, including Manchester City striker Eden Dzeko. Bosnia are 13/2 to secure the win, while Portugal are 4/9 but the game could well be closer than the odds suggest and in the half-time/full-time market a draw/Portugal result is priced at 10/3.

Croatia host Turkey in a tie that already looks out of the visitors’ reach, thanks to Croatia’s 3-0 win in Turkey in the first-leg.  Turkey will be desperate to avenge that defeat and will look to throw everything at Croatia, which will leave them vulnerable on the counter-attack.  Croatia are 8/11 to secure the win, the draw is available at 13/5 but a small wager on Turkey at 4/1 could be a bet worth placing as they will be desperate to salvage some pride after their first-leg hammering.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Capello shows Euro 2012 hand

Posted on by
Reply

England have all but qualified for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine next summer, but what conclusions can we draw from Fabio Capello’s squad selection for this week’s trip to Montenegro (England 9/1 – Euro 2012 – Outright).

The Three Lions hold a six-point lead over this week’s opponents having played a game more which means avoiding defeat will be enough to send the likes of Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Ashley Cole to another international tournament. England did not feature at Euro 2008 thanks to Steve McClaren’s disastrous reign and it’s fair to say hopes will not be too high in nine months’ time given the fact the 2010 World Cup campaign is still too fresh in the memory.

In fact, the Three Lions have an extremely unspectacular record in the history of the European Championships – third place in 1968 and 1996 are all they can shout about – and fans are wary after the flop in South Africa. As in the current qualification campaign, England made short work of getting to South Africa 2010 so what does the future bode for the crop of players – based on the squad for Montenegro – who will represent the country in the summer of 2012?

Goalkeepers: Scott Carson (Bursaspor), Joe Hart (Man City), David Stockdale (Ipswich)

No disrespect to the others, but Capello had better hope Joe Hart stays fit as he is simply head and shoulders above the competition which can cause its own problems.

Should anything happen to Hart, a keeper who will play a lot of high-pressure games between now and next summer, the cupboard is pretty bare.

On the flip side, Hart is competing in the Champions League this term and will be better for it.

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Micah Richards (Man City), John Terry (captain, Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham)

All things being equal, captain John Terry and left-back Ashley Cole will be among the first names on Capello’s teamsheet.

Rio Ferdinand used to be but the centre-half now faces a battle not just for an international start but also one at Manchester United given his injury problem and the Red Devils’ recruitment drive.

Gary Cahill and Phil Jones will want to push Ferdinand – who has only just returned to fitness – all the way as he looks to return at some point.

At right-back Glen Johnson seems to have slipped behind Kyle Walker and Micah Richards because of his ongoing injury issues.

Midfield: Gareth Barry (Man City), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Man Utd)

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has rightly been omitted as he has hardly played since March but will make Euro 2012 if fit.

Elsewhere, Capello has big calls to make with many of his current squad hardly guaranteed starts at their respective clubs.

England’s midfield used to be predictable but only Ashley Young seems sure of his place at the moment, while tough-tackling Scott Parker’s suitability for international tournament football surely a question mark over his role in Poland and Ukraine.

Going out on a limb, Owen Hargreaves and Jack Wilshere will not be living in fear of making an impact now the former is back and the latter certain to make an impact at some point when he does return to action.

Strikers: Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)

Wayne Rooney’s 2010 World Cup meltdown seems an eternity away and the fans will be delighted about it.

But what he really needs is a foil to play off and you could make cases for both Andy Carroll and Darren Bent.

However, Capello likes pace around Rooney like Young and Walcott so it seems Rooney + A.N. Other up front will likely form the Italian’s Plan B.

What does seem certain though is that Peter Crouch and Michael Owen can book their summer holidays already.

England are 8/11 to win in Montenegro, the draw is 9/4 and a home win available at 10/3.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Keane up for Euro 2012 tilt

Posted on by
Reply

Captain Robbie Keane believes Republic of Ireland are a better team now compared to when they suffered World Cup heartbreak at the hands of France last autumn (Republic of Ireland 6/4 – To Qualify for Euro 2012).

Giovanni Trapattoni’s men were denied by a William Gallas goal just when extra time loomed in Paris although Thierry Henry’s blatant handball in the build-up was clear for all to see – apart from the match officials.

Justice was seemingly done, however, in South Africa when Les Bleus internally combusted and found themselves on the way home following a dismal group campaign which saw them beaten by both Mexico and the host nation.

The Republic will be hoping their fortunes are heading in the opposite direction as they bid to reach Poland and Ukraine in two years for the 14th European Championships – a tournament they have featured in just once back in 1988 when they beat England 1-0 in the group stage but failed to qualify for the semi-finals (Republic of Ireland 3/1 – To Win Qualification Group B).

Twelve years on Keane is hoping the potential the side has shown under Trapattoni – the Republic twice held then world champions Italy in 2010 World Cup qualifying – comes to fruition.

However, the Spurs forward admits sweltering conditions in Armenia on Friday night will be testing and that avoiding defeat is the “most important thing”.

Keane said: “With the experience we have now, of course it is only going to make you a better team.

“The more experience you have, the better you are and hopefully the experience we had in the last campaign will stand us in good stead for this one.”

He added: “The most important thing is not to lose. It’s the first game and of course, you want to win every game you are involved in, and that will be the case.

“We are not going to come here looking to get a draw. We want to win the game.

“But the most important thing is certainly not to lose the game.”

Keane will win his 101st international cap in Armenia – his next big target is to score the seven goals needed to hit the half-century mark on the biggest stage – although he appears to be relieved the appearance milestone has been passed after notching a ton of games against Argentina recently.

The 30-year-old continued: “It was great to get the 100th cap but personally I am delighted that’s gone now, just to get it over with and concentrate on the rest of the games.

“We had a great chance in the last campaign – obviously, we just missed out, but hopefully that will make us stronger and more determined now to qualify.”

Elsewhere in Euro qualification Group B, Russia (8/13f – to top the group) travel to Andorra (2500/1) while Slovakia (19/5) entertain Macedonia (20/1).

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.