I still boast a brilliant 67.83%(253/373) rate of success in my predictions.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Spain vs Italy
Euro 2008, 20h45
The monsters are awake. Germany and Italy are favourites to kill of the opposition and fight it to the end for the European crown. After miserable starts against Croatia and the Netherlands, respectively, these two giants are favourites in my opinion to get into the Final.
While Germany are playing in the SemiFinal against Turkey, Italy still has to play a QuarterFinal against Spain, tonight.
Spain has won 3 out of 3, and as other two teams already out, have turned up with an experimental side in the final match of the group stage. That proved to have hurt the Netherlands, Portugal and Croatia so dearly. Spain will have Torres and Villa up-front and seem to be favourites in the bookmaking market.
Italy has eliminated Romania and now play at theier best so far. Pirlo and Gattuso are out of this one, so it is up to the youngsters to prove their point. Again. As, De Rossi scored a vital goal against France and Aquilani was also a regular in the qualifiers. Perrotta, Toni and Cassano will lead Italy's attacks.
Buffon is one of the biggest keepers in the world, while Panucci and Chiellini have rebuilt a strong backline. The full-backs Zambrotta and Grosso are so good when going forward.
I tip Italy not to lose in 90 minutes, which is valued at 1/2.
Euro 2008, 20h45
The monsters are awake. Germany and Italy are favourites to kill of the opposition and fight it to the end for the European crown. After miserable starts against Croatia and the Netherlands, respectively, these two giants are favourites in my opinion to get into the Final.
While Germany are playing in the SemiFinal against Turkey, Italy still has to play a QuarterFinal against Spain, tonight.
Spain has won 3 out of 3, and as other two teams already out, have turned up with an experimental side in the final match of the group stage. That proved to have hurt the Netherlands, Portugal and Croatia so dearly. Spain will have Torres and Villa up-front and seem to be favourites in the bookmaking market.
Italy has eliminated Romania and now play at theier best so far. Pirlo and Gattuso are out of this one, so it is up to the youngsters to prove their point. Again. As, De Rossi scored a vital goal against France and Aquilani was also a regular in the qualifiers. Perrotta, Toni and Cassano will lead Italy's attacks.
Buffon is one of the biggest keepers in the world, while Panucci and Chiellini have rebuilt a strong backline. The full-backs Zambrotta and Grosso are so good when going forward.
I tip Italy not to lose in 90 minutes, which is valued at 1/2.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Croatia vs Turkey
Euro 2008, 20h45
This should be a very spectacular game, between two of the most offensive teams in the competition. Turkey managed to come from behind against Switzerland and the Czech Republic, the latter from two goals down, and with two wins, Fatih Terim's troops qualified for the knock-out stage. The man to watch is Arda Turan.
Croatia topped Germany's group, beating them 2-1 in the process. They are hot favourites to progress here, as they left England home. Watch for the likes of Modric and Kranjcar.
I tip Croatia to win a superb match. The value is high, 9/11.
Euro 2008, 20h45
This should be a very spectacular game, between two of the most offensive teams in the competition. Turkey managed to come from behind against Switzerland and the Czech Republic, the latter from two goals down, and with two wins, Fatih Terim's troops qualified for the knock-out stage. The man to watch is Arda Turan.
Croatia topped Germany's group, beating them 2-1 in the process. They are hot favourites to progress here, as they left England home. Watch for the likes of Modric and Kranjcar.
I tip Croatia to win a superb match. The value is high, 9/11.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Italy vs Romania
Euro 2008, 18h00
Italy have been torn apart 3-0 by the Netherlands in the first game of this group, while Romania drew 0-0 with France in a very tightly contested feature.
Romania proved to be resilient and very realistic and it's all because of the tactics deployed by the coach, Victor Piturca. He is a shrude tactician, and you get the feeling he's a very lucky man also. Nevertheless, you have to train luck, and he manages to do that, as France only got one shot on goal in a full 90 minutes of play and that was also a very weak go from Benzema from 20 yards out.
Italy is a very troubled team under Donadoni, with the first conflicts between the players and the coach coming through after the first game. Donadoni is also Italy's youngest coach ever and is a non typical one. He likes to field an attacking formation, with 3 players up-front, in contradiction with the most common Italian 4-4-2 tactics, which is so hard to break down.
Romania will start with Lobont; Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat; Petre, Codrea, Radoi, Chivu, Mutu; D. Niculae. The man to watch will be Fiorentina superstar Adrian Mutu.
Italy will make 5 changes respective to the first match formation: Buffon; Zambrotta, Panucci, Chielini, Grosso; Perrotta, Pirlo, De Rossi; Camoranesi, Toni, Del Piero. The man to watch will be Alessandro Del Piero.
I predict another resilient performance from Romania. Mutu & Co won't lose and this feat is priced at 5/4.
Euro 2008, 18h00
Italy have been torn apart 3-0 by the Netherlands in the first game of this group, while Romania drew 0-0 with France in a very tightly contested feature.
Romania proved to be resilient and very realistic and it's all because of the tactics deployed by the coach, Victor Piturca. He is a shrude tactician, and you get the feeling he's a very lucky man also. Nevertheless, you have to train luck, and he manages to do that, as France only got one shot on goal in a full 90 minutes of play and that was also a very weak go from Benzema from 20 yards out.
Italy is a very troubled team under Donadoni, with the first conflicts between the players and the coach coming through after the first game. Donadoni is also Italy's youngest coach ever and is a non typical one. He likes to field an attacking formation, with 3 players up-front, in contradiction with the most common Italian 4-4-2 tactics, which is so hard to break down.
Romania will start with Lobont; Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat; Petre, Codrea, Radoi, Chivu, Mutu; D. Niculae. The man to watch will be Fiorentina superstar Adrian Mutu.
Italy will make 5 changes respective to the first match formation: Buffon; Zambrotta, Panucci, Chielini, Grosso; Perrotta, Pirlo, De Rossi; Camoranesi, Toni, Del Piero. The man to watch will be Alessandro Del Piero.
I predict another resilient performance from Romania. Mutu & Co won't lose and this feat is priced at 5/4.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Austria vs Poland
Euro 2008, 20h45
Austria are so poor, even if they managed to stay within touch against Croatia, losing 1-0 in the opening game. Switzerland is already out of the Euro and come tonight, the co-hosts could join them.
Poland had a good qualification campaign and have two or three quality players. They were beaten heavily by the Germans in the first match so expect them to prove a point tonight. Coach Leo Benhacker should lead them to at least a draw.
I predict on Poland not to lose(2/5).
Germany vs Croatia
Euro 2008, 18h00
Germany beat Poland 2-0 in the first match, while Croatia defeated Austria 1-0. These two should be the teams that are favourites to qualify from this group.
Both teams have lots quality players. The players to watch are Podolski, Klose, Gomez and Ballack from the Germans and Kranjcar, Modric, Srna and Olic from the Croatians.
Both teams have talented coaches in Joachim Low and Slaven Bilic.
I predict at least 2 goals scored, valued at 3/5.
Euro 2008, 20h45
Austria are so poor, even if they managed to stay within touch against Croatia, losing 1-0 in the opening game. Switzerland is already out of the Euro and come tonight, the co-hosts could join them.
Poland had a good qualification campaign and have two or three quality players. They were beaten heavily by the Germans in the first match so expect them to prove a point tonight. Coach Leo Benhacker should lead them to at least a draw.
I predict on Poland not to lose(2/5).
Germany vs Croatia
Euro 2008, 18h00
Germany beat Poland 2-0 in the first match, while Croatia defeated Austria 1-0. These two should be the teams that are favourites to qualify from this group.
Both teams have lots quality players. The players to watch are Podolski, Klose, Gomez and Ballack from the Germans and Kranjcar, Modric, Srna and Olic from the Croatians.
Both teams have talented coaches in Joachim Low and Slaven Bilic.
I predict at least 2 goals scored, valued at 3/5.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Sweden vs Greece
Euro 2008, 18h00 (from now on all times are CET)
Sweden is a must have at any international competition, as we must reckon. They've qualified for all of the big competitions lately. But this year I feel them weaker, with their star player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, nursing a knee injury.
Greece are the reigning European champions and Otto Rehagel is still in charge. They managed an impressive qualification performance, winning the most points in the preliminary groups and finishing in front of Turkey and Norway.
I tip Greece not to lose this match, feat which is priced at 1/2.
Euro 2008, 18h00 (from now on all times are CET)
Sweden is a must have at any international competition, as we must reckon. They've qualified for all of the big competitions lately. But this year I feel them weaker, with their star player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, nursing a knee injury.
Greece are the reigning European champions and Otto Rehagel is still in charge. They managed an impressive qualification performance, winning the most points in the preliminary groups and finishing in front of Turkey and Norway.
I tip Greece not to lose this match, feat which is priced at 1/2.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Italy vs Holland
Euro 2008, 20h45
Holland qualified for this competition after coming second in the group topped by Romania. Coach Marco van Basten is at the end of a four year cycle, as he will be appointed at Ajax next month. He will want to finish with a performance his reign as Dutch national coach. It is known that he is a protege of Johan Cruyff and enjoys the total football which is trademarked in his country. Robben is injured, while Seedorf retired from the national team just before the Championships.
Italy have to do without the injured Fabio Cannavaro, but La Squadra Azzurra have so much talent. They have a great keeper in Buffon, a very strong midfield with Pirlo and Gattuso, and a born goalscorer in Luca Toni. I think their weakest link is inexperienced coach Donadoni. Still, let's not forget they are the World Champions.
I predict Italy not to lose, which is priced the highest at 4/11.
Euro 2008, 20h45
Holland qualified for this competition after coming second in the group topped by Romania. Coach Marco van Basten is at the end of a four year cycle, as he will be appointed at Ajax next month. He will want to finish with a performance his reign as Dutch national coach. It is known that he is a protege of Johan Cruyff and enjoys the total football which is trademarked in his country. Robben is injured, while Seedorf retired from the national team just before the Championships.
Italy have to do without the injured Fabio Cannavaro, but La Squadra Azzurra have so much talent. They have a great keeper in Buffon, a very strong midfield with Pirlo and Gattuso, and a born goalscorer in Luca Toni. I think their weakest link is inexperienced coach Donadoni. Still, let's not forget they are the World Champions.
I predict Italy not to lose, which is priced the highest at 4/11.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Austria vs Croatia
Euro 2008, 1700 GMT
The European Championship has started in Switzerland and Austria. Austria are the co-hosts, but that will be more of a burden on their shoulders. In fact, the Austrians are so weak that a few tens of thousands of their countrymen have issued a plea for their national team not to take part in this competition, in order to not get embarassed. In addition to the lack of confidence, there was a lot of turmoil this week in the Austrian camp as quite a few players have made some disciplinary problems.
Croatia topped the qualifying group that left England outside of these Finals, as in the last match, Slaven Bilic's side has beaten the Lions 3-2 at Wembley. Russia was the delighted beneficiary of the situation.
Arsenal star Eduardo is out through a broken leg, but Croatia has lots of talent. We'll see the likes of Kranjcar, Modric and Ivica Olic on the pitch tonight and their is a feeling of a thrashing taking place tonight in the Austrian capital.
I predict a win for Croatia, priced at 9/10.
Euro 2008, 1700 GMT
The European Championship has started in Switzerland and Austria. Austria are the co-hosts, but that will be more of a burden on their shoulders. In fact, the Austrians are so weak that a few tens of thousands of their countrymen have issued a plea for their national team not to take part in this competition, in order to not get embarassed. In addition to the lack of confidence, there was a lot of turmoil this week in the Austrian camp as quite a few players have made some disciplinary problems.
Croatia topped the qualifying group that left England outside of these Finals, as in the last match, Slaven Bilic's side has beaten the Lions 3-2 at Wembley. Russia was the delighted beneficiary of the situation.
Arsenal star Eduardo is out through a broken leg, but Croatia has lots of talent. We'll see the likes of Kranjcar, Modric and Ivica Olic on the pitch tonight and their is a feeling of a thrashing taking place tonight in the Austrian capital.
I predict a win for Croatia, priced at 9/10.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Uefa Champions League Final, Moscow, 1945 GMT
These are arguably the best two teams in the world. They've battled it out till the last day in the Premier League and are now playing each other for the most coveted prize in football, the UCL trophy. Chelsea are for the first time in the Final, while Manchester has won two, the first one fifty years ago and the latter in 1999, in a 2-1 thriller against Bayern Munich.
Manchester United come to Moscow after they've won the English Premier League, the most competitive domestic championship in the world. They were losing ground in the last days but they managed to hold off the challenge of Chelsea and finished 2 points ahead. Alex Ferguson said it'll be hard to pick a starting eleven as he has so much talent in the squad and will feel sorry for the ones which won't play. In my opinion he got his wrong eleven against Barcelona in both legs, as United struggled to pull away,but eventually managed a hard-fought qualification. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is a fact that he isn't at his best against major teams. Rooney and Vidic overcame injuries to be fit for this, the most important game of their careers so far.
As did Terry and Drogba, from the Blues side. Now, Chelsea have the momentum, as their star players are all fit and haven't played too many games this season. That's a big plus in terms of freshness. The likes of Carvalho, Ballack, Lampard and Drogba will know that this is their moment to win big. And this is the biggest prize in football. Owner Roman Abramovich invested in football as he wanted to watch his team win Champions League trophies and after four semifinals in five years, this is the chance for Chelsea.
The defences are so great for both United and Chelsea, they've also got great men going forward and I'm certain the battle will be won in midfield. I think Chelsea has the better players in the middle of the park as Ballack and Lampard are two of the best all-around midfielders and Makelele is the best defensive midfielder in the world for the last ten or so years. He won two UCL trophies with Real Madrid and he is said to have been their most important player in the Galactic era. United has also got great midfielders (Scholes, Carrick or Hargreaves), but they haven't got experience playing in this sort of games.
I go for Chelsea winning the Champions League (evens).
Uefa Champions League Final, Moscow, 1945 GMT
These are arguably the best two teams in the world. They've battled it out till the last day in the Premier League and are now playing each other for the most coveted prize in football, the UCL trophy. Chelsea are for the first time in the Final, while Manchester has won two, the first one fifty years ago and the latter in 1999, in a 2-1 thriller against Bayern Munich.
Manchester United come to Moscow after they've won the English Premier League, the most competitive domestic championship in the world. They were losing ground in the last days but they managed to hold off the challenge of Chelsea and finished 2 points ahead. Alex Ferguson said it'll be hard to pick a starting eleven as he has so much talent in the squad and will feel sorry for the ones which won't play. In my opinion he got his wrong eleven against Barcelona in both legs, as United struggled to pull away,but eventually managed a hard-fought qualification. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is a fact that he isn't at his best against major teams. Rooney and Vidic overcame injuries to be fit for this, the most important game of their careers so far.
As did Terry and Drogba, from the Blues side. Now, Chelsea have the momentum, as their star players are all fit and haven't played too many games this season. That's a big plus in terms of freshness. The likes of Carvalho, Ballack, Lampard and Drogba will know that this is their moment to win big. And this is the biggest prize in football. Owner Roman Abramovich invested in football as he wanted to watch his team win Champions League trophies and after four semifinals in five years, this is the chance for Chelsea.
The defences are so great for both United and Chelsea, they've also got great men going forward and I'm certain the battle will be won in midfield. I think Chelsea has the better players in the middle of the park as Ballack and Lampard are two of the best all-around midfielders and Makelele is the best defensive midfielder in the world for the last ten or so years. He won two UCL trophies with Real Madrid and he is said to have been their most important player in the Galactic era. United has also got great midfielders (Scholes, Carrick or Hargreaves), but they haven't got experience playing in this sort of games.
I go for Chelsea winning the Champions League (evens).
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Parma vs Inter
Italian Serie A, 1400 GMT
Parma are in a big slump. With this game left, they need a win to stay in the Italian top-flight and Catania not to get any point at home against Roma. But, it is virtualy impossible, as Inter need the win to take the Scudetto, in front of Roma. It is just out of Parma's reach now.
To add to their misery, coach Cuper was sacked this week.
Inter will welcome back Zlatan Ibrahimovic for this title clinching game. Zanetti & Co will win another title today.
I tip Inter to win (1/2).
Ajax vs Twente
Holland Champions League Play-Off 2nd leg, 1330 GMT
In the first leg it finished 2-1 for Twente, as they seek their first UCL participation. Ajax though have a much bigger experience and power and they enjoy playing this kind of red hot matches.
I just have to tip Ajax to win today, priced at 5/11.
Italian Serie A, 1400 GMT
Parma are in a big slump. With this game left, they need a win to stay in the Italian top-flight and Catania not to get any point at home against Roma. But, it is virtualy impossible, as Inter need the win to take the Scudetto, in front of Roma. It is just out of Parma's reach now.
To add to their misery, coach Cuper was sacked this week.
Inter will welcome back Zlatan Ibrahimovic for this title clinching game. Zanetti & Co will win another title today.
I tip Inter to win (1/2).
Ajax vs Twente
Holland Champions League Play-Off 2nd leg, 1330 GMT
In the first leg it finished 2-1 for Twente, as they seek their first UCL participation. Ajax though have a much bigger experience and power and they enjoy playing this kind of red hot matches.
I just have to tip Ajax to win today, priced at 5/11.
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