10/12 Nations League Thoughts

Croatia/Scotland - Took the 1H over 1 at -133 as I can't see this as anything worse than a push. Motivation's always a factor in these glorified friendlies but what I am certain of is Steve Clarke and Scotland have always taken these international matches seriously in their attempt to elevate Scotland's standing on the global level. With the golden generation of Croatia having come so close many times but still missing out on international glory, think they take Nations League seriously enough to try to at least lift a trophy. Either way will be on over 0.75 too if no early goal.

Be back for noon games.

Well done mate, love your write ups

@Andalouse

 Thank you sir! Hoping the write-ups help the community.

Not liking much of the noon games tbh.

Serbia/Switzerland - Been burned too many times recently w/ Serbia overs. Not sure what happened but starting w/ the Euros, they just stopped scoring...and conceding. Euro qualifications scored 15, conceded 9; the last WC scored 5, conceded 8 over 3 games; the Nations League round before scored 13, conceded 5. Since then? Euros scored 1, conceded 2 over 3 games. Last international break scored 0, conceded 2. Just don't get what happened. No manager change. Mind you they had no Vlahovic, Mitrovic, and Tadic but to have that big of a dropoff in goals seen in games is a bit strange. While I think both teams see this as winnable and I do expect Serbia to net in one of their two games this round think sitting this out until I see some reversal in trends would be the best move.

Cyprus/Romania - Don't think the books have quite caught onto the Romanians who are clearly levels ahead of their group competitors. That Euro run they had instilled some major confidence into that team and now that they know they field a competitive side I see them as an uptrending team. With the spread sitting at -0.75, I'll take that as a gift as it won't be about if Romania wins but by how much.

Poland/Portugal - Took the -1 at + plus last night on Portugal. Home field can matter but not here. Too much a gulf in quality and I've never been impressed w/ Poland. Sure they have Lewandowski but when the midfield is going to be overrun by Fernandes/Neves/Silva he's going to be starved of service. Only thing I don't like about this time is Roberto Martinez (piss poor manager who wasted Belgium's golden years and already screwed Portugal from a stronger Euro showing) but again I think Portugal still win.

Good luck on everyone's plays. 

O btw will be taking the usual first half goal plays on Portugal/Poland. See Portugal getting on the board by halftime.

@I3C1H

great work on all your 1H plays 

@Mangowoman

 Thank you!  Just got that 1H goal in Warsaw.

Looks like plays are humming along w/ Portugal going up and Romania cruising out to a 2-0. Will be looking at a 2H play.

Back for one more play tonight.

USA/Panama - Usually would shy away from  friendlies but not in this situation. New manager hired in Poch and we know that he and the team are already under pressure to get results as they gear up from the WC. Berhalter really held this team back playing so cautiously, which I never understood given the attacking talent on this team. One thing about Poch is he trusts young players and will give them a longer leash to do their thing (i.e., Tott when they were coming up with Kane, Dele, and Son). Seeing a statement victory here against a Panama side not anywhere near the level the US is and will be. On the 1H over 1 and the spread on the US for the full game also may be in play.