Euro 2012....

Results:
6-1
+8.36 units

5. Spain / Italy - Spain is the tournament favorite - but I do see some cracks in the armour of the team that has dominated intl soccer for 4 years. Some key injuries (Puyol, Villa) in key positions might play a large role in this tournament. I also buy in to the theory that these guys have been going at this for 4 years straight - long club seasons packed with high level games and summers filled with intl duy - there has to be an issue of runnign out of gas - just ask Pep Guardiola. Im not downplaying that Spain - when on - plays the most attractive midfield football available - but even in WC2010 their lack of scoring punch (with Villa) was evident. They played in 7 game - won their last 4 by 1-0 scores - and lost 1-0 in their opening game, and scored 2 in the other two games. So they won the tournament by scoring 8 goals in 7 games.

I love that Spain is made up primarily of players that know each other very well - but despite this they stil lost in their opener of WC10 to Switzerland. Italy come in with no expectations - a fresher group of younger players - and a manager that plays a slightly less defensive posture than previous Italians. But if Spain is the current kings of the 1-0 win - Italy was the original - the masters. Given this group - and that it is an opening game - I just see a very non-open midfield dominated game with a lack of scoring chances. I will be on Italy +.5 and +1 -105 for 2.5 units. Most likely final 0-0.

6. Croatia / Rep of Ireland - Croatia are somewhat hard to figure for me. They have some really good players in key spots - and some weaknesses too. They often sit back and defend and counter - and sometimes play an open style. Much of this depends on Modric - maybe more than anyone else in this tournament - he is the absolute key to this team and any chance they have. There are rumors about his fitness not being up to snuff - but who knows for sure - I do know that if he is not 100% this team is not going to do well. Olic got hurt in the last week - so Jelavik will start up front - and I do see that as a significant loss. The defense is older and slower - but solid. They could go on a run, or they could bomb out - just hard for me to predict.

Ireland might be the most anti-football defensive side in the tournament. Their goal is not to be scored on - period. Trapatoni (Italian Mgr) has all but said this - and it is probably their best chance of doing well here. The Greeks in 2004 proved it can be done - as Chelsea did in the CL this year. My issue is the lack of quality - even on defense - for the Irish. Dunne (aston Villa) and St Ledger (leicester City) anchor the defense - and both are ordinary in my opinion. In fact, most fo the squad is pretty ordinary - made up of midtable Pemier league players - there reaally isnt a single player on this squad that you would consider world class in their prime.

Im going to be on Croatia -.5 +120 for 1.5 units. I also would favor the under. Most likely result croatia 1-0.

7. France PK -120 (I started betting it back at +110 all the way to -110, but I think this is good all the way to -150) for 5 units. Big one off the bat. Most likely result France 3 England 1.

8. Ukraine / Sweden - This is the first game in the tournament that I think should be wide open with a lot of chances on goal. I will be on the over 2 -126 for 3 units. Most likely result Ukraine 3 Sweden 1.

Results:
6-1
+8.36 units

8. Ukraine / Sweden - This is the first game in the tournament that I think should be wide open with a lot of chances on goal. I will be on the over 2 -126 for 3 units. Most likely result Ukraine 3 Sweden 1.

9.  Poland / Russia - Poland came out strong - and played a great first 30 minutes against the Greeks.  And then the wall started crumbling.  Piece by piece - the Greeks fought their way back in to the game - even after losing a man unjustly.  When it was 10 on 11, Poland were at their worst.

Poland abused the right side in that period - overlapping and overwhelming  the Greeks with the Dortmund trio down that flank - but it all evaporated after the Greeks organized.  There was no plan at that point - everything was long and mostly hopeful that Lewandowski could come up with something on his own.  They really struggled once the Greeks settled in to a 4 man defense and 4 man midfield.

We all saw what Russia is capable of.  I was actually surprised at the lapse they had in the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half - when the Czechs looked their best.  It just seems like the russians are capable of losing the plot at any time during a game - and their old defensive issues can come back.

I like Russia in this game for the right reasons.  Im not on them because they won the first game and Poland looked mediocre - I am on them because I liked Russia pre-tournament - and nothing I have seen has made me change my mind.  I realize this could be seen as a "square" bet - but so be it - I just see a major advantage all over the field with a Russian team in full form.  Once again - would Poland have even qualified for this tournament if they werent hosting?  I dont think so.

Im going to take Russia to win outright, and forego the PK handicap on this one.  I see goals here - and Im willing to go for it.  Russia +142 risking 3 units.  Most likely result Russia 2-0.

10.  Czech / Greece - Greece looked great in playing from behind, and were somewhat unlucky to not win against Poland.  Greece really flipped the switch when Salpingidis came in at HT - he was the spark that they needed.  The typically organized Greeks were nowhere to be found in the first 30 minutes - playing horrendous 15 yard gap zig zag back lines that led to chance after chance for Poland.

Greek starting central defender Avram Papadopolous ruptured his ACL after 15 minutes - but stayed in the game for another 20 or so.  But he is out.  Sokratis (im not going to butcher his last name) is also on the bench because of suspension.  But you might argue that they were better without these 2 guys - the loss of Papadolpolous is a big one - on a side that plays out of the back like the Greeks do - he is the quarterback.

The Czechs lost their way against Russia.  They were destroyed at their own game - the quick counterattack.  Russia got out early and when the Czechs tried to change tactics - it just didnt work for them.  Russias pressure on the ball turned it over way too much - Rosicky was pushed back and back by Russia - almost to the point where he was invisible.  Once Hubschman was brought in as a sub - they worked much better together - but the task was too tall at that point.

I see the Czechs getting back to what they do - counterattacking - which is exactly what the Greeks do as well.  Hubschman should start - and take the pressure off of Rosicky so that he can sit in a more offensive position.

Im going to be on the Czechs at Pk and -.5 +108 for 1.5 units.  I could easily see a low scoring draw here - so I feel like covering half of the wager on a draw is smart.  Czechs find a way to get it done - most likely result Czech 1-0.

Thank you sir.  Russia preview is now up.

No thoughts on Columbia Ecuador - not enough time!!

Thanks Hugh.  Lucky run - just hope it continues.

Quote Originally Posted by deserted:

what a playa! nice job! Somehow you made soccer fun to watch...

Thank you.  It is always fun to watch.  It just takes some understanding - and it becomes quite interesting...

Quote Originally Posted by jmw59:

still in the money bro with a chance for a big upcoming payday.

nice job per usual in the realm of futbol.

Thanks dude.  Tomorrow is a big one. 

Quote Originally Posted by SwishSwish1234:

I have this really bad feeling that we won't even score tomorrow, Just took a look at the team totals on pinnacle and England's TT is 0.5 and 1. 

The only hope i have is if the French have a Holland day and it end's up 0-0, Woy will rather take a 1-0 defeat over a 4-3 defeat because that's just who he is, Ask Liverpool fans. 

BOL Van

Sad to say - I agree on all counts.  My heart is with England - Nobody besides USA that I root for more - but this side is headed for tough times.....

GL Swish.

Quote Originally Posted by Ktrain:

Awesome start Van! 

Here is to continued success and good fortune!

Thanks. Tomorrow will be a big factor....

Thanks.  I dont dismiss Swedens chances at all tomorrow - wouldnt surprise me at all if they won.

Thanks Mom.  I always knew I would make you proud.

reposted together for clarity.....

Results:
6-1
+8.36 units

8. Ukraine / Sweden - This is the first game in the tournament that I think should be wide open with a lot of chances on goal. I will be on the over 2 -126 for 3 units. Most likely result Ukraine 3 Sweden 1.

9. Poland / Russia - Poland came out strong - and played a great first 30 minutes against the Greeks. And then the wall started crumbling. Piece by piece - the Greeks fought their way back in to the game - even after losing a man unjustly. When it was 10 on 11, Poland were at their worst.

Poland abused the right side in that period - overlapping and overwhelming the Greeks with the Dortmund trio down that flank - but it all evaporated after the Greeks organized. There was no plan at that point - everything was long and mostly hopeful that Lewandowski could come up with something on his own. They really struggled once the Greeks settled in to a 4 man defense and 4 man midfield.

We all saw what Russia is capable of. I was actually surprised at the lapse they had in the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half - when the Czechs looked their best. It just seems like the russians are capable of losing the plot at any time during a game - and their old defensive issues can come back.

I like Russia in this game for the right reasons. Im not on them because they won the first game and Poland looked mediocre - I am on them because I liked Russia pre-tournament - and nothing I have seen has made me change my mind. I realize this could be seen as a "square" bet - but so be it - I just see a major advantage all over the field with a Russian team in full form. Once again - would Poland have even qualified for this tournament if they werent hosting? I dont think so.

Im going to take Russia to win outright, and forego the PK handicap on this one. I see goals here - and Im willing to go for it. Russia +142 risking 3 units. Most likely result Russia 2-0.

10. Czech / Greece - Greece looked great in playing from behind, and were somewhat unlucky to not win against Poland. Greece really flipped the switch when Salpingidis came in at HT - he was the spark that they needed. The typically organized Greeks were nowhere to be found in the first 30 minutes - playing horrendous 15 yard gap zig zag back lines that led to chance after chance for Poland.

Greek starting central defender Avram Papadopolous ruptured his ACL after 15 minutes - but stayed in the game for another 20 or so. But he is out. Sokratis (im not going to butcher his last name) is also on the bench because of suspension. But you might argue that they were better without these 2 guys - the loss of Papadolpolous is a big one - on a side that plays out of the back like the Greeks do - he is the quarterback.

The Czechs lost their way against Russia. They were destroyed at their own game - the quick counterattack. Russia got out early and when the Czechs tried to change tactics - it just didnt work for them. Russias pressure on the ball turned it over way too much - Rosicky was pushed back and back by Russia - almost to the point where he was invisible. Once Hubschman was brought in as a sub - they worked much better together - but the task was too tall at that point.

I see the Czechs getting back to what they do - counterattacking - which is exactly what the Greeks do as well. Hubschman should start - and take the pressure off of Rosicky so that he can sit in a more offensive position.

Im going to be on the Czechs at Pk and -.5 +108 for 1.5 units. I could easily see a low scoring draw here - so I feel like covering half of the wager on a draw is smart. Czechs find a way to get it done - most likely result Czech 1-0.

Thanks.  But wait til I start losing....

Then the shitstorm will begin.