Euro 2012 by Jose Mourinho

TheSpecialOne · Jun 7, 2012

First off, some Future bets

Karim Benzema to be tournament top scorer

The young man had an outstanding season under me this year, he has begun to master the position of spear pointing an offense. In a group of Ukraine England and Sweeden, you can almost guarantee a goal each. My one concern is he will probably not take penalties, he could get a crack at a free kick or two, but the fact he will not take spot kicks could lessen his chances. He also could struggle for service at times, but Karim is very good at creating his own shot, he will make many opportunities, and he will convert effortlessly on most. He has looked sharp so far in the friendlies with France. Unless he hurts himself, I can't see him not continuing his goal scoring through the month of June. Keep in mind he was blanked in Euros08 and missed out with back problems in South Africa, So his international coming out party is long overdue.
I have successfuly predicted the top goal bagger in 2007 with Robinho in Copa America for Brazil and Diego Forlan for Uruguay two summers ago in South Africa. I like Mario Gomez for Germany and Cristiano always poscesses the talents to go goal crazy, but something about Karim and France i like to surprise people this summer. I suggest a casual bet.
+1300 (13/1)

Poland to Win Group A

Robert Lewandowki is the real deal. Probably the best player right now in this group, he can propel his team easily into the Quarters by bagging some goals. You add into the fact that this team is playing at home, I have to feel Poland is the clear favorite in this group. Lets look at the competition…Russia? Extremely over-rated believe me, and we will benefit because of the way the books see it. Greece? No way these big oafs do a thing, no way, believe me. Poland wins this group. They have played very well in the three prep friendlies, winning 1-0, 1-0, and 4-0. Not much experience in this Poland team, but they are young, they are fast, they are fit. Poland should win this group. I suggest a casual bet.
+245

Wesley Sneijder to Score (6/9/12 v Denmark)

Its no surprise I think highly of Sneijder. He was one of my favorite players at Inter Milan and has grown to be the true engine for the Dutch. We will continue to the pull the strings in the Netherlands attack for a full 90 minutes, taking every free kick situation in the process. Penalties will likely go to van persie or robben, but Wesley could very well score a free kick as well as robben can sink a penalty…wink wink (see Robbens important penalty attempts for Bayern Munich this year)
Besides the obvious that Sneijder is a great player, the young man will be playing on his 28th birthday. He did the same on his 24th birthday 4 years ago against Italy at the 2008 Euros, and in South Africa 2 summers ago, he enjoyed exceptional form the whole month of June. Next to Iker Casillas for Spain, Sneijder is one of the most important players in the tournament. Expect him to score on his birthday. I suggest a casual bet.

Odds TBA

Will be back tonight with my thoughts on the two opening matches tomorrow.

TheSpecialOne · Jun 7, 2012

Friday 6-8-12

Friday 6-8-12

Poland v Greece

My original diagnosis for this game would be a tight, hard fought battle for both teams, and would have originally elected to have a go at the under total. But after watching both teams in the friendlies leading up to the tournament, it is not hard to see who is in better form and for Poland to start off with a win in this tournament would be huge. The co host will face Greece in the opener, a Greek team who won this tournament back in 2004, how? who knows. I recall being laid up on a beach somewhere relaxing after my first champions league trophy watching the Greeks lift there own trophy. The team has become lazy after enjoying that success 8 years ago.
Poland, a far hungrier team, will come out and attack from the first whistle. Jakub Blaszcykowski is a good leader for the Polish, and has called this game "the most important games of their lives". The Greeks lost there opener in Euros08 against Sweeden and the opener for the World Cup against South Korea in 2010. I expect the trend to continue, as the Greeks do not have enough to win this game. Poland squeak by 1-0.
Poland (EVEN) (1 Unit)

Russia v Czech Republic

Russia was one of the surprises in 2008. Losing to the eventual champions Spain in the semis, their run was enough to put Russia on the map as a power house in European football. I like a few players Russia have like Arshavin, Zhirkov, and Denisov. I also like the Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, although he is still a question mark for tonights match, he should be able to go. Russia is a team that plays together with an all out attitude. Many of these players play domestically together, and it is very apparent in the cohesiveness on the pitch. I still believe the team is being overrated a bit by the bookies, and are not as strong as they were in 2008. Still, they have looked bright in the friendlies leading up to this match, noticeably the 3-0 win against Italy. The valuable experience this team has gained in the tournament 4 years ago, could play an important roll in their tournament hopes.
Czech Republics main doubt is with the fitness of the Galatasaray forward Milan Baros. The Euro2004 top goal scorer hurt himself in a friendly leading up to the tournament and has been out of training sense. He should still make an appearance tomorrow, likely off the bench in the second half. This wouldn't be the worst scenario for the Czechs, as Tomas Necid, the CSKA forward, is more than capable of filling his shoes in the center forward role. Czechs strongpoint resides in their goalkeeper, Peter Cech. Fresh off of winning the champions league with Chelsea, he will be in good form, and could be the difference maker.
Final thoughts are that both teams almost offset each other, maybe Russia having the slight advantage with the experience. I still think both teams will strive hard not to lose, as they both have upcoming matches against the host country, Poland. They might end up settling for the draw before they even know it. I see Russia scoring first and Necid leveling it up for Czech to make it a 1-1 game.
Russia v Czech Republic Draw +225 (0.5 Unit)