Portugal pk, -126 (2 units)
This is a meaningless game for Portugal, as they already qualified, so they will be resting their starters. However, this gives the bench players a chance to prove themselves and the Portugese bench are no slouches. With players like Nani, Quaresma and Almedia most likely getting the start today. Without Frei, the Swiss don't have much on attack and will struggle to put the ball in the net today. While a draw is a very real possibility, I don't see Portugal losing this outright as they want to keep momentum going into the KO round, and Scolari is not a coach that will have his team take it easy or just lay down, regardless of the personnel on the field.
This is a meaningless game for Portugal, as they already qualified, so they will be resting their starters. However, this gives the bench players a chance to prove themselves and the Portugese bench are no slouches. With players like Nani, Quaresma and Almedia most likely getting the start today. Without Frei, the Swiss don't have much on attack and will struggle to put the ball in the net today. While a draw is a very real possibility, I don't see Portugal losing this outright as they want to keep momentum going into the KO round, and Scolari is not a coach that will have his team take it easy or just lay down, regardless of the personnel on the field.
I can't believe that Czech game! How do you blow a 2-0 lead with only 20 minutes left in a soccer game! This isn't hockey where 2 goal deficits get erased all the time! This ranks as the biggest moose jobs of all time, the bad beat to end all bad beats. It doesn't get any worse than this, that's for sure. Top it off, Portugal shit the bed. And they also did it late in the game too!
Rough day today guys, really rough. Can't believe the meltdown in that Czech game, going to have to watch a replay of it somewhere.
So, what could have been at worse a 1-0-1 day today, what should have been no less than a 1-1 day turns out into a 0-2 day, with a loss of 5.52 units. Tough. :sad3:
We'll try again tomorrow.
Rough day today guys, really rough. Can't believe the meltdown in that Czech game, going to have to watch a replay of it somewhere.
So, what could have been at worse a 1-0-1 day today, what should have been no less than a 1-1 day turns out into a 0-2 day, with a loss of 5.52 units. Tough. :sad3:
We'll try again tomorrow.
Record: 12-6-3, -3.42 units
Rough day yesterday with that unbelievable Czech comeback. Things like that happen very rarely, last time I saw something like that was the 2005 Champs League final where Liverpool came back to score 3 unanswered to ties AC Milan and eventually win the championship. Anyways, on to today:
Germany -1, -145 (4 units)
Last time these two teams met was a friendly match played in Vienna with Germany winning by a comfortable 3/0 margin. With Germany needing at least a draw in this game to advance, I expect a similar outcome here. Furthermore, Germany needs to redeem themselves after that piss poor showing against Croatia. I think we are going to see a very motivated Germany going for the kill early and not let up. They need to prove themselves once again, and this is the game to do it. I just don't see how Austria is going to hang in this game at all, they needed a gift wrapped penalty to tie the Poles. They had chances in that game as well, but we saw how they just lack that finishing touch. Germany should roll in this one.
I've also got a future riding on this bet as well, Austria under 2.5 for the tourney. This should cash, as I don't see them getting 2 goals against Germany today.
Poland pk, -110 (1 unit)
Going very light on this one. Craotia is through to the KO round as winners, so they have nothing to play for. Poland still has a mathematical chance to advance, but they require Austria to beat Germany, which will not happen and they know it. Still, they will want to go out in the tourney with a bang, and with Croatia not focusing on this game, they very well could. We saw what happened when the bench comes in to play with Portugal yesterday. I see a similar result, but going light on this one.
Rough day yesterday with that unbelievable Czech comeback. Things like that happen very rarely, last time I saw something like that was the 2005 Champs League final where Liverpool came back to score 3 unanswered to ties AC Milan and eventually win the championship. Anyways, on to today:
Germany -1, -145 (4 units)
Last time these two teams met was a friendly match played in Vienna with Germany winning by a comfortable 3/0 margin. With Germany needing at least a draw in this game to advance, I expect a similar outcome here. Furthermore, Germany needs to redeem themselves after that piss poor showing against Croatia. I think we are going to see a very motivated Germany going for the kill early and not let up. They need to prove themselves once again, and this is the game to do it. I just don't see how Austria is going to hang in this game at all, they needed a gift wrapped penalty to tie the Poles. They had chances in that game as well, but we saw how they just lack that finishing touch. Germany should roll in this one.
I've also got a future riding on this bet as well, Austria under 2.5 for the tourney. This should cash, as I don't see them getting 2 goals against Germany today.
Poland pk, -110 (1 unit)
Going very light on this one. Craotia is through to the KO round as winners, so they have nothing to play for. Poland still has a mathematical chance to advance, but they require Austria to beat Germany, which will not happen and they know it. Still, they will want to go out in the tourney with a bang, and with Croatia not focusing on this game, they very well could. We saw what happened when the bench comes in to play with Portugal yesterday. I see a similar result, but going light on this one.
Thanks Tiger, I'm sure it will. 
Record: 13-7-4, -2.42 units
Went 1-1-1 yesterday, winning my Austria under 2.5 goals for tourney bet, losing Poland pk and pushing Germany -1 for a +1 unit come up. On to today:
Italy pk, -117 (2 units)
Today is the toughest day of capping this tournament. But I really like Italy in this spot. France have not impressed me one bit, Italy got robbed against Romania on that Toni non-goal (which the ref admits he screwed up) With 2 questionable calls against Italy in this tourney, I wonder if the refs might give the Italians a bit of help here. France with no Zidane have no cohesion, also there is a rift in the French lockerroom. Fights have been taking place (Makalele and Benzema were going after one another, and Ribery had a fight with Nasri) It's clear that Domenech has lost control of this team, and I just cant trust France in this spot. I think we are going to see a clear Italy in here.
Record: 13-7-4, -2.42 units
Went 1-1-1 yesterday, winning my Austria under 2.5 goals for tourney bet, losing Poland pk and pushing Germany -1 for a +1 unit come up. On to today:
Italy pk, -117 (2 units)
Today is the toughest day of capping this tournament. But I really like Italy in this spot. France have not impressed me one bit, Italy got robbed against Romania on that Toni non-goal (which the ref admits he screwed up) With 2 questionable calls against Italy in this tourney, I wonder if the refs might give the Italians a bit of help here. France with no Zidane have no cohesion, also there is a rift in the French lockerroom. Fights have been taking place (Makalele and Benzema were going after one another, and Ribery had a fight with Nasri) It's clear that Domenech has lost control of this team, and I just cant trust France in this spot. I think we are going to see a clear Italy in here.
Romania pk, -124 (2 units)
Conspiracy theories are flying with regards to this game. Will Holland throw the game to send France and Italy packing? Van Basten has claimed he will not lay down and just roll over. But what is for sure is that he will be playing his bench in this game. On the other side, Romania know that, while they have the advantage in advancing, they are on fragile footing. To determine an outcome, you have to look at motivation and Romania is clearly the more motivated team. No one thought that Romania would make it out of the group of death, and today they have a huge chance to prove themselves. Mutu will be fired up for this game, wanting to redeem himself after that pk miss at the end of the Italy game. The only question mark is Romania's ability to score (only 1 goal this tournament, and they haven't really showed much of an offensive threat IMHO). Still, you have to go with the motivated team, I really don't see anything worse than a draw in this one.
Conspiracy theories are flying with regards to this game. Will Holland throw the game to send France and Italy packing? Van Basten has claimed he will not lay down and just roll over. But what is for sure is that he will be playing his bench in this game. On the other side, Romania know that, while they have the advantage in advancing, they are on fragile footing. To determine an outcome, you have to look at motivation and Romania is clearly the more motivated team. No one thought that Romania would make it out of the group of death, and today they have a huge chance to prove themselves. Mutu will be fired up for this game, wanting to redeem himself after that pk miss at the end of the Italy game. The only question mark is Romania's ability to score (only 1 goal this tournament, and they haven't really showed much of an offensive threat IMHO). Still, you have to go with the motivated team, I really don't see anything worse than a draw in this one.
Rumors say MVB was promised the keys for Milan in the near future following success today vs Romania..
I have found that line posted on another forum,nt sure how reliable it is
but it has been already said that MVB has changed his mind and not going to play as you assume with team b here.
<TABLE class=msgContainer cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=msgSub id=msgLineSub118022416 style="WIDTH: 90%" align=right bgColor=#f4f4f4><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center align=right></TD><TD class=msgDateCon align=left>17/06/08 15:36</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="10%"> </TD><TD style="WIDTH: 90%" align=right><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right><TABLE class=fixedTbl style="WIDTH: 100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
[ 4-1-3-2 ]
Edwin van der Sar
Mario Melchiot
Johnny Heitinga
Joris Mathijsen
Giovanni v. Bronckhorst
Demy de Zeeuw
Orlando Engelaar
Dirk Kuyt
Rafael van der Vaart
Wesley Sneijder
Klaas Jan Huntelaar</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
This is the line posted,how reliable is it not sure..but I am on the other side here..i back Italy to qualify and Holland +0.25 today,imo Holland won't lose and momentum on their side,i think you have said it yourself..Romania scored just once in 2 games while the Dutch did so 7 times against same teams not to mention the dutch depth which is far better than the one on the Romanian side.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
GL with Italy..and draw will be good for me here too but i rather see the Dutch win once again
I have found that line posted on another forum,nt sure how reliable it is
but it has been already said that MVB has changed his mind and not going to play as you assume with team b here.
<TABLE class=msgContainer cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=msgSub id=msgLineSub118022416 style="WIDTH: 90%" align=right bgColor=#f4f4f4><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center align=right></TD><TD class=msgDateCon align=left>17/06/08 15:36</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="10%"> </TD><TD style="WIDTH: 90%" align=right><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right><TABLE class=fixedTbl style="WIDTH: 100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
[ 4-1-3-2 ]
Edwin van der Sar
Mario Melchiot
Johnny Heitinga
Joris Mathijsen
Giovanni v. Bronckhorst
Demy de Zeeuw
Orlando Engelaar
Dirk Kuyt
Rafael van der Vaart
Wesley Sneijder
Klaas Jan Huntelaar</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
This is the line posted,how reliable is it not sure..but I am on the other side here..i back Italy to qualify and Holland +0.25 today,imo Holland won't lose and momentum on their side,i think you have said it yourself..Romania scored just once in 2 games while the Dutch did so 7 times against same teams not to mention the dutch depth which is far better than the one on the Romanian side.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
GL with Italy..and draw will be good for me here too but i rather see the Dutch win once again
We went 1-1 today, Italy did what I expected, but I guess the question marks regarding Romanias offence came to fruition, as even Holland's B team outclassed them by a mile. Watch out for the Dutch, they are the real deal this time around.
So, 1-1 day today with a loss of .48 units. We'll get back on the horse tomorrow.
So, 1-1 day today with a loss of .48 units. We'll get back on the horse tomorrow.
Record: 14-8-4, -2.9 units
Here are my picks for today:
Spain -0.5, -135 (2 units)
Don't let the fact that the Spanish bench will be playing this game fool you. The Spanish bench still outclasses the Greeks by a mile. The Greeks have had an awful tournament and have been one of the worst teams to watch. They don't play offense at all, and this has completely backfired. The Spanish bench want to prove themselves for coach Aragones and I think we'll see that they will. Spain also wants to follow in Croatia and Holland's footsteps and end the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record. The simple fact here is that on the pitch Spain has the better team today, and I see nothing other than a clear Spain win to close out the group stage.
Russia/Sweden over 2, -125 (2 units)
I see alot of cappers like the under in this game, but I like the opposite instead. Russia plays a very offensive style of game, and with Arashavin back for this one he will be partnering with Pogrebnyak, this makes Russia very dangerous up front. Sweden only need a draw so I think we are going to see the Russians with most of the possession and most of the chances to score. This will also give the Swedes counter attacking chances. The first goal will open this game up, and with Larsson and Ibrahimovic up front (even if Ibrahimovic is a bit injured) , Sweden is more than capable of putting at least one goal in the net.
Here are my picks for today:
Spain -0.5, -135 (2 units)
Don't let the fact that the Spanish bench will be playing this game fool you. The Spanish bench still outclasses the Greeks by a mile. The Greeks have had an awful tournament and have been one of the worst teams to watch. They don't play offense at all, and this has completely backfired. The Spanish bench want to prove themselves for coach Aragones and I think we'll see that they will. Spain also wants to follow in Croatia and Holland's footsteps and end the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record. The simple fact here is that on the pitch Spain has the better team today, and I see nothing other than a clear Spain win to close out the group stage.
Russia/Sweden over 2, -125 (2 units)
I see alot of cappers like the under in this game, but I like the opposite instead. Russia plays a very offensive style of game, and with Arashavin back for this one he will be partnering with Pogrebnyak, this makes Russia very dangerous up front. Sweden only need a draw so I think we are going to see the Russians with most of the possession and most of the chances to score. This will also give the Swedes counter attacking chances. The first goal will open this game up, and with Larsson and Ibrahimovic up front (even if Ibrahimovic is a bit injured) , Sweden is more than capable of putting at least one goal in the net.
Record:15-8-5, -0.9 units
Went 1-0-1 yesterday, another late game goal by Spain cashes my Spain win bet. How that Russia game didn't go over is beyond me, Russia could have easily scored 5 goals in that game. Anyways, groups are done, now we are into the thick of things. Here's what I'm taking today:
Portugal to advance, -138 (3 units)
Portugal has been flat out a better team than Germany in this tourney. Forget about the last game against the Swiss, they played terrific soccer when all their starters were playing. Germany started off good with a 2/0 win over Poland, but they looked awful against Croatia and against Austria, who they should have routed. Now, this is soccer so anything can happen, but I see Portugal getting to the semis here. Germany's defence has been questionable, and today they will face a real test, having to contain C. Ronaldo and Deco. Also, Lehman has been iffy in net lately and that is not good news. Finally, German coach Low will be forced to watch this game from the stands and that doesn;t help.
Went 1-0-1 yesterday, another late game goal by Spain cashes my Spain win bet. How that Russia game didn't go over is beyond me, Russia could have easily scored 5 goals in that game. Anyways, groups are done, now we are into the thick of things. Here's what I'm taking today:
Portugal to advance, -138 (3 units)
Portugal has been flat out a better team than Germany in this tourney. Forget about the last game against the Swiss, they played terrific soccer when all their starters were playing. Germany started off good with a 2/0 win over Poland, but they looked awful against Croatia and against Austria, who they should have routed. Now, this is soccer so anything can happen, but I see Portugal getting to the semis here. Germany's defence has been questionable, and today they will face a real test, having to contain C. Ronaldo and Deco. Also, Lehman has been iffy in net lately and that is not good news. Finally, German coach Low will be forced to watch this game from the stands and that doesn;t help.
Well, this was a great game. Unfortunately on the wrong side in this one. Bit of a stinger.
Lost 3 bets today: Portugal to advance and 2 futures, C. Ronaldo over 2.5 goals and Portugal to win tourney.
So, an 0-3 day for a loss of 6.16 units.
Updated record: 15-11-5, -7.06 units
We'll try again tomorrow
Lost 3 bets today: Portugal to advance and 2 futures, C. Ronaldo over 2.5 goals and Portugal to win tourney.
So, an 0-3 day for a loss of 6.16 units.
Updated record: 15-11-5, -7.06 units
We'll try again tomorrow
Record: 15-11-5, -7.06 units
Here's what I like today:
Croatia -0.5, -120 (3 units)
Turkey shocked the world in their last group match, coming back from a 2/0 deficit with only 15 minutes remaining to win the ame 3/2. One has to wonder how much that took out of Turkey emotionally. It was a great comeback, but I saw the replay of the last 15 minutes and to be honest, alot of that comeback had to do with Czech mistakes. Clearly, the second goal was scored due to a rare mistake by Cech. Had he made that routine save, would Turkey be in this position? Anyways, I think Turkey's small run is coming to an end today. Croatia plays much tighter defence than the Czech republic did, so I don't think we are going to see many mistakes on their backend. Since they played a so-so game against Austria in the first game, Croatia has been playing some really good soccer. Srna, Olic, Petric and Corluca have had an excellent tournament so far. Turkey also has some injury and suspension problems that they will have to deal with, especially Aurellio, which leaves a big gap in midfield. Also most likely missing for Turkey: Demirel (GK - suspension), Gungor (calf), Cetin (hip and knee), Bezogolu (groin) and Metin (groin). With the injuries/suspensions to Turkey and their somewhat iffy defence I can't see Turkey winning this game.
Here's what I like today:
Croatia -0.5, -120 (3 units)
Turkey shocked the world in their last group match, coming back from a 2/0 deficit with only 15 minutes remaining to win the ame 3/2. One has to wonder how much that took out of Turkey emotionally. It was a great comeback, but I saw the replay of the last 15 minutes and to be honest, alot of that comeback had to do with Czech mistakes. Clearly, the second goal was scored due to a rare mistake by Cech. Had he made that routine save, would Turkey be in this position? Anyways, I think Turkey's small run is coming to an end today. Croatia plays much tighter defence than the Czech republic did, so I don't think we are going to see many mistakes on their backend. Since they played a so-so game against Austria in the first game, Croatia has been playing some really good soccer. Srna, Olic, Petric and Corluca have had an excellent tournament so far. Turkey also has some injury and suspension problems that they will have to deal with, especially Aurellio, which leaves a big gap in midfield. Also most likely missing for Turkey: Demirel (GK - suspension), Gungor (calf), Cetin (hip and knee), Bezogolu (groin) and Metin (groin). With the injuries/suspensions to Turkey and their somewhat iffy defence I can't see Turkey winning this game.
Another day another loss. That was a crazy ending to the game, I'll tell you that. Anyone on Croatia to advance, you just got the bad beat to end all bad beats. I thought the one I took on the Czechs was bad, that was absolutely brutal! :monsters-
Anyways, went 0-2 today, with Croatia -0.5 losing and my Croatia to win tourney bet is done, for a loss of 4.10 units.
Overall record: 15-13-5, -11.16 units. Sorry guys, the wheels have definitely come off for me this tournament. Anyways, I'm adding one more future:
Turkey to win tournament +1200 (0.5 units)
This might be a foolish bet, but I already have Germany to win the whole thing, and after seeing what Turkey did in 2 straight games to win like that, this just might be a team of destiny. I do feel Germany will crush Turkey in the semis, but this just seems like it could be a team of destiny. At +1200, I feel this has tons of value and I've already dropped enough this tourney, so fuck it may as well go for it.
Strong lean on tomorrow's over as well. I'll be posting my play later.
Anyways, went 0-2 today, with Croatia -0.5 losing and my Croatia to win tourney bet is done, for a loss of 4.10 units.
Overall record: 15-13-5, -11.16 units. Sorry guys, the wheels have definitely come off for me this tournament. Anyways, I'm adding one more future:
Turkey to win tournament +1200 (0.5 units)
This might be a foolish bet, but I already have Germany to win the whole thing, and after seeing what Turkey did in 2 straight games to win like that, this just might be a team of destiny. I do feel Germany will crush Turkey in the semis, but this just seems like it could be a team of destiny. At +1200, I feel this has tons of value and I've already dropped enough this tourney, so fuck it may as well go for it.
Strong lean on tomorrow's over as well. I'll be posting my play later.
Record: 15-13-5, -11.16 units
<o
></o>Need to stop the bleeding. Hope it happens today.
Holland/Russia over 2.5, -108 (5 units)<o></o>
This is the biggest bet on a single game for me so far this tournament. I feel extremely confident with this play. Both the Dutch and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Russia</st1lace></st1:country-region> play offensive styles, so we should see some end to end action today. The Dutch have been lighting it up this tournament, scoring 3 against <st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region>, 4 against <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> and 2 against <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Romania</st1lace></st1:country-region>. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Russia</st1lace></st1:country-region> hasn’t had as many goals, but they have had a ton of chances. They were able to expose a decent Swedish defence and the 2/0 score could have been a lot more. With Arashavin back and a game under his belt, he will be the main danger on the Russian squad. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Russia</st1:country-region>’s defence is not that great (as we saw with a 4/1 ass whipping by <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Spain</st1lace></st1:country-region>), and should get exposed here early by this offensive minded Dutch squad.. The game will open up and from then the goals should start coming. I see at least a 2/1 game, probably in favor of the Dutch, but as we saw yesterday, anything can happen so I’ll stick to the over here.
<o
></o>Need to stop the bleeding. Hope it happens today.Holland/Russia over 2.5, -108 (5 units)<o
></o>This is the biggest bet on a single game for me so far this tournament. I feel extremely confident with this play. Both the Dutch and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1
lace w:st="on">Russia</st1lace></st1:country-region> play offensive styles, so we should see some end to end action today. The Dutch have been lighting it up this tournament, scoring 3 against <st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region>, 4 against <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> and 2 against <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Romania</st1lace></st1:country-region>. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Russia</st1lace></st1:country-region> hasn’t had as many goals, but they have had a ton of chances. They were able to expose a decent Swedish defence and the 2/0 score could have been a lot more. With Arashavin back and a game under his belt, he will be the main danger on the Russian squad. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Russia</st1:country-region>’s defence is not that great (as we saw with a 4/1 ass whipping by <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Spain</st1lace></st1:country-region>), and should get exposed here early by this offensive minded Dutch squad.. The game will open up and from then the goals should start coming. I see at least a 2/1 game, probably in favor of the Dutch, but as we saw yesterday, anything can happen so I’ll stick to the over here.Record: 15-14-5, -16.56 units
Only 2 goals in 90 minutes, then they get 2 in the extra 30 minutes. Another loss.
This tourney has turned into a disaster for me. Sorry to those who may have followed. Taking the day off, might even be taking the rest of the tournament off and just ride my futures. So, no bet for me on today's game, anything can happen, and I need a break.
Go Italy today though, they are my team and I have them to win it all, so I'll be cheering.
Only 2 goals in 90 minutes, then they get 2 in the extra 30 minutes. Another loss.
This tourney has turned into a disaster for me. Sorry to those who may have followed. Taking the day off, might even be taking the rest of the tournament off and just ride my futures. So, no bet for me on today's game, anything can happen, and I need a break.
Go Italy today though, they are my team and I have them to win it all, so I'll be cheering.
