Iceman's Euro 2008 picks

[Icemantbi]

Record: 15-15-5, -17.56 units

Alright, going to try this one last time. With Italy getting bounced, my Italy future bet is done. Let's see how I can do today:

Germany -1, 142 (5 units)

This is another big bet for me on this game. I took Turkey to win the whole thing at +1200, so I will have some hedge if Turkey manages to pull off the upset. But I really don't think so. They have amazed me in the later stages of the tourney with their comebacks. But today, they are struggling to just field a team! No Tuncay, Nihat, Turan, Asik and starting goalie Demirel are all out, due to suspension or injury. The loss of Tuncay and Nihat are the worst losses however. Turkey has a big hole in Midfield that a deep German squad will tear apart all day. We saw what Germany did to Portugal, I expect a similar result here.

 

[Icemantbi]

Record: 15-16-6, -18.06 units

What a crazy game yesterday was. Guess I was happy to not lose anything on the Germany game. Germany played poorly though, they must have thought the game was a given beforehand. Lehmann was brutal too, that didn't help. Anyways, got the push yesterday, and Turkey was eliminated so my Turkey to win Euro bet is done (thought it was worth a shot at the price) On to today:

Spain/Russia over 2, -149 (3 units)

The first game between these two teams saw 5 goals scored (4-1 win for Spain) Don't let the Italy game fool you with regards to Spain's scoring ability, the Italians played defence for full 120 minutes (and it backfired on them in the end) Russia will play a more offensive style of game today, like they have done all tournament. This will lead to plenty of chances for Spain. On the other side, Arshavin has been one of the most impressive strikers of Euro. Russia will get their chances to score, and they should get at least one goal. In any event, I don't think this bet will be any worse than a push.

 

[Icemantbi]

Record:16-16-6, -15.06 units

Finally snapped my losing streak. Today we have the final. Here's my situation, I have 1 unit on Germany to win 4 from a future I put before the tournament. With the news that Ballack looks likely to play, I'm going to let it ride, for now at least. But I like this play for the game itself:

Germany/Spain over 2, -132 (2 units)

Usually, Finals are low scoring affairs but Germany and Spain are 2 teams that can put the ball in the back of the net. We witnessed how Germany and Spain seem to find a way to score with eas. The loss of David Villa doesn't hurt as much as people make out to be, as they were still able to score on the Russians after he came out of the game. German defence is shaky at times, and the Spanish could exploit that. Germany's game will be on the counter-attack, hopefully catching the Spanish on breaks. With Ballack in the lineup (as is expected) this gives the Germans that attacking midfield presence they have had, as well as a dangerous free kick taker. In any event, I see a couple goals in this game at least.

 

[Icemantbi]

IN GAME BETTING:

Spain to raise cup -415 (5 units)

 

[Icemantbi]

Final record: 17-18-6, -12.06 units

Congrats to Spain. After watching the first half, I just knew Spain was taking the cup. Germany was just outclassed today. Glad I hedged like I did. Was hoping Klose would score today to cash the over 2.5 goals bet, but he didn't show up, had an awful game I thought.

Well, this tourney was a disaster, almost all my futures went down in flames. The Germany to win group bet fucked me up royally, and I just couldn't recover from that. Next big event will be the Olympic Soccer tournament, hope that will reap better results.