The second round in Group C could decide the future of some EURO 2008 favorites. After not too shinny form against Romania France will face the team who has showed the best football at EURO 2008 so far. Van Basten’s team impressed against Italy and now have a chance to qualify for quarterfinals after just two rounds.
If you try to make a team of the first round I bet that you will pick up the most players from Oranje squad. At first some experienced players like Van Bronckhorst and Van der Sar have a became a real leaders on the pitch and directly had influence on result. Van Bronckhorst showed his huge potential in counterattacks, experienced goalkeeper saved a Pirlo’s shoot and make opportunity for counter attack which resulted with goal. On the other hand Sneijder, Van Nistelrooy and Kuyt have done huge job in offensive tasks, while Boulahrouz was great in defense and he is the reason why (besides Van Der Sar) Italians didn’t score. Obviously, Van Basten made a powerfull team and know his decision to count on younger players at Germany 2006 has a real weight. All his criticizers know are without any negative comment. However, another though task is in front them and we will see is the match against actual World Champions just an occasion.
Runner-ups from the last World Cup didn’t impress in their the first appearance at EURO 2008. France team was just the shadow of the power full team who took silver spot at Germany two years ago. It was obvious against Romanians that they don’t have a idea how to make pressure and chances in attack. In my opinion problem is in the mid-field where their creativity is stopped with explicit tasks which every player has to do. Controversial Domenech’s decision sometimes make all team confused. I believe that his future on France bench is on question mark. Only some huge changes in heads of his players could take back France team on the position where they deserved. Huge quality is dropped down due to some astrological aspects that Domenech uses. The most of players are unsatisfied with positions in the team and it is hard to believe that they could give their best in these circumstances.
As you can conclude I will go with Oranje here. It is hard to bet against the France team, but without form they just have names which will build up the bookmaker’s odds. I will try to use this opportunity, but in the same time stake could stay in some lower level. Bet 6 on Netherlands against France with PaddyPower at 2.75
Netherlands- France
Austria - Croatia
I just a red this list of missing players at EURO 2008. I completely agree and I just want to add Alexander Frei Swiss attacker, who started the match against Czech Republic, but was injured and replaced. He won't be able to play again at EURO 2008 at his own country. Bad Luck!
Enjoy EURO 2008!
0-1 Luka Modric (pen) 4
Austria - Croatia
Austria will start EURO 2008 competition as one of the hosts at Ernst Happel stadium at Vienna. Their rival will be one of the favorites from the shadow – Croatia. Due to the fact that the bad result in first round will mount huge pressure on the defeated side, this match could decide a lot of about qualification in the next stage.
The domestic team is one of the outsiders on the tournament. As hosts they haven’t qualification worries, but in the same time they have missed opportunity to build team during previous two years. Bad results in friendly matches don’t leave to much hope to domestic supporters. Lack of good results on the big scene in previous two or three decades have made fans impatient and they are full of desire to improve their football ratings. But, their squad doesn’t have enough quality for some better results. It is hard to believe that Austria could find way to qualify in the next stage. Opposite I believe that they will have a problem to collect single point here. The group rivals aren’t only reason for my opinion. The main reason why I think they are without chances is atmosphere in the team and lack of discipline in their camp. There are a lot of rumors in the media about problems that coach Hickelberger has to build some smaller level of discipline. Some players behave as Brazilian superstars these days, even though their football names don’t have any weight. However, support from the standings will be only hope for domestic team.
On the other hand visitors will have a huge crowd on this match too. There are two reasons for that. At first, Vienna is just a couple of hours away from Croatia. Secondly, the football atmosphere in Croatia is too hot in last couple of years and supporters will be motivated to find way to watch their team. Euro 2008 could be a peak in the form of Croatia squad who eliminated England in the last round of qualification. The third place at World Cup 1998 and some fantastic result after that have built huge ambitions for EURO 2008. Pressure and expectations are high, but Slaven Bilic already has shown that he knows how to prepare team for big matches. Experience on big scene is the one of the advantages of Croatia team. Technical skills are the second area where visitors are superior. Team spirit and atmosphere are the third, so I believe in easy victory of Croatia team.
Odds for Croatia victory are pretty high due to Austria is one of the hosts. I think that you should use it and try with Croatia victory. For braver punters my suggestion is to try with -1,5 asian handicap. However, I will stay with clear victory at 1.91 with PaddyPower stake 8.
