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Euro 2012 Previews: Group B

Timothy Masters — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:17:47 +0000

I suppose getting through the entire post without using a cliché was pretty unlikely, but I’d have preferred to make it to the second sentence before using one. Thanks to the preamble I am able to, as it goes, but no further as we take a look at the official ‘group of death’ for this European Championship, and who may or may not Indiana Jones their way out to a brighter future and potential tournament win.

The Germans are favourites to win the group, at 6/5 with BoyleSports, and if you want value you’re better off going for the 3/1 VictorChandler has on them not making it out. Portugal and Holland are both well placed to compete, and Denmark are capable of beating the Germans, but I think they are right to be installed as most likely group winners, not least as the current squad is a great blend of experience and youthful talent.

SkyBet have the best odds on Holland winning the group, at 15/8, while BlueSquare have 9/2 on Portugal finishing top and VictorChandler offers a cracking 20/1 on Denmark coming first. Of the three I’d actually say Portugal and Holland are a bit closer than that, and the fact Real finished the league off early means some key men in the Portuguese side may well get an extra couple of weeks of rest, too.

For purely qualifying, there is not a lot of value on Germany and Holland at 2/7 and 1/2 respectively with PaddyPower, and of the two I’d say the Dutch are more likely to disappoint their fans and fail to progress. The 7/5 BoyleSports have on Portugal is more down to their opposition than any weakness, but the 6/1 on Denmark with VictorChandler would be a brave bet for any potential punters to consider, such is the quality they must face and the relatively short odds.

Pretty much the best odds anywhere around Group B are on Portugal and Denmark going through together, which VictorChandler will give you 40/1 on. Germany and Holland, at the other end of the scale are best priced at 11/10 with PaddyPower, so go wisely if you’re looking for bargains. Whatever you do, though, don’t miss any of the group as we could well see an eventual finalist taking part.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Euro 2012 Previews: Group B

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Holland

Timothy Masters — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:47:23 +0000

Despite being one of the greatest teams in the world on numerous occasions the Dutch national team remains less decorated than the English, or Uruguay and on a par with Greece and Denmark due to the incredible fact they have one just one solitary tournament in their history. The 1988 side that beat the USSR to take victory is probably not the greatest Holland has produced, but remains their most successful.

The current side only lost once in qualifying, but a fairly easy group may have slightly tempered the enthusiasm of the fans who never fail to light up an international tournament with the colourful presence. The last time there was no orange representation at a European Championship was in 1984, four years before their win, and they haven’t failed to make it out of a group in that time period either.

Robin van Persie will surely be a key man in the team’s efforts to progress in this tournament, having had a stellar season at Arsenal, and Wesley Sneijder is another man who will need to have a good time for the team to be a success. The Inter maestro can drift in and out of games, but has the ability to unlock defences and his vision, combined with the intelligence of van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s lethal finishing could well make for some great viewing.

This may also be a last chance for a few men, with the likes of Kuyt, van Bommel and Arjen Robben all key men approaching the end of their useful playing days, and when the Dutch finished 6^th in 2008 there was a definite feeling of underachievement. A difficult group won’t prevent the fans from expecting qualification, and if they can qualify for the quarters there isn’t much that Holland could meet there to make them worry, so a semi-final is a realistic minimum goal, with everything after that being entirely unpredictable.

The best price on the Holland side winning only their second major trophy is 7/1 with Bet365, and that seems pretty generous when set alongside the odds for the likes of Germany and Spain, but there is a slight feeling that Holland are a little bit fragile and lack some strength in depth. Personally they’re a team I love to watch, but would hate to be a fan of due to the stress and unpredictability, but they have the skills to win this competition.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Holland

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Denmark

Timothy Masters — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:45:00 +0000

Denmark are possibly the ultimate enigma in European football, going from ridiculous to sublime and then back again, but for a lot of people their 1992 victory was one of the great footballing moments. Having failed to qualify for the tournament in Sweden, the Danes were given a berth just ten days before it began due to international sanctions against Yugoslavia, and the team of Peter Schmeichel and Brian Laudrup went on to win in a shock not equalled until Greece in 2004.

In qualification Denmark were drawn with, among others, Portugal and Norway, meaning there were both challenging and highly-charged games, but they eventually finished as group winners, something which will give them some confidence given their group. Drawn alongside Germany, Holland and Portugal in the competition proper, the Danes will at least be pleased to know they have come out on top over the team of Ronaldo and co, and may only need to draw with either Germany or Holland to go through if they can beat the Portuguese.

The men to watch for Denmark are young and this tournament could come a little early for them, but Christian Eriksen in particular has become one of the hottest properties in Europe for his performances with Ajax in the last couple of years. Liverpool’s Daniel Agger will partner Simon Kjaer in defence, the latter back on track after a difficult spell in Germany, and the pair have the potential to be world-class.

After going from 16^th to 8^th in Euro 2000 and 2004 respectively the improvement seemed to stall with a failure to qualify for 2008, which will have hurt the fans a lot. It is worth noting that teams like Denmark, who are not always given a great draw are more susceptible to missing out, especially when a 16-team tournament has two positions taken by hosts, but it was still a bitter blow. This time around it is pretty certain the Danes will be cast as whipping-boys in Group B, with both Germany and Holland to deal with.

In terms of outsiders for this cup Denmark are right there with the Republic of Ireland as 100/1 with VictorChandler, and for some of the best members of the squad this will be competition aimed at learning more than achievement. With qualification being so tough, if they do make it out of the group the Danes will be in great spirit and could trouble their quarter-final opponenets.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Denmark

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Germany

Timothy Masters — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:42:55 +0000

The German side, as either Germany or West Germany is one of the greatest in terms of achievement, and the European Championship has been a happy historical hunting ground with three victories. They last won the competition in 1996, having won it in 1980 and 1972 before that, and the current team has a lot of German fans wondering if they could be looking at another group of potential champions this year.

Their qualification group was made to look absurdly easy as they finished with ten wins from ten games, only conceding seven goals in the process and scoring 34 along the way, and you have to go back more than 40 years for the last time they failed to get to the finals. One thing worth noting is that the presence of Bayern Munich in the Champions League final could have an impact on their preparation if injuries or fatigue become an issue.

The squad is laden with stars, but Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil is undoubtedly a key man in the current setup, and has the ability to unlock any side with his passing and vision. Alongside him the experience of Bastian Schweinsteiger will also be a big factor, while new Arsenal signing Lukas Podolski will want to add to his incredible 90-something caps at the tender age of 26. The likes of Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze are young stars who could end up as a big part of this campaign, but German fans seem to think a lot will rest on the form of their keeper, Manuel Neuer.

Last time out they reached the final, only to come up against the might of Spain, and for any team wishing to win it will be necessary to beat some very good sides. That starts early for the Germans, and although they are favourites to qualify from the group dubbed death I’m guessing the manager, Joachim Low would have preferred and easier set of teams at the beginning of the tournament.

Their fate in Group B is not all that important, as it turns out, as provided they qualify the Germans are not likely to struggle to beat either the winners or runners-up of Group A. After that injuries, fatigue and luck will be deciding factors, but the 10/3 PaddyPower have on the Germans to win the tournament shows just what a force they are likely to be at the sharp end of Euro 2012.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Germany

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Portugal

Timothy Masters — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:40:56 +0000

Finalists in 2004, Portugal have endured their fair share of agony at the European Championships, and even though the ‘Golden Generation’ was slight past it by that point there remains a feeling to this day that they may not get a better chance at winning the tournament. As well-prepared and drilled as the Greek side was in that game, it is not hard to see the point made by the fans, and that may well still hang over the current squad.

In qualifying the Portuguese were surprisingly poor, and it almost wasn’t until the last minute that they got their act together and did what was needed. Having finished second to Denmark in the group stage, Portugal went to Bosnia and Herzegovina and drew 0-0, giving the underdogs real hope, but Ronaldo, Nani and the like finally turned it on for the home leg and won the game 6-2, having put their fans through the ringer.

The Real Madrid man is clearly a huge part of any potential success the Portuguese may achieve, and having the season that Ronaldo has had certainly won’t have relieved any pressure on him. The likes of Nani and Raul Mereiles are crucial in creating space and time for their star man to breath, and if they don’t play well Ronaldo cannot operate with 2-3 markers on him. The only way he can play like he does at Real is for teams to be forced into leaving him 1-on-1 with a defender by the other threats on the pitch.

Since missing the 1988 and 1992 European Championships Portugal have been ever-present, and not failed once to make it out of their qualifying group, and they still have a fantastic blend of attacking players. The question-marks have been over the defence more often than not, but with Bruno Alves of Zenit a rising star and Real Madrid men Pepe and Coentrao to call upon they’ll be more confident than normal of putting up a fight.

Despite the quality they can call upon, Portugal are 20/1 with BlueSquare as winners, which is a much a reflection of how unbelievably competitive this competition, and group looks on paper, but as with Holland and Germany, if they make it to the quarters anything can happen. If Ronaldo can bring some club form to his national side we could well see some Portuguese fireworks, and who knows what else.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Portugal

Next Liverpool Manager Odds

Timothy Masters — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:12:28 +0000

Well, the King is dead, but let him live long in the memories of his loving, loyal subjects for his grace, style and poise as a player. Nothing Kenny Dalglish has done in his most recent stint in charge of the Red will trouble his top ten Anfield moments, but there is a degree of surprise about the departure of the Liverpool legend after a short time in charge. Now John Henry and co. may have an angry fanbase to deal with at the same time as needing to find a new manager, but I doubt they are unprepared for the fact a section of the Liverpool support would be unhappy with this decision.

Rumour has it that the decision was mutual, to some extent, after the Scot flew to America only to be dumped after talks, but there has been some criticism of a perceived lack of class on the part of Fenway Sports Group. Early markets have centred around the likes of Robert Martinez (5/2, Bwin) and Rafa Benitez (5/1, VictorChandler), although I wonder if Rafa has appeared on the list more out of needing to guess, rather than any concrete link to a return for the former boss. Given the nature of the departure it seems unlikely Kenny will stay at the club, so at least that won’t be an issue.

Both Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers and former Chelsea man Andre Villas-Boas are in the list of possible candidates (14/1, VictorChandler) and would fit the profile that was being talked about prior to the appointment of Dalglish, that of a young, talented manager who can do a long-term job. On the other hand, the short reign of the Scot suggests FSG aren’t above moving on a man who is deemed to be failing, so Villas-Boas in particular may be wary of another such post after his Chelsea debacle.

Further out we find the likes of Paul Lambert (16’s, Bet365) and Bob Bradley (33/1, BetFred), but the problem is how close to his chest John Henry keeps his cards. Until some solid indication is given of the direction FSG intend to go in is given the market will keep guessing as to who the next man through the door at Anfield will be, but the longer it takes to find him the more it will hit the summer ambitions of the club in the transfer marker, so the fans will want a swift decision.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Next Liverpool Manager Odds

Duke of York Stakes Preview

Bet123 — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:55:30 +0000

Taking its place as part of the opening day of the Dante Festival held at York racecourse, the Duke of York Stakes is set to get underway at Wednesday 16th May.

It is a Group 2 flat horse race, available to thoroughbreds aged three and over. Taking place over six furlongs, it is all about an explosive pace for the horses taking part. Punters certainly love this race and the unpredictable nature of it.

Ever since this version of the race was run back in 1986, there has only been one horse to secure victory on two occasions. This was Handsome Sailor who led the way in 1987 and 1988.

When it comes to jockeys, repeated success is again quite rare. Three jockeys have four Duke of York Stakes wins to their name, although the most recent of the wins in this sequence was when Michael Hills secured his fourth win in 2006.

This victory marked the first time since 1990 that the winner of the Duke of York stakes wasn’t celebrating success in this race for the first time. Basically, you never quite know what to expect when this famous race gets underway.

The most successful trainer in the history of this race is without doubt Barry Hills with seven wins, most recently in 2010 with Prime Defender.

Looking at the 2011 race, it saw Frankie Dettori secure victory with Delegator after a fantastic performance on the Saeed bin Suroor trained horse. Blistering pace was on show and it will be the case again in 2012.

As for the leading contenders for the 2012 Duke of York Stakes, Bated Breath, Hoof It and Mason are all available at 5/1, while Society Rock can be backed at 6/1.
These are without doubt the front runners, but the likes of Margot Did (12/1), Elnawin (14/1) and Empowering (14/1). Bring on the 16th May and the opening of the Dante Festival.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Duke of York Stakes Preview

Novak Djokovic Profile

Bet123 — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:10:28 +0000

Novak Djokovic is a Serbian tennis player who has achieved an incredible amount in his career considering his relatively young age of 24.

Currently ranked as No.1 in the world, Djokovic’s best year so far was 2011 and in 2012 he is aiming to emulate this success. A passionate character, he is someone that loves every second of being a professional tennis player and fans all over the world enjoy watching him too.

Grand Slam History

During his career so far, Djokovic has won five Grand Slam titles with three of these – Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open – coming in what was an unbelievable 2011 for him.

This means that, at the time of writing, the only major tournament to evade him is the French Open. Given his talent, enthusiasm and age though, it is surely only a matter of time before Djokovic succeeds at Roland Garros.

Breaking records regularly since being fast tracked to the top of the men’s game, Djokovic is the youngest player to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam. Then, there is the small matter of being the first Serbian to win a Major singles title.

Overall, Djokovic is a fantastic tennis player and one that turns it on in the biggest events of all. Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record is in danger from this man, no doubt about it.

Chances of success

All of the above means that he has a fantastic chance of winning Wimbledon this year. As the reigning Champion, he will go into the tournament under pressure, but confident.

As ever, a lot could depend on whether he saves his best form for the potential semi-final and final match ups against the likes of SW19 king Federer, World No.2 Rafael Nadal or home favourite Andy Murray.

The 24-year-old will be hoping to show his class in the open rounds, get the crowd on his side and then produce some famous Grand Slam magic in the latter stages.

Novak Djokovic Odds

Looking at the betting for Wimbledon this year, Djokovic is the favourite at 7/4 to secure his second consecutive title. For many, many reasons, he is the man to beat.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Novak Djokovic Profile

Euro 2012 Previews: Group A

Timothy Masters — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:26:09 +0000

Group A probably could be referred to as the ‘group of hope’ in contrast to the usual ‘group of death’ thing bandied about, but that hope will very much be tempered by the schedule that lies ahead of whomever makes it out alive. While pretty much all four teams in this group will fancy their chances of making it through to the second round, whoever does so will have to face either Portugal, Germany or Holland in all likelihood, and that is as daunting as it gets.

The favourites to finish top of the group, or most likely to qualify at least are the Russian side, best priced at 6/4 with Coral, but given how flaky they can be you may equally look at the 7/2 WilliamHill have on them finishing third. For me the saving grace for the Russians will be the experience of Dick Advocaat, although the Dutchman isn’t quite on the same level as former manager Guus Hiddink in terms of success at this level.

Hosts Poland find themselves second favourite to make it through, which is in part down to their home advantage, but the 3/1 on Poland as winner of the group with BlueSquare seems a bit short, especially when the Czechs are on at 4’s with Bet365. This obviously means Greece are least likely to win Group A and the 9/2 with StanJames reflects that well, but they weren’t all that fancied going into Euro 2004 and we all know how that turned out.

In terms of simply making it out of the group, Russia are 1/2 with Coral and the Poles 21/20 with Ladbrokes, who have 5/4 on the Czechs. Again Greece are least likely, at 6/4 with BlueSquare, but the closeness of the odds reflects the fact this is a very difficult group to call due to how close the sides are both in terms of quality and pedigree. For me, with Russia as favourites I’d have the Poles as second in line, as their squad is a bit brighter than the Czechs.

BetFred have 11/4 on Russia and Poland being the two survivors, or 4/1 on Russia and Greece. Russia and the Czechs going through is on at 10/3 with VictorChandler, but you may find better odds if you shop around, but the best odds are on Greece and the Czechs, at 9/1 with StanJames and even further with others. A word of warning, though, there is a very good reason for this being unfancied, which I expect will become apparent when the tournament starts.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Euro 2012 Previews: Group A

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Russia

Timothy Masters — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:21 +0000

Although this Russian team is considered the heir of the old CIS and USSR sides their historical record is all their own, with the results gained by the Soviet Union not being considered as part of Russian footballing history. While this will be the fifth European Championship Russia have made it to, Euro 2008 was the first time they have got out of the group, and the side went on to beat the Dutch that year before losing in the semi to the eventual winners, Spain.

Qualification for this completion was not straightforward, but the Russians made it look fairly simple, finishing top of a group containing both Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland and they will have been pleased with their draw, given what might have been. I’d expect Russia coach Dick Advocaat to be urging his players on, and the Russian federation have done well to employ both Advocaat and Hiddink in recent times to the benefit of the players and team.

The Dutchman will have been pleased in January when Andrei Arshavin moved back to Russia on loan, after failing to make a real impact at Arsenal, as the little striker is a key part of his national side. The attack will feature Arshavin alongside Kerzhakov and exciting youngster Alan Dzagoev, with Roman Pavlyuchenko also available, although a difficult season at Tottenham may end up costing the striker his place in the side. At the back Igor Akinfeev is one of the hottest prospects in European football, and could well feature in goal.

As I said, this side made the semi-final in Switzerland, and will expect to finish the group stage in the top three, but eventually being ranked third as they were four years ago may be a dream too far for this group. The Dutch are a better team than they were in 2008, while both Germany and Portugal would be disappointed to lose to Russia if they are drawn together.

Available at 24/1 with BetFair as tournament winners, I’d personally see this team as most likely to win their group, and if they were to get into and win the quarter anything can happen from there. Personally, as talented as they are I think the odds are a little bit miserly on a Russian win overall, but they could come in or go out before the big kick-off.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Euro 2012 Team Previews: Russia