who are going to win the euros ?

[singapore spur]

whats the thoughts on the euros , in particular whats the thoughts of our posters "the spaniard " and "dennis-cro" on their respective countries as i am thinking of a having a good size bet on them .
are the spanish going to massively underachieve again ? and have a solid croatian team got strength enough in depth if they pick up a couple of injurys ?(please not modric ) .

i know this is covered a little in the betting forum but probably needs its own thread here .

[choda]

Ireland. :p :D

This could be the time of Spain. My word but they have some talented squad. The french won't be too far away as usual either, simply down to the amount of class they have.

Spain have to win something sooner or later, or do they, because when it comes to the crunch they never really seem to be all pulling in the same direction. I am told it is a very fractionated country and people feel they are catalans first etc. and Spanish second.

That is your decision my friend. I'd rather go for a longer bet but a team with great togetherness, underestimated talent and what appears to be a top manager. So that would be CROATIA my friend. ;)

I also fancy Portugal to be a more potent force in this tournament. Their trouble has always been having a goalscorer. Now they have Ronaldo and probably Nani and Quaresmo either side of him. That looks pretty dangerous. Before they had a young and far less effective Ronaldo and a brilliant Figo, but no real top centre forward, so I think they could be very dangerous now. Those are my two picks, Croatia and Portugal.

[singapore spur]

yeah its a tuff one , and maybe i am being suckered along with the they must win something sometime brigade as regards spain . they certainly have the players and top class strikers who are prepared to battle which hasnt always been the case ., the only fear being as you said a fractious squad and getting sucker punched by a workman like effort from a team that havent individually had such an arduous season . (i.e croatia )

[mjbmedia]

Germany or Italy

[denis-cro]

After beating England at Wembley in the final day of Euro 2008 qualifications, for many people Croatian national team is among the favorites for winning the Championship, but I doubt that we can achieve something more than playing in QF or maximum SF in Austria/Switzerland.... Eduardo´s injury is a big blow for our ambitions and expectations , but I´m not worried about our attacking options cause with Petrić ( Dortmund ), Olić ( HSV ), Budan ( Parma ) and again fully fit Klasnić ( Werder Bremen... he had some complicated kidney operation after WC 2006 and his career was in doubt, but he has recovered in record time, beyond any expectations ) we´re very dangerous up front. Our main problem is our defence. We have very old, and very tired defence. The players playing at the back have not been constantly in their clubs this years so they lack fitness and quality matches. I doubt that pre-tournament preparations can rectify those problems, cause the opponents we´re playing in pre-tournament time are bottom of European football ( Moldova and Hungary ). So, obviously the key of Croatian national team success in forthcoming Championship is midfield. People have high expectations from our midfield players, and whole Nation believe that Modrić, Kranjćar, Srna ( Shaktar Donetsk ) and captain N. Kovać ( Red Bull Salzburg ) including their alternatives in Pranjić ( Heerenven ... according to Croatian newspapers, recently linked with Spurs ??? ) and Leko ( AS Monaco ) could be the spine of achieving something great this summer...:)
Personally, as I said already, I don´t think that we have defensive quality which could cope with nationals playing attacking football like Germany, France and Spain... so I think QF or SF would be massive for us at the moment... cheers

[Welsh Spur]

Holland or Spain. Two countries I genuinely enjoy watching, and both massive underachievers.

I hate Germany and Italy, and France have had their fair share recently.

[wayne wonder]

The germans all the way for me or maybe france

[irishspur]

Spain have a lethal strike force with the likes of villa and torres supported by xavi, fibreglass, and silva and could go a long way. Never rule out italy and germany, the two boring teams though. By the way did digo capel make the spain squad id love to see him at the euros.

[olly27]

I think Spain have the most talented side on paper, but seem to lack belief and dont seem to exude much togetherness.

My money would be on Portugal...Ronaldo, Nani, Carvalho, Veleso, Deco to name a few...quality all over the pitch with Scholari conducting it all.

[olly27]

Imagine taking the best 11 or so from Portugal and the best 11 from Spain, they would have some squad, that would be an unbelievable squad infact!

[berbzy 'G']

Croatia all day long

[spurs61]

Whilst most will go for "fashionable" teams like Spain, Croatia and Holland, I'll stick my neck out and once again go for Italy. They may not have the best league, they may not have the best players or play exciting football but when it comes to a major tournament you'd be a fool to bet against them. The national set up is soley designed to win major honours, not paludits or armchair fans, expect the Azzuri to be there or thereabouts.

[SurreySpur]

I always back spain and they always let me down, they have had some wonderful players over the years but somehow they cock it up.

I think Holland have a decent chance this year, and i think you can get about 12/1 which is definatley worth a score.

It should be a good tournament as a lot of the teams look to be all at around the same level.

[wayne wonder]

I think Spain have the most talented side on paper, but seem to lack belief and dont seem to exude much togetherness.

My money would be on Portugal...Ronaldo, Nani, Carvalho, Veleso, Deco to name a few...quality all over the pitch with Scholari conducting it all.

they've still not got a centre forward and only play 1 up top and gomes is a bag of wank

[Baleinho]

Im with the dutch on this one. Huntelaar to be top scorer.

[Spaniard]

If you have to make one bet...put your money on Spain.... going home just after playing quarterfinals.

It's our destiny, Luis Aragonés is a fool and he won't take us further, we have a SOFT team (ok, we play pretty good, but we bottle in 1/4 finals, there's a big legend here on that and it is like a huge load to carry. So huge no one since 1964 has been able to carry it).


I predict Torres failing to impress, Cesc failing to create plays, coach failing to get the best out of our (excellent) players, we ain't taking wingers (only uncapped S. García and Cazorla) to the Euro, our master plan must be packing the midfield only with CM (De la Red, Xavi, Cesc, Xabi Alonso, Iniesta, Senna, Silva...).

Defense: our CB's are weak or out of form (Puyol, Albiol, Juanito, Marchena, Arbeloa) and our LB are or unknown fellas (F. Navarro) or not too pacey (Capdevila). Only Ramos is top performer.

We are masters in possesion but we do not create enough chances in big games. In case we do, our ST will miss, and the other team will have one chance and score. Then we'll attack better than ever, missing sitters and we'll go home 0-1.

"We played as best as we ever did, we lost as we always do" (translation of Jugamos como nunca, perdimos como siempre")


I'd do a classic bet on the semininals: Germany v Portugal and Italy v France/Netherlands.

[gazzaG8]

My Great Grandfather was Spannish, so i'm supporting Spain.
I wouldn't mind the Dutch winning it, they always play some tidy stuff.

[choda]

My Great Grandfather was Spannish, so i'm supporting Spain.
I wouldn't mind the Dutch winning it, they always play some tidy stuff.

Ah, a sailor from the bay of biscay, is it? :p :D

[gazzaG8]

Lol, not sure mate, just remember my Dad telling me thet his Grandad on his Dad's side was Spannish & as Wales never qualify i always get behind Spain

[yido4life]

spain for me or croatia.

[shakey18]

Going for Croatia, with Luka ripping the rest of Europe another asshole.

[choda]

they've still not got a centre forward and only play 1 up top and gomes is a bag of wank

I think they might play Ronaldo up top with Nani and Quaresma either side. That is what I would do.

And actually I think it is Pauleta that is a bag of pig semen and he is the one they ALWAYS ****ing play. Every time Gomes comes on in previous tournaments I always said 'aah, why didn't he start?'

And the answers were always 'yea, he looks pretty good'.

So I might go with him up top and try Ronaldo up there on his own too and see how it is going. And always with two of the class wing forwards they have and the promptings of Deco from the AM role.

If they do this and forget about Pauleta I will be backing them.

[Ioang]

Spain and Croatia for me, aren't we a nice united forum? Croatia just got a good few new fans in north London :)

[Defoe8]

I got a feeling that the final will be:

Croatia vs France
New Spurs boy Modric will skin that temper tantrum Gooner cvnt Gallas and score the winning goal :D

Both of the teams were impressive in qualification and both made England look ordinary.

Ronaldo wont have Rooney and Tevez giving him the support in attack, so I don't think he'll be that effective.

[hastingsyid]

italy or portugal

[wayne wonder]

I think they might play Ronaldo up top with Nani and Quaresma either side. That is what I would do.

And actually I think it is Pauleta that is a bag of pig semen and he is the one they ALWAYS ****ing play. Every time Gomes comes on in previous tournaments I always said 'aah, why didn't he start?'

And the answers were always 'yea, he looks pretty good'.

So I might go with him up top and try Ronaldo up there on his own too and see how it is going. And always with two of the class wing forwards they have and the promptings of Deco from the AM role.

If they do this and forget about Pauleta I will be backing them.


I think paulleta's retiring from footie after the euro's so they're gonna have t find a centre forwards soon! i think simao will play instead of nani who's way too raw at the min just like ronaldo was

[choda]

I think paulleta's retiring from footie after the euro's so they're gonna have t find a centre forwards soon! i think simao will play instead of nani who's way too raw at the min just like ronaldo was

Forgot about him. He's a class player too, but I think Nani is a huge talent and I'd give all of them a chance to shine.

[TURKISH]

Big Pil knows what his doing i think they will win it.


Portugal to win it with postiga up front!:cool:

[Gino Ginelli]

Italy to grind out another trophy.

[MiloMinderbinder]

Well everyone got it wrong last time around (if you say you predicted Greece would win it then you're a goddamn liar). So in order to sound all sage and knowing like I will point you in the direction of Poland. Not that I expect them to win it I just hear there's lots of space and jobs in Gdansk at the moment.

Holland to nick it this time around...............come on Holland I'm sick of tipping you all the time only to come a cropper against 2nd or 3rd rate sides (see England '96( (baggsy not shaving my head this time though)

[GOONHATER]

CROATIA our boy luka is there,so got to cheer his side on!

[sundancer]

Will be cheering for Holland, always like the way they play the game.

[highlander]

i tink i might have a cheeky punt on the russians for this one who i think will suprise a lot of people

[choda]

i tink i might have a cheeky punt on the russians for this one who i think will suprise a lot of people

With Hiddink, Arshavin and I'm sure numerous other good technical players they may well threaten. They would be my outside bet. My half outsider bet is Croatia and my favourites bet is Portugal.

[TURKISH]

Croatia is my pick with portugal as my second choice.

As an outside bet i would go for poland people!

[choda]

Croatia is my pick with portugal as my second choice.

As an outside bet i would go for poland people!

I don't think they have the players mate, but they are decent and have a very good coach.

[TURKISH]

I don't think they have the players mate, but they are decent and have a very good coach.

Who's that mate croatia or poland?

I don't think russia are as good as people think i feel they have no real goal scorer and will come unstuck in there group.

[choda]

Who's that mate croatia or poland?

I don't think russia are as good as people think i feel they have no real goal scorer and will come unstuck in there group.

Poland. Croatia DO have players.

I would give Russia a shout as Hiddink is a maestro and they have a number of players with the technical ability to keep it and pass and move. You're right that they may lack a centre forward that can power you to winning though.

So long as ****ing Greece or some other bunch of lucky grinders don't win it I don't care.

Having said that fair play to them as it was really the other teams fault for not being as organised and working as hard as they did. It was up to the better sides to have the team spirit to keep creating and eventually break them down and blow them out of the water.

[TURKISH]

Poland. Croatia DO have players.

I would give Russia a shout as Hiddink is a maestro and they have a number of players with the technical ability to keep it and pass and move. You're right that they may lack a centre forward that can power you to winning though.

So long as ****ing Greece or some other bunch of lucky grinders don't win it I don't care.

Having said that fair play to them as it was really the other teams fault for not being as organised and working as hard as they did. It was up to the better sides to have the team spirit to keep creating and eventually break them down and blow them out of the water.


I can't see holland having a chance imo italy and france will scrap through and romania are tough opponents.

[choda]

Very glad I've backed Portugal for beating Turkey, winning the group and the tournament. As soon as they reach the semis in the weak side of the draw against Germany I will lay them for the tournament as well, just in case. I think I am on a winner here.

[deadleyledley]

i would like croatia.
knocked us out and will be hoping that they do well.
also cos of modric.

[Indianspur]

i think germany or some1 less exciting than the talents of spain and portugal to win it,

france are good contenders also, as they can grind and get stuck in like they did against England. i believe when portugal and spain play against battlers who arent just headless chickens (i.e ribery,frings, makelele etc) their stars dont show up for the games,

my bets on croatia as they are under-rated and have a decent group...and i also agree with russia being better than ppl think after all one of their sides did win the uefa cup kicking bayerns ass en route,

[singapore spur]

ive backed croatia , but they didnt look too great last night , hopefully the game will have got the nerves out the way and they will kick on from there .
germany by all reports looked impressive ( i really cant stay up for the second games ) but i guess thats in comparison to what else has been on offer and that hasnt been much so far , the big guns still to come .

[peterc]

So far, the Dutch seem to have been the best team, the way they disposed of the world champions was fantastic, lucky for their first goal, clear offside, however, about time luck changed hands.

[olly27]

Will go for Germany to beat the Dutch in the final. Protugal and Spain to make up the semi-finalists. Podolski for golden boot.

[Welsh Spur]

Would like to see a Holland-Spain final. I am supporting the Dutch as previously stated, and the way they played last night was fantastic.

How about that Orlando Engelaar eh? Seems like exactly the kind of player we need in the middle of the park. 28 too, so wouldn't break the bank, however I feel a lot of clubs will be after him if he keeps this up, shop window and all that.

Modric also impressed me, first half anyway, against Austria.

Oh, I almost forgot, Holland to be champions, v.Nistelrooy top scorer.

[TURKISH]

Well called Jonathan Pearce...Arthur Rowe is so understated in the history of our club...Push andRun must have been a joy to behold...he coached in Hungary ( and influenced the later 50's greats I daresay), and managed Ramsay and Nicholson...this is the Tottenham way...Spain are breath taking.:cool:

[peterc]

Great Spanish display, David Villa, yes, please sign on the dotted lines.:cool:

[Spaniard]

I still say the same I said earlier:

We (Spain) are not going through the quarter finals.


This win 4-1 against Russia is very similar to the 4-0 win we got against Ukraine in WC 2006. So nothing to get carried about.

[singapore spur]

I still say the same I said earlier:

We (Spain) are not going through the quarter finals.


This win 4-1 against Russia is very similar to the 4-0 win we got against Ukraine in WC 2006. So nothing to get carried about.


you definately are a spurs supporter :) , love the optimism

[choda]

I still say the same I said earlier:

We (Spain) are not going through the quarter finals.


This win 4-1 against Russia is very similar to the 4-0 win we got against Ukraine in WC 2006. So nothing to get carried about.

Spain were beautiful against Russia, just beautiful, but you could see some real frailty at the back and we know what Spain can be like when it is pressure time, not together and not purposeful.

I don't want to lay them on betfair after they top the group though because I'd love to see them do it and I don't want to back against such class. What I want to do is hope that they iron out the kinks and finally perform for a whole tournament.

[Spurs001]

I think only 4 teams have a real chance of winning those being Germany, Holland, Spain and Portugal.

Both Italy and France are probably too old and I wouldn't be surprised if Romania went through in that group. :cool:

[Defoe8]

Croatia were classy today against Ze Germans, I was impressed with our new boy Modric!

Forza Croatia!

[Indianspur]

2nd half he got hold of the ball and was attacking like the boy wonder...
first half very quiet and restricted

[denis-cro]

Croatia were classy today against Ze Germans, I was impressed with our new boy Modric!

Forza Croatia!

If you like to pronounce Croatian, say : NAPRIJED HRVATSKA !

[irishspur]

If you like to pronounce Croatian, say : NAPRIJED HRVATSKA !

Awesome team could go a long way i see modric got MOTM cant wait to see him strutting his stuff at the Lane:cool:

[Spaniard]

Spain only play during the qualifying games or in the group stage. If we qualify to 1/4 finals, we're done, no matter who we play against.

So my advice is to enjoy till it lasts, cos it won't be so much.

[singapore spur]

yup , thought he looked good too , it seems he has a good football brain which is something our midfield have been lacking a bit .

though croatia looked pretty good and well up for it they were faced with a woeful german performance , maybe cause and effect ill grant you , but the croats looked to me a trifle suspect in defence, and their goalie, even though he has made 70 odd appearences, looked a bit weak and made some pretty poor choices i thought .

i think a more sophisticated approach and attack will cause them a lot of problems.

but as i have backed em i hope not :)

[singapore spur]

oh , and i just want to say it was great seeing lehman looking a **** again :D

[irishspur]

Haha yesterday was the tale of 2 38-year olds:p

[shakey18]

I want Croatia to win, but the Dutch ripped the Frogs another asshole tonight, and looked ****in sensational. For the good of the game , if the clog-wearers win i won't be too unhappy.

[choda]

Haha yesterday was the tale of 2 38-year olds:p

Yes and guess who had a very large asian handicap bet on Poland winning the game? I lost my winnings of 330euros when that ****ing bald idiot starting pulling on a guys shirt like a sweaty rapist. But I didn't lose anything as it was a 50/50 bet on goal difference of 0-0.

[choda]

I think only 4 teams have a real chance of winning those being Germany, Holland, Spain and Portugal.

Both Italy and France are probably too old and I wouldn't be surprised if Romania went through in that group. :cool:

You'd just be worried about the Croats in having very little firepower up front alright, but I think their defence is solid and they can pass it with the best of them. They totally out technicalled Germany with Modric orchestrating the symphony beautifully. Put a fast declining Ballack (since he joined Chelscum) to shame. I wouldn't fancy them to beat Portugal in the semis or beat Holland/Spain in the final though. And Turkey, who they may play, are possibly underated and I fancy them to get out of group A.

If I was a betting man, and oh I am, then I would back Portugal and Holland to play the final with Portugal just shading it on the back of having better defenders. For me Italy and France are old slow teams that never really threatened the dutch defence and always looked weak to the pace the dutch have on the counter. It may slightly flatter Holland when they play younger or better teams like Romania, Spain, Croatia, Germany or Portugal... may.

Portugal and Spain are similar to the Dutch in my view, highly gifted going forward but open to conceding. The difference being Spain and Portugal seem to hold onto the ball in midfield a little better and thus could give a more regular and better supply to their own attackers while neutralising a lot of the dutch ability to counter. But then you could say Spain always find a way to impode and Portugal may struggle if Gomes or Ronnie up top isn't working.