Category: 
Every Little Alps
Great plan alert:
Inspired by the union of Trinidad & Tobago into one poor footballing nation as opposed to two mediocre ones, I would like to announce the birth of Ireland & Brazil* - the future winners of the 2010 World Cup.
*Brazilian approval pending.
The Trinis (not the lads that fat Ronaldo was caught with) had a great idea teaming up with another country to improve their footballing fortunes, but the problem is they picked a rubbish other nation. They should have aimed higher. Surely it’s only a matter of time before we see historical hatchets getting buried as England & Argentina merge to form a super-team. And by super-team I mean basically just the Argentina team. England’s thumping of T&T left people dreaming about what might have happened at Euro 2008 – if England had qualified and been drawn against three T&Ts in the group stages, a T&T in the quarter final, another in the semi and one more T&T in the final. That rather childish joke is a tenuous link to talking about who will actually win Euro 2008.
Figuring out what will happen in the group of non-fatal difficulty – I’m refusing to call it by its entirely inaccurate other name – AKA group C will go a long way to picking the winner. Italy had been my pick for the tournament but the loss of Cannavaro is huge. They seriously lack quality cover at the centre of defence and the fact that Marco Materazzi is now seen as the main man inspires little confidence. There’s plenty of attacking talent in the team and Gattuso will give plenty of protection to his weakened defence, but over the course of the tournament you’d doubt if the Materazzi/Barzagli combination is good enough.
France look good value at 8/1. The squad has quality in depth, but the concern is that Raymond Domenech will field an XI based on star signs, tarot cards or what a Magic 8 Ball has to say. Franck Ribery will be one of the most exciting players at the tournament and provided his horoscope doesn’t read ‘you’ll have a terrible Euro 2008′ he should feature as a key player for the French. Henry’s fragmented season at Barcelona could actually help the French cause, meaning he arrives in the Alps relatively fresh and more importantly, desperate to prove that his star isn’t on the wane in the way his first season in Spain hinted.
I finally found out what the difference between Holland and the Netherlands was the other day – it’s not very interesting (apparently it’s perfectly fine to refer to the soccer team as Holland, even though that only refers to a small part of the Netherlands. There you have it trivia buffs), but neither was their one sided thumping of a terrible Wales side. At times the Dutch were brilliant, with the passing and movement of Van Der Vaart, Sneijder and Robben being especially enjoyable, but you have to remember that it was against a weakened weak Welsh side. The Dutch defence coughed up a couple of good chances and they won’t get away with that in the group of non-fatal difficulty. Heitinga is the only top quality defender in their ranks and I get the feeling they’ll be exposed a few times in the group stages, possibly crucially against a canny Romania team who finished ahead of team in qualifying. Romania are a well organised team, with Mutu a threat up front - I reckon they’re good value to come out of the group.
In some swift writing off of the other teams, the Czech Republic will miss Rosicky too much to be a factor. In Slaven Bilic, Croatia have the best young coach in Europe. He can field a first XI that will hold their own against anyone and may be able to manoeuvre themselves to the latter stages of the tournament, but a lack of strength in depth could find them out in the end. Spain have a similar problem to Holland – plenty of attacking talent and creativity in midfield, but question marks over the defence. The brilliant form of Casillas could mask these shortcomings in the short term, but it would take something special if he was to carry them to an appearance in the final. Germany lack genuine quality. Michael Ballack has hit form towards the end of the season for Chelsea and he can lead his team to the semi-finals, but they may lack the cutting edge to go that one step further. Hosts normally do reasonably well and although Switzerland are possibly the dullest team in Europe, they could bore their way to a surprise semi-final @ 7/2. It’s wrong to say that Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t a big match player, it’s just that when these big matches come around, they’re against big teams with quality right and left backs. Ronaldo can humiliate mediocre full backs, but against better defenders, he can be less effective. He will still provide some pivotal moments for Portugal, but he can be shackled and unlike at United, if he’s not scoring there appears to be few other sources of goals.
If you’re still reading, I think France are good value to win it and I’m expecting Romania and Switzerland to put up surprisingly good shows. Although in the case of the Swiss, it won’t be a good show so much as a drearily effective show – a bit like Lost.
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Portugal to meet Germany in the semi’s and the winner of that to beat italy with mario gomez finishing tip scorer
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
top scorer even
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Group A - Portugal and Switzerland
Group B - Germany and Croatia
Group C - Italy and Holland
Group D - Spain and Greece
From there I fancy a Italy vs Portugal final, with Portugal edging it.
But to be honest its hard to predict much with conviction as so many of the games are so hard to call. I just think its gonna be a superb tournament with so many evenly matched teams.
The stand out bet for me at this stage is Croatia to beat Austria @ 10/11. Il be having a serious cut off that to set me up for the rest of the tournament.
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
There is a lad in our office who is very well educated, and he thinks Romania are value for the Group of death, is he sniffing glue or what?
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Magic i’d never thought i’d say this but i agree with you on Croatia for that match, buying money! I can’t agree with you on Italy though especially now that Cannavaro is out - we seen how their teams performed in European competition this year and i would expect that to carry through to the national team.
The tournament will be all the better this year without the circus that is England, their wags and that overrated idiot Beckham.
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Cannavaro is a huge lose alrite but if they manage to cover him they have so much fire power going forward that they might be ok. But lets be honest, the Group C&D half of the draw is a lottery. I mean you could make a case for any one of Italy, Spain, Holland, France making it to the final.
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Croatia are massive from their group
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
SPAIN WILL WIN AND TORRES WILL BE TOP SCORER
June 3rd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
guys…what about the favourites…germany - no one even thinks about them…i think they will win as they will have planty of support as well….and russia who have 5 players from zenit will be the biggest surprise….
June 3rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Germany are a false price I cannot see for the life of me why they are favs. They have an easy draw fair enough, but they are not a great side at all. Rememeber in the WC06 they had an easy group, got a bye to the quarters, played negative football to get to penos and then got hammered in the semis, biggest lay of the tourament
June 3rd, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I really fancy Italy even without Cannavaro they have a very solid defence and they have the magic of Pirlo in midfield along with the workhorse Gattuso and 1 of the best centre mids in the world Daniele De Rossi! And up front they have the absolute brilliant Luca Toni who can bang in the goals and Di Natale is a very skilful strike partner for him!
I’m loading the wheelbarrow full of money as I speak to head to the bookies to lump on.
FORZA ITALIA!!!
I’ve written off Portugal, Holland and Czech Rep, none of them have a chance of winning it. Have also lumped on Switzerland at 7/4 to beat Czech Rep in the opening match, overpriced!
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I think De Rossi is over-rated as well. But i cant see how you can tip up Romania in such a confident manner. They are a good team but in the group they’ve been drawn they dont have a prayer of getting out of it!
Cant make up my mind who to back outright but since they are on the easy side of the draw i think il go with Portugal. But as always my heart will be with the Dutch!
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Portugal strong at back and midfield and have the top scorer in europe 7/1 great value
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:28 pm
spain and germany final……torres finishing joint top goal scorer with henry and france finishing 3rd……to qualify.group a czech-portugal.group b,germany-croatia.group c,france-italy,group d,spain,sweden
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
This is nearly impossible to decide who will win it, its so close between about 5 teams. in the end i picked portugal and top scorer being klose ,the reason being the “easy” group germany are in will give klose a better chance of knocking in a few early doors. they should go far enough but not win it. isnt it great with no england,we can enjoy the tournament without all the crap that goes with them.
June 3rd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
for all you guys saying that it is great england are not there, i bet everyone one of ye support an english side every weekend, sad lot. now that I have that off my chest i think at last spain could put all there past failures behind them. portugal/croatia/italy/spain all to qualify from their groups and torres for top goalscorer
June 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Portugal to win with Croatia getting to at least semis, also Mario Gomez is well priced at 16-1 to be top scorer
June 3rd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
ribbery to be player of the tournament
June 4th, 2008 at 12:32 am
How can anyone say De Rossi is a bad player or overrated??? if he was english the stupid media would be hyping him so much. Hes better than the likes of Gerrard and Lampard anyway and thats a certainty!!! He is an unreal player and 1 of the best strikesr of the ball in world football.
I’m backing Klose aswell for top scorer cos Germany have 2 crap teams in the group but Croatia are a class act. I said Croatia long ago will do well at Euro 2008 and now everybody has jumped on the bandwagon
June 4th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Why would anybody follow a loser like you Legend?
June 4th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Ah come on legend you cant compare him to those two, but if you want to….
Lampard - 24 league apps, 10 goals (top scorer), plus another 4 in champs league
Gerrard - 34 league apps, 11 goals, plus another 6 in champs league
De Rossi - 34 league apps, 5 goals, none in champs league
He’s a good player but not at the same level as Gerrard and Lampard. And if he was English of course he would be getting hyped up…. But lets leave the English media out of it since we have the first tournament since 94 that we can enjoy an English media waffle free competition.
June 4th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Dermot,
Not a single person mention mentioned England not being there, once again the English are full of their own importance!
June 4th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
De Rossi plays far more defensive than Gerrard and Lampard so those stats count for nothing, De Rossi get stuck in alot more and is a far better passer of the ball
June 4th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
The Italian league is the third best league in the world, why have none of the bigger teams came in for such a talent, he wouldn’t get his game in the Premier League and he went missing in the four matches against Man U. If he can’t dominate Carrick, what hope does he have?
June 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Are you for real????? buy a clue and then come back to me, De Rossi went missing???
what does Ronaldo do in almost every big match, he goes missing and resorts to just diving, he does crap against good defences! and Roma play the most beautiful football of any team in European football.
sure premiership defences are a joke, thay are much worse than Serie A defences, its easy to be good against crap like West Ham or Wigan. Dont forget Serie A is still far more successful than Premiership and Italy are far more successful than England at international level. And at least in Italy the owners are actually Italian, proper league! watch football before ya comment
June 4th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Why are you talking about Ronaldo, we are talking about the talent that is De Rossi. I stand corrected about him going missing, he was the one who missed the peno wasn’t he?
June 4th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Yes De Rossi does hold back a bit more than Gerrard and Lampard but i was just showing there was no substance behind ur claim that he was so much better than both of them. If their not the stats that count, what are you using to judge between the 3?
Also saying Ronaldo goes missing in big games is just nonsense at this stage. He scored in the Champs League Final… which you must agree isnt exactly a friendly! U do not become Golden Boot winner and Top Scorer in Champs League by going missing in big games.
Thirdly, to say that Serie A defences are better than Premiership defences is just completely wrong at this stage…. Its not the late 90s anymore. Put the back 4 of United Chelsea Arsenal and Liverpool against Inter Roma Juve and AC (or Fiorentina if you want) and the Premiership teams are just so far ahead, physically and technically!!
Fourthly, regarding Italy having a proper league. Well as far as im aware Premiership winners have never been stripped of their title and relegated. And non of the english teams were run by the leader of the country (AC Milan owner Silvio Berlisconi until Romano Prodi took over as Italian Prime Minister).
Finally, Roma play the most beautiful football….. Simply no comment!
P.S.
And just to let you know Legend i am a huge fan of Italian football myself but the above things just had to be said!
June 4th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
At least he doesn’t let his love of Lazio cloud his judgement over their most fierce rivals players
June 4th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I will be a Patriot and put a bet on Poland
Miracles do happen …but we need more than a miracle 
. We won’t beat the Germs but fellow Slavs from Croatia will , I am certain of it.
I know 2 things will happen for sure : there will be a draw in the game between Austria and the Germs and Croatia will beat the Germs…This is money well spent …those two bets …
Beside this anything could happen…
June 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Sadly England isn’t there …I love watching them …Such big names ,great players have to stay at home …
June 4th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
big liam i am sure that spud, the thirsty one and magic m will be delighted that they are nobodies. maybe you should read all the posts not just the ones you want to.
June 4th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
the legend you are talking some crap, the italian league is full of coruption, match fixing and holiganism. as for crap defences look at vidic, terry ,carragher just to mention a few there brilliant, so dont talk crap
June 4th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
what about holland at 14s if they get out of that group they will come into about 6/1 worth a punt at that price
June 4th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Does anybody on this page no anything about football, Portugal this and portugal that! Even in the group they are in i woudnt back them, for years they have been made out to be a strong force in international football but yet they still never won anything,they are an over raited side with over raited players who only play for themselfs, yes they have maybe a handfull of good players but not nearly as many as as other sides in the comp.I think people try to hard sometimes to beat the bookmaker,looking for a big odds winner when it is perfectly clear to any reasonable gambler that Germany are the only team that are really desent odds at 4/1, priced as favs.They have real class allover the pitch and they Will be in the final, my advice would be to latch on to them, rather than living on a prayer. The only other flutter i will have is spain and sweeden to finnish in that order in ther group, it would take something very special for any team to to finnish ahead of spain in that group but then again this sweeden side i think may just rock the boat abit, they like been the underdogs and that they are,they have some real young talent coming into ther national side and in this group they could well pulloff a big shock.
June 4th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
in response to eamo f,do not fear your well educated mate at work ain’t a glue sniffer or a crackhead,he really knows his stuff.Romania came through a pretty awkward group,have a good attack and a strong defense also their counter attacks are as effective as any other team in europe.I wont say they will get through because the three other teams in their group are absolute quality but they will definately make their mark on euro 2008.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Do yas actually watch football??? Daniele De Rossi is an unbelievably good player! so what big liam he missed a peno, so do all peno takers! they all miss penos. De Rossi scored a much more important peno days before that Man Utd match against Torino, all Italians would rather win Serie A than the ‘Champions’ League (shittest competition ever)! Watch him shine in the European Championships!
Anyway I don’t care what people think is the best league in Europe, I am a hardcore Shamrock Rovers fan and I live in awe of the Italian league and I love it and respect it so much but I also am so delighted we (Rovers fans) are alot better than premiership fans, we are amazing!
FORZA ITALIA!!!
June 4th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
http://www.the-onion-bag.com/euro2008/100yards.php
Anyway predict the winner of Euro 2008!
Romania beat Turkey in my Final! Thats a 500/1 forecast, will throw a tenner on haha
June 5th, 2008 at 10:38 am
the legend - you let yourself down when you have a go at the champions league. clearly in terms of quality and excitement, this is the best football tournament in the world, bar none.
however you’ve redeemed yourself slightly with that link! romania beat czech rep for me, in a tight game which opened up with both teams playing two up top.
June 5th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I love the likes of Conor coming on and starting of with “Does anybody on this page no anything about football” and then goes on a ridiculous rant about Portugal and how they are over-rated. Semi-final of last WC and Runner-Up in last EC isn’t too bad!!!
If you disagree just disagree, and in response to your first line… I know plenty about football as im sure most on this page do, we just have differing opinions. I couldn’t disagree with you more about Germany. Even if i thought they were going to win it (which I dont) the 4/1 on offer is far to skinny for me. (Notice how im able to disagree with you without questioning your knowlede of the game).
June 5th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
if you all just stop and think for a minute……………………ronaldo,ronaldo,ronaldo…………….there it wasnt hard to know that as with pele and our good old friend maradona…..a special kinda player can win tournaments on there own…………………….anyway i got 100 pound on portugal,,,,with a few accumalation bets on ronaldo,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,done correctly,,,,,you can go book your summer holiday today!!!!!!!!
June 5th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Germany are the lay of the tournament, just not good enough
June 5th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
France have never entered a tournament with such little pressure on them (not even in the top four fancied teams) and with a fresh Henry linking up with the powerful Benzema they should walk to Euro glory once again.. Definitely worth a shot at 17/2…And what about France to win & Benzema top scorer @ 80/1..not a bad wager!
June 5th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
France are not to be taking lightly especially with Benziema and Ribery coming off a great season in France and Germany Respectivley. Frances biggest test will be getting out of there group. How many goals do yas all think will be enough to win the golden boot
June 6th, 2008 at 12:04 am
there is only one outcome, germany to lift the trophy, you cannot beat the germans. italy not good enough, spain will do there usual and conk out. netherlands only there to make up the numbers, croatia to much been made of them and no experience, czech republic are and average team forget about them. the only threat to the germans will be the french. klose to be top scorer a snip at 10/1.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:51 am
You cant beat the Germans? If thats the case why have they not got out of their group at the Euros since 1996? The answer is because they had tough groups and can never cope with that. Germany have an easy group this time around so they will progress, but the finalist from that side of the draw will be either Portugal or Croatia.
I cant wait till Legend reads the part about Italy not being good enough! Are you crazy or what of course they are good enough. Cannovarro is a huge lose but its still pretty much the same team that won the World Cup 2 years ago.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:13 am
group A: 1st portugal, 2nd swiss
group B: 1st croatia, 2nd germany
group C: 1st france, 2nd romania
group D: 1st spain, 2nd russia
QF1: portugal beat germany
QF2: croatia beat swiss
QF3: russia beat france
QF4: spain beat romania
SF1: portugal beat croatia
SF2: spain beat russia
Final: portugal beat spain
June 6th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I think teams coming out of group of death at a disadvantage for later on in competition, in that they will have to give 100% in all games.
Teams in other groups may have opportunity to rest key players.
Anyway a good treble
Germany, spain , portugal , to win groups.
I have a feeling Portugal will win it.
Don`t rule out Greece again, a good price to get to final.
Looking forward 2 a good couple of weeks of football.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Germany are good but overhyped, dont fancy them but they are in the easier half.
Spain have never done anything, bookies are laughing with the stupid dopes putting money on them, they have NO CHANCE.
and marks melligan = GRADE A CLOWN! Italy not good enough??? how did they win the World Cup then??? how anyone can say the world champions arent good enough to win the euros is beyond me! Italy are a class team and are the best in it imo
June 6th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
the legend yiur opinion aint worth shit
June 6th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
bring back jack charlton and we will all be happy
June 6th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
To say Italy arent good enough is over doing it a little. Spain have to get it right at some stage. Other than the world cup what was the last thing Italy won…. the 82 world cup so eventually a team of great players wins something. Canavaro is huge loss to the Italians he had a pretty good season with Madrid and he will be missed. Funny enough this will be the first time Spain are with out Raul in a big tournamnet. Spain have the best attacking threat in europe at the moment id keep an eye on Danny Guiza
June 6th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
MY TOP BETTING TIP IS AN accum on
spain to beat russia
france to beat romania
germany to beat poland
portugal to beat turkey
50 accum pays 500 euro get on it
June 6th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
aye aye the scurvy one
June 6th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
david molloy i cant remember raul playing in 82 world cup.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
magic m you call me crazy, portugal or croatia. no way. the germans will reign supreme.
as for the legend i give you top marks for your comment about spain. they will not show up like they dont show up for any major tournament.
as for your italian loyalty this grade a clown cannot remember the last time the italians won this compeition. you got to admit the germans are europes most successful footballing nation and the others are just trotting slowly after them.
being world champoins does not guarantee success in the european championships.
you got to say the thirsty one is tuned in big time.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I am German but I don`t see Germany as clear favourites although they always manage to get far in the tournament. You always have to think of Italy and France. I don`t know what to make of Portugal but in fact they have Ronaldo or Holland. Anyone spent a thought on Turkey? After last times win of Greece(still with Otto Rehagel on of the best trainers in the world). I think anything can happen. I am really looking forward to this tournament although I normally clearly prefer the world championchips (Brazil and Argentina are always so nice to watch). And what about Austria with a 150/1 quote? The opening game is in Vienna and so is the final…well loads of fun to all of you with this tournament I think it will be a very good one with lots of surprises
June 7th, 2008 at 7:23 am
idiot boy your are being ignorant to holgar for no reason he was just having his opinion which is what this is all about. your ignorrance just proves your lack of knowledge of the game “YOU TWIT”
June 7th, 2008 at 7:27 am
GREAT ACCUMULATOR FOR THE WEEKEND, CZECH,PORTUGAL,COATIA. A50EURO TREBLE WILL SET US ALL UP FOR THE REST OF THE TOURNAMENT AND TAKE SOME OF OUR HARD EARNED CASH BACK OFF PADDYPOWER
June 7th, 2008 at 8:17 am
well done the thirsty one, no ned for these bucko’s to resort to the low ball game. holger is entitled to his opinion as much as anyone. so what germany havent won it since 1996 they are going to win it this year.
also mr melligan knows what he is talking about. the so called legend calling him a grade a clown. looking at some of his posts he has all the qualifications of filling that post himself.
looking over the bigger picture tradition comes into play all the time with the odd exception. sa for the euro champinships germany have that and are top of th pile. the italians seem to be more interested in the world cup for some strange reason.
now finally get on th germans to make a fast buck, italy may progress to 1/4 finals but also they have a fifty fifty chance of going home too. remember euro 96.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:26 am
I’m not a greedy man, back Portugal and croatia both to qualify from their groups, the double pays just over evens, what bank would give you 100% interest for nine days?
June 7th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Spot on Eamo thats the same thinking i had with Croatia to beat Austria @ 10/11…. what bank would give you 91% interest for 90mins???????
June 7th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Price looks massive indeed
June 7th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
idiot boy lighten up a bit have a beer enjoy the football i am only on this site to have a laugh and winding up twats like you. by the way the thirsty one is only one of my titles, so dont trust anyone .
June 7th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
by the way cheers for your last tip idiot boy. just the thought of the excitement you would get out of following that bet kills me. you sound really interesting.
June 7th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
twill be Portugal
June 7th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
idiot boy i will watch your bet (if i can stay awake) lets see how simple it goes.enjoy the rest of your day “boy”
June 7th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
@idiot boy
Who do you think you are?
Go ahead bet for Romania and after the group stages just relax and watch the rest of the tournament 
June 7th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
idiot BOY my mug is shut same as your sad bet
June 7th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
watch my tip and see how far its off your nap bet theres not as big a gap as the prices suggest. now go away BOY i am really THIRSY
June 7th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I have read your coments u r a knob , do yourself a favour read the whole page
June 7th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
i am a knob that message was for the idiot boy
June 7th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Jaysus lads ye have descending into childish name calling again, ffs grow up!
June 7th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
1st won up of my treble hows idiot doing
June 7th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
IDIOT BOY IM NO ALCHO C*NT URA LOSER
June 7th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
THIRSTY ONE MAKE LOVE NOT WAR 4GIVE HIM AND YOU WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE
June 7th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
still think portugal will win with klose top scorer can anyone find out the price of that for me
June 7th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
my hand in peace is offered to idiot boy
June 7th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
i will score tonight get your money on now before its to late
June 7th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
2nd up on my treble hows the idiot gettin on. coatia here we come , what about idiot Boy and his even money treble.who treble is worth a shot. if he wanysv anyu more outsde? shots give me a shoti
June 7th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Romania have already finished above Holland in their group and being a Scot i have to say France and Italy dont look anything special. I really think 40/1 is a huge price for them. Mutu is the main man for them too, taking all the free kicks and penaties. 50/1 for him to be top scorer. Hey dont say i didnt warn you!!
June 8th, 2008 at 9:03 am
ok i started reading the blog then decided what the heck i will give you all an helping hand, portugal are amazing and will be in the final against spain ……..portugal cant fail the top half of the draw they are quality and have quality on the bench like veloso and quaresma, germany have the same chance of winning this as i do of playing for england in a world cup final …..absolutely none, if i was a bookie i would lay 50 to one germany cos they are crap, torres is a cut above any player in this tournament and only villa and ronaldo can challenge him for top scorer , spain have arguably the easiest draw of the group stages, some say germany have but germany arent any good so why would it be they who have a good group, nah spain have the easiest group ….sweden are spent , russia are awful (remember they lost 3-0 to a second rate england side) and greece are ageing, spain will finish group on 9pts and score at least 3 per game , with that in mind torres is excellent value for top scorer and spain v portugal final cover your bets with ronaldo and spain v portugal final cos you cant dispute ronaldo scores goals ….lots of goals second best player in the world behind only the legend that is lionel messi. i have 33 match accas so i cant tell you them all but spain and portugal will win all their games for certain and spain are near even money on all their group games which is ridiculous and potugal are even 6/5 to beat swiss which is an absolute mortgage on gimme garauntee, license to print money cos portugal will win by 3 or 4 goals against the downright useless swiss, who might i add have just lost their only goodplayer frei to injury, even if portugal rest players to give others a try the replacements there are quaresma veloso nani etc etc the list is endless but it final heartbreak again i feel with spain to end up winning it ……france are older than my grandma , italy are good but not as good as they have been, lets not forget they only just managed a result against scotland whos are crap , germany are useless which leaves czech, holland and romania to discuss……czech will miss rosicky big time as we saw against the swiss and the old man upfront is spent…..holland are very talented but are a little lacking for me defensively …..romania are very good but unfortunately are outclassed in their group where i fully expect romania to be the best team ever to leave a tournament without a point. their only chance of a point is against france , holland and italy have too much in the locker for them .
so to recap ….spain portugal final with torres or ronaldo top scorer. ronaldo t/scorer and spain win is 66/1….port vs spain final is 10-1…..torres / spain is 14-1 ………….torres 13-2 and portugal vs spain final double is 65/1 ridiculous odds for a very good bet
June 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
peter the great,is it the european football champoinships you are on about or the subbuteo under 14 world cup.
June 8th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
portugal looked pretty good last night, i am glad i decided to back them they will improve as they go on. i still fancy klose to be top scorer
June 8th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
well lads what about the germans. did not need to get out of secong gear. looks like it’s only a matter of waiting and collecting the cup. portugal, croatia and czech republic only average.
June 9th, 2008 at 12:37 am
I fancy Turkey and the odds are very good. OK they lost to Portugal but they could easily have drawn although they didnt play well and everyone says how good Portugal are. Greece won last time so I think Turkey will want to have the trophy from Greece,,,don’t forget Turkey came third in the world cup a few years ago…bit of a dark horse but i fancy an outsider
June 9th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
wheres idiot boy ? must be away treating himself with winnings from that big bet
June 9th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
bend over and touch your toes and enjoy it idiot boy
June 9th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
i have plenty of friends idiot but i would love it if you would be my special friend
June 9th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
the legend - hope that wheelbarrow wasn’t too big!
June 9th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
quote the legend…… “and marks melligan = GRADE A CLOWN! Italy not good enough??? how did they win the World Cup then??? how anyone can say the world champions arent good enough to win the euros is beyond me! Italy are a class team and are the best in it imo”
world champoins maybe but not for long more. they will get hard to qualify for the next tournament. as for you legend stick to the tennis as you know sweet dam all about football. back the germans they are still 7/2 and make money.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
The Dutch were absolutly superb tonight. Its easy to say about Italy being an ageing team but the football that Holland played was a joy to watch! Its early days but were it to work out a Holland vs Spain semi-final would be football at its best!!!
Spain Greece double tomorrow id say!!!
June 10th, 2008 at 7:33 am
well done marks melligan, your no grade a clown at all. the italians should stick to selling ice cream or pizza. the dutch challenge will fizzle out like in all major finals. wait till the dutch meet the germans and they will be sent packing.
now magic m i bet you cannot wait to see what the legend makes of this italian fiasco.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:37 am
De Rossi can’t get into an old team like that, but how the Legend claims he is one of the best in the world is beyond me. he has clearly displayed his lack of football knowledge yet again, empty vessel anyone?. Italy need legs in that midfield, and to quoye big eamonn on RTE, Toni is a poor man’s Crouch, that is some insult
June 10th, 2008 at 9:09 am
I thought The Italians were a bit unlucky last night, they never got a break of the ball and got hit twice on the break. I’m piling in against Romania now, plenty of 8/11 out there, fill your boots lads
June 10th, 2008 at 10:42 am
the italians weren’t as bad and the dutch weren’t as good as people are making out. italy are too short there eamo - only the mugs would take on romania in this tournament!
June 10th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I am a mug, so I’ll be on no bother
June 10th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I agree with Eamo F i think the Italians will beat the Romanians on Friday. From what iv seen yesterday it looks like Romania have no interest in playing football at all which i was surprised with. It will be hard to get the first goal against them but once one goes in, and they are forced to open up, i think they’ll be exposed big time.
Italy weren’t as bad as people are saying they played some very good football but the football that the Dutch played, especially in the first half, was nothing short of superb. I was very impressed with the beast in midfield Engelaar, outside of the obvious genius that is Sneidjer.
I still think Italy will get out of the group to set up an exciting tie with Spain. And im looking forward to seeing if Spain can produce the same level of football that the Oranje produced last night.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:10 am
romania aren’t there to entertain, they’re there to get out of the group. you don’t have to play pretty football to get good results - ask rafa benitez. italy to finish bottom.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Just like to throw one out of leftfield. Russia have pace and power in spades and if they can nick a result vs Spain, I can see them going far.. Semis at least wouldn’t be past them.
June 10th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
got to agree with you andy (or is it andrew?). big chance for russia if they can stay in the tournament, in time for when arshavin is back for the last group game. best coach in the competition too.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
i found a price of 6/4 for greece not to score tonight, sweden dont give away much i think its worth a punt. three teams have stood out so far portugal, germany and holland, it just proves how tight it will be in the knockout stages. dont right off the italians just yet 12s is some price if they can get out of that group.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Idiot boy was reading your comment about dirk kuyt getting a game (3rd june). Did you watch the game against italy, that proves you know nothing about the game. TOSSER .
June 10th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Bet your a utd supporter, suppose Torres shouldnt be on the pitch for Spain?
June 10th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Why is it that when the name calling starts it always involves the same person???
June 10th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
David villa has just wrecked my top scorer bet, I had klose done a 3 goal start will be very hard to catch. usually 8 or 9 goals wins it. By the way idiot stop sharing your pointless coments with us if you cant take it being questioned.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
CALM DOWN AND CHILL OUT LADS, IDIOT BOY YOU ARE ALWAYS ARGUING . PORTUGAL TO WIN HAD THEM AT THE START AT 7/1 WITH 100 EUROS ON IT STILL LOOKING OK.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
The Legend Says:
June 6th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Germany are good but overhyped, dont fancy them but they are in the easier half.
Spain have never done anything, bookies are laughing with the stupid dopes putting money on them, they have NO CHANCE.
and marks melligan = GRADE A CLOWN! Italy not good enough??? how did they win the World Cup then??? how anyone can say the world champions arent good enough to win the euros is beyond me! Italy are a class team and are the best in it imo
lol,rotflol,lmfao…….. haahhaahaaaa
the legend is a joker isnt he
June 10th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
i ll only say this once switz are certain to beat turkey at 13/10
June 10th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
PETERTHEGREAT Says:
June 8th, 2008 at 9:03 am
ok i started reading the blog then decided what the heck i will give you all an helping hand, portugal are amazing and will be in the final against spain ……..portugal cant fail the top half of the draw they are quality and have quality on the bench like veloso and quaresma, germany have the same chance of winning this as i do of playing for england in a world cup final …..absolutely none, if i was a bookie i would lay 50 to one germany cos they are crap, torres is a cut above any player in this tournament and only villa and ronaldo can challenge him for top scorer , spain have arguably the easiest draw of the group stages, some say germany have but germany arent any good so why would it be they who have a good group, nah spain have the easiest group ….sweden are spent , russia are awful (remember they lost 3-0 to a second rate england side) and greece are ageing, spain will finish group on 9pts and score at least 3 per game , with that in mind torres is excellent value for top scorer and spain v portugal final cover your bets with ronaldo and spain v portugal final cos you cant dispute ronaldo scores goals ….lots of goals second best player in the world behind only the legend that is lionel messi. i have 33 match accas so i cant tell you them all but spain and portugal will win all their games for certain and spain are near even money on all their group games which is ridiculous and potugal are even 6/5 to beat swiss which is an absolute mortgage on gimme garauntee, license to print money cos portugal will win by 3 or 4 goals against the downright useless swiss, who might i add have just lost their only goodplayer frei to injury, even if portugal rest players to give others a try the replacements there are quaresma veloso nani etc etc the list is endless but it final heartbreak again i feel with spain to end up winning it ……france are older than my grandma , italy are good but not as good as they have been, lets not forget they only just managed a result against scotland whos are crap , germany are useless which leaves czech, holland and romania to discuss……czech will miss rosicky big time as we saw against the swiss and the old man upfront is spent…..holland are very talented but are a little lacking for me defensively …..romania are very good but unfortunately are outclassed in their group where i fully expect romania to be the best team ever to leave a tournament without a point. their only chance of a point is against france , holland and italy have too much in the locker for them .
so to recap ….spain portugal final with torres or ronaldo top scorer. ronaldo t/scorer and spain win is 66/1….port vs spain final is 10-1…..torres / spain is 14-1 ………….torres 13-2 and portugal vs spain final double is 65/1 ridiculous odds for a very good bet
is this a short story for the leaving cert……yawn…..yawn
June 10th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
lucas cant see how you can tip torres as top scorer with villa 3 up already and torres will obviously be 2nd in the peckin order to villa who is the number 1 striker. good job lucas your not using ye olde typewriter or you would need more ink.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Idiot boy behave yourself or i will have to give you a good spanking for being a very naughty boy.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
idiot if you want to kiss and make up i AM your man
June 10th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Has anyone noticed how paddypowers money back offer is going great guns for him. i think the” generous” bookmaker should come up with another wee money back offer for us punters. go on you know you want to paddy
June 10th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
lucas, the legend is gone to watch the tennis wherever it is on. he couldn’t hack the football cos he knows nothing about it. probably knows nothing about tennis either. germany for glory lob on the money on them at 7/2.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:53 am
To be fair Big Hun, the odds of a red card per game is around a 5/2 or 11/4 shot, what other firm would give you a chance of money back at them sort of odds. I know Spoilsports are doing if any Prem player scores last, but some games don’t have any prem midfielders or forwards even playing, what odds in their MBS then?
June 11th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
boyles have by far the best special, if the team you backed loses in the final ya get your money back. powers money back special is crap, 1 of the worst ive ever seen but in fairness your usual crap football prices are fairly decent for euro 2008
June 11th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I agree legend thats why i backed Portugal there. I think they are the strongest on that side so had a go of em
June 11th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
draw no bet 5/2 for the czech rep against portugal who strugled to break down a poor turkey outfit
June 11th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Czech Rep didnt impress me atall against Switzerland they were very lucky to win but I will be doing that draw no bet on them today at 5/2 and I’m going to stick a few hundred on Switzerland beating Turkey today
June 11th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Guys trust me on this one.. France will win the tournament… France have arguably the best defence and look capable of holding on to 0-0’s when under pressure while henry will make the difference.. Worth a punt on 12-1!!
June 11th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
No wonder you have a few quid to stick on Switerland The Legend, have you paid out on Liverpool to beat Inter in the CL yet, I didn’t think so, I pity the mug who thought that you would
June 11th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
reference andy cole, this is football andy, not rugby.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
get on the bets for the underdogs not to score it was 6/4 for greece not to score. there has been an lot of wins to nil.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Quick everyone the man who knows it all (idiot boy) has decided to give his opinion on a few crap players again. Why doesnt he try to bring out a few positive things intead of bad mouthing and talking shit . But maybe its not his fault its just maybe the way he is.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
anymore big tips idiot boy i cant find any good 1/8 shots.,it takes a man of your vast experience to sniff out a team of that value.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
i was looking up the top scoring betting klose is 20/1 what a price for an e/w punt.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
you are now getting paranoid as well as being a prat, you are now falling out with someone that doesnt exist. you wrote poo-poo and you know it and you called me gay
June 11th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
you are one sad man get a life you paranoid freek
June 11th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
idiot boy, if the personal and unnecessarily uncivil posts continue you will be blocked…by all means give your opinion but try and do so with at least a modicum of maturity
June 11th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
The boys up in PP must love you The Legend, coupled with your 100% record of predictions and naps you must pay for their Xmas party all by yourself. I bet you wish your mum would shut down the computer when she goes out to the shops to stop making yourself look so good. Switzerland certs in the 1st game along with this bold call
The Legend Says:
June 11th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Czech Rep didnt impress me atall against Switzerland they were very lucky to win but I will be doing that draw no bet on them today at 5/2 and I’m going to stick a few hundred on Switzerland beating Turkey today
You have to thank God some days that you have a bit of a kop on, you must be some craic down the pub!
June 11th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I’m afraid enough is enough and despite several requests for a more respectful approach to the manner in which he expresses his views I genuinely regret to inform the rest of the commentors on this blog that idiot boy, aka the legend, has been blocked…it’s not an action which was taken lightly and was one which I would have preferred to avoid as the whole point of this blog is to allow anyone who wishes to do so to have their say, regardless of whether we agree with it or not…however when it degenerates into pointless and personal abuse directed towards fellow commentors something needed to be done.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
rob at last we can get on talking football.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
So idiot boy aka legend has been blocked seems Iv missed out whilst i woz away.Iv backed Portugal but no team has jumped out so far Spain and Holland defence still suspect for me at the mo happy with me position so far
June 12th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Sully i agree with you i have Portugal done and they look great, only thing is Germany look really good as well and i think they are the only challengers, but you never know what will happen. good ridence to idiot boy he was a prat
June 12th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I would say if this great football carries on with all these bets i am getting up i ,the thirsty one will have to continue getting “blocked ” myself
June 12th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
In responce to MAGIC M and IDIOT BOY
June 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
This is why i asked does anybody on this page no anything about football, like i said Germany will be in the final,plain to see unless your MAGIC M or IDIOT BOY witch by the way is a very appropriate name. What a stupid comment to make about Russia been a far better side than Sweden, you must feel really thick now I’m sure after Sweden beat the holders by 2 without conceding and the great Russia getting a lesson by another overrated side. the German’s have something that no team in the comp has and that’s REAL CLASS ALL OVER THE PITCH!!!! Spain will qualify and so will Sweden like i said b4 but after that we will just have to wait and see but like i said from the start its allover bar the shouting the GERMAN’S are just to strong..
June 12th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I’ve punted Croatia today as the price is far too big, are Germany that superior?
June 12th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
i think the germans are a great team but at odds on ,your right eamo they are a bit short against a very good croatia who are well priced even at + 1 goal
June 12th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
We pay the money so we’ll take our chance
June 12th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
get on the germans before it’s too late. the rest are history.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Firstly Conor dont ever use my name in the same sentence with Idiot Boy again. I voice my opinion and dont parttake in personal attacks.
Secondly Germany have won one game, thery are still a long way from the final!
Thirdly i think Russia will beat Greece and i think they still have a chance to get out of the group. Either way i dont care because whoever comes second in that group will be knocked out by the Dutch.
Finally best of luck with your support of the Germans but i just dont see them getting to the final…. And im struggling to see the “class all over the pitch” to be honest.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Conor Conor Conor i take everything back…. Those Germans are brilliant!!!!
Im tired of saying that once the Germans came up against a good team they’d be exposed, which i think we’ll all have to agree just happened this evening.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Germans weak central defense exposed Croatia when there in the mood look very impressive think i might have a saver on them to win outright.As I see It Croatia v Turkey Portugal V Germany Holland V Sweden Italy V Spain will be quarterfinals.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
The Croatia’s have done me a right turn now, I’m going to lump into the italians tomorrow at 8/11. Probably end up with egg on my face, but just think they’ll have too much for the Romanians
June 12th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Come on Austria ,paddy was kindly giving 14/1 for live double today so I took the chance and well im half way there, great display by the croats fancied them since they stuffed the english in the qualifiers, dont think they will win it outright though, defo Spains tournament,
June 13th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Lads, am I barking up the wrong tree here with the Italians today, a couple of lads who I respect are telling me to stay well clear of them?
June 13th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Riomania are tough but that dope Donadoni will have learnt from the performance against Holland! He’ll play the legend that is Daniele De Rossi and hopefully Perrotta or Aquilani in midfield too!
Hope he has an attack of Del Piero, Toni and Cassano that would be too hot to handle for Romania!
NON MOLLARE MAI
June 13th, 2008 at 11:53 am
LUMP ON EAMO F! ITALY IS THE HOME OF CALCIO AND THEY ARE ALSO PLAY THE BEST FOOTBALL IN THE WORLD!
June 13th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I wonder who Una Leggenda could be????
Well Eamo i strongly fancy the Italians as well. I had them in a double with Poland last night… the 92nd minute made me sick!
June 13th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I’m convinced lads, not on the advice of Una Leggenda though, what he knows about football, you could write on the back of a stamp!
June 13th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
italy,holland,spain and russia my weekend accum, all 4 should be to strong for their opposition and are all good prices. dont know about anyone else but the 1st goalscorers in this tournament are hard to get.
June 13th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Eamo F you know I am thee expert when it comes to football, my knowledge cannot be disputed! the thirsty one are you for real, that accum has no hope!
Holland are dirt and I will be putting my life savings on France draw no bet against them!
Fancy Sweden to get something from the overrated Espana!
VIVA ITALIA!!!
June 13th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
And also who are the football traders for powers??? yas had a live double on Croatia/Austria up at 14/1 when in fact if ya backed them both in a double it works out at 17/1!!! where did that 14/1 come from?????
June 13th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Netherlands 3-0 Italy
Netherlands 3-0 Italy
Netherlands 3-0 Italy
That scoreline just looks so good, never get bored of seeing it.
Not bad for a team thats “dirt”
June 13th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
eamo and the other azzurri backers - you’re better off taking those wheelbarrows of money, putting it in a big pile and setting fire to it. at least that way you can stay warm while watching it go up in flames.
June 13th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
The degree of your knowledge is not in dispute Legend, I will refer you to another post on this very blog
Switzerland certs in the 1st game
The Legend Says:
June 11th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Czech Rep didnt impress me atall against Switzerland they were very lucky to win but I will be doing that draw no bet on them today at 5/2 and I’m going to stick a few hundred on Switzerland beating Turkey today
June 13th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
italy very very poor against the dutch - luca toni is a poor man’s peter crouch. i’m tipping the romanians today.
June 13th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Eamo F I told you long ago Croatia were a brilliant team who play great football and I was proved right!
June 13th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
i see idiot boy /legend is back again
June 13th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
idiot boy aka eddie intox you bore me
June 13th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Rob said idiot boy was banned, no mention of The Legend. If they didn’t work off the same IP, this wouldn’t be an issue.
June 13th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
idiot boy, legend,una leggenda, eddie intox.ALL ONE This person is a slabber
June 13th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I don’t, I’m unemployable like you Eddie
June 13th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
idiot is trying to make a conversation between his imaginary friends. hes replying and even arguing with himself. you can talk to someone about that sort of behaviour
June 13th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I have encountered some eejits in my life but Eddie Intox/Idiot Bot/The Legend/Una Leggenda have to be amongst the most stupid and obnoxious creatures in that group - this is coming from someone from the North where little men in glass houses like to throw big stones!! Remind you of anyone, why don’t you crawl back under the rock you came from or go and buy yourself an education instead of punting!
June 13th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
idiot boy are you bored sending messages to yourself. you think your pretty, i agree yes pretty thick,sad and lonely. you are one tosser
June 13th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
how good were holland there??
a bit thanks to germany and itlay for loosing me €45, was going very well up until that, holland -1 @5/1 gives me a little bit back though
June 13th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
idiot boy telling people hes pretier than others sitting at his computer like a thick.is there no end to this chaps sadness?
June 14th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I bet you would idiot but i’m not that type of fella, each to their own though!
June 16th, 2008 at 11:11 am
The Turks got me out of a hole last night, but were lucky, anyone have any strong fancies for the next few days?
June 16th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
eamo i fancy a big pint or 12
June 17th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I hear you on that Thirsty alright, any Ascot fancies?
June 17th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
no i would nt give you any of my horse tip because i am crap at horses, i wouldnt want to be responsible for you loosin all that hard earned cash
June 17th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
watch the germans wallop portugal
June 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
ronaldo will dance round the german defence
June 18th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Portugal to qualify and Croatia to qualify, double pays 6/4, some more free money for everyone, can maybe see a draw in one of these, so i’ll stick to the qualifying market
June 18th, 2008 at 9:34 am
not impressed by italy at all against a poor 10 men. luca toni is a league 1 player at best. i wouldn’t back italy with a two goal start against spain.
russia to beat sweden tonight and then knock out the dutch (can’t you just see hiddink doing it?), spain to do a job on italy and then beat russia, and lose to portugal in the final.
June 18th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Portugal and Croatia both to progress without a doubt. I think Pirlo and Gattuso missing means that Spain will just have too much for Italy. I think Russia will win tonight which would be, in my opinion, a far tougher game for the Dutch than Sweden. However i see the Dutch progressing either way. 9 changes last night and they eased to victory over a side that France and Italy struggled big time against. Indeed only for a kick of the ball, and a great save by Buffon, they’d have knocked Italy out.
Overall i think the pace and flair that Holland have going forward give them the edge over everyone for me. Of course the best team in the group stages does not always go on to win (Argentina WC 06, Czech Rep EC 04) but i think it will take a special performance from a special team to beat Holland!!!
June 18th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Im still happy with my 7/1 on Portugal aldo gutted i didnt get on Holland e/w as i backed them in an accum to win their group
June 18th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Any Ascot fancies for later in the week Sully?
June 18th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Spacious friday Zidane Takeover Target saturday.As for today in racecard order Jupiter Pluvius NB Heaven Sent NAP Ask E/W Lang Shining E/W Bahamian Babe E/W Festivale E/W.Slightly up on yesterday thanks to Art Conniseur
June 18th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Art showed some speed didn’t he, very impressive, I like spacious as well
June 18th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Guineas next year possibly one for the notebook
June 18th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
get on greece not to score tonight i got 7/5 they have shortened the price . must have been that 10 grand i put on it
June 18th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
q/f
germany to beat portugal
croatia to beat turkey
italy to beat spain
russia to beat netherlands
sf
germany to beat croatia
italy to beat russia
final
germany to beat italy
June 20th, 2008 at 9:19 am
reformed ? more like DEFORMED
June 20th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Done my dough on Portugal, schoolboy defending is too kind to that. I hope he brings that style to Chelsea next year with him
June 20th, 2008 at 11:30 am
turkey are overpriced at 4/1
June 20th, 2008 at 11:32 am
van nistelrooy looks good value for top scorer at 16/1 russia have a v. poor defense while villa may struggle to score against italians
June 20th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Lads Cuis Ghaire Spacious and Conduit a treble to pay for the weekend in Thurles yes or no.Would apreciate advice
June 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Oxx’s yoke deserves big respect in the Queen Vase
June 20th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
What about my above treble I fancy Bushman Amerigo each way and Zaahid also
June 20th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Bolger’s filly too short for me, Spacious I like but I’ve backed Psalm e.w at a price, and like Bronze Cannon against the other one, but I’ve been wrong manys a time before
June 20th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Good start unlucky in running second and not good enough in third.Still theres always my weekend double in the hurling Wexford -1 @ 5/4 and Limerick @ 11/10 lads this is nearly 7/2 for the double make Paddy pay
June 20th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I’ll follow you in on this as I’m heading to Croker myself, Think Limerick are good tings alright
June 20th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Too words that should never be linked with Limerick hurlers GOOD THINGS but at the prices im willing to get involved.Only one place to be on Sunday Eamo F Thurles.Wonder will the Dubs come out on mass on the hill like they do for the footballers i doubt it .Wexford to be suited be wide open spaces in Croker.Ciaran Carey is playing at full back in the intermediate game before the senior game which in Limerick is the equilevent of seeing Roy Keane tog out for Cobh Ramblers
June 20th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I’m starved of good GAA in the Nations Capital, so anything I can get to, I go. I won’t be there next week though
June 21st, 2008 at 1:35 am
Magic m wat was that you said in your last comment?? Croatia and Portugal to progress without a doubt!!! good call mate, you make me smile, So far so good for my nap since the start as i said earlyer real class will win, come on the GERMANS!! hay reformed i mean DEFORMED you got one thing rite i am without question not A but D GENIUS!!!!!!!!! its like been in a pub with you lot, pub talk! PORTUGAL me arse overrated flops allways have been. paddy power loves you’s!! IDIOTS
June 21st, 2008 at 10:51 am
We all get things wrong Conor. And if you look at it without bias Germany are simply on the easy side of the draw. Add to that of the luck they got last night with the robbery that took place, and now only have to play Turkey. And id still like you to tell me where the “real class” exists in this German side? The defence is only brutal, they struggled past Austria, they got a lesson off Croatia, and were gifted the win against Portugal.
If you wanna see REAL CLASS just look at the football that is to come over the next 2 nights. I just hope its a Holland Germany final… Oh it would be a footballing lesson!!!
Oh its funny how you went on the missing list after the lesson the Germans were given by Croatia only to reappear now that a result went in your favour. But since your back now please make sure you tell me about this “real class” Germany have all over the pitch.
June 21st, 2008 at 11:20 am
Italy evens to beat perenial bottlers spain, excellant value
June 21st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
italy simply can’t win. missing two key central midfielders including pirlo the only player in their team with a bit of guile. even the defence looks shaky with cannavaro and torres and villa will rip them to shreds. it’s desperate times when luca toni is the focal point of your attack. poor man’s peter crouch. i’m all over spain like a dirty rash.
fancy russia to cause an upset tonight at a price.
June 21st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
What’s with all this Toni bashing? Shows people just don’t understand the game. Very close game eith two dodgy defences but also two excellent keepers. I see it as a 1-1 draw and possibly Spain to nick it in ET. Fancy Russia 1-0 at 12-1 worth a few quid i reckon. Never underestimate Hiddink!
June 21st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
for all the talk about germany i still think they have the best team in the tournament. phillip lahm is the best full back in the comp micheal ballack is at the top of his game and thorsten frings is an excellent passer of the ball podolski made bits of the portugese while klose is a striker with proven international pedigree
June 21st, 2008 at 3:57 pm
have you watched toni play in this tournament? reminds me of ali dia….
June 21st, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Tonis general play has been good, his finishing was very bad against France but hes still a top quality forward and scored a perfectly good goal against Romania. moukoko you talk some amount of nonsense!
I want to see Aquilani starting against Spain, Aquilani, De Rossi and Perrotts Romas 2 midfielders can do a great job for Italy! Hopefully Del Piero loses the 4-3-3 aswell.
Germany have a bye to the final now anyway
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:26 am
hope you followed me in on russia. stick me with kid, you’ll go far. best performance of the tournament, could well go all the way. different class. arshavin is some player.
spain to win by 2 tomorrow, maybe more.
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
whats this? idiot boy bad mouthing someone again. i think italy will beat spain and germany will beat them in the final.
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
quote 6 june 2008
there is only one outcome, germany to lift the trophy, you cannot beat the germans. italy not good enough, spain will do there usual and conk out. netherlands only there to make up the numbers, croatia to much been made of them and no experience, czech republic are and average team forget about them.
spain to blow up tonight against the below average italians
germant to rule europe, revenging the world cup semi final v italy 2 years ago, why wouldn’t they, didn’t they knock us out.
June 22nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
spain to go through tonight, but come up short against russia, who’ll put manners on germany in the final. since the opening game, they’ve been the best team in the tournament, have the best coach and arshavin’s been the best player. 4/1 is a gift.
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Spain from midfield up are as good as any team but with the exception of sergio ramos at the back are brittle & VERY skinable. Im not a big fan of Italy but Toni will b dangerous even though my 1 year old daughter has more pace . Pirlo is a massive loss but we all should kno by now dont write off buffons boys just yet. Hope Russia win in long run .
June 22nd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
i done a bet at the start for pidolski to be player of the tournament. i think he has been one of the best so far, has anyone got any thoughts on anyone else ,maybe ballack or villa
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:25 am
i thought greece put up a hell of a fight tonight - unlucky to be knocked out on pens.
russia to go through against spain. germany to beat turkey but will be taught a lesson in the final. arshavin player of tournament - NAP.
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:03 am
DOES ARSE SHAVING NOT SEEM A WEE BIT DANGEROUS AND PAINFUL?
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:09 am
i wouldn’t be that sure about that but i reakon if you ask idiot boy he would have plenty of experience in that department. ( and he doesn’t use a razor to do the shaving)
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:14 am
HEY MAGIC M,i see you done it again, footballing lesson haha dont make me laught you have to get to the final first you put the kiss of death on the dutch, not much point in you staying on this blog now unless you wana NAP someone elce!!! i dont wont to see you go cause your gas you realy make me smile mate, wat do you mean germany only have to play turkey, you can only play who is put in front of you and turkey fully deserve ther place in the semi and a good side they are to,strong at the back and very hard to break down as we have already seen. i do expect the germans to progress to the final of course but still some work to be done. Anyway magic m paddy power took your money just like i said he would but ifyou want to get it back just do as i said, latch on to the germans b4 its to late mate, ther is only one out come!! Now this brings me to the real class of the germans that you are so eager to hear about so wat i have done for you is put together aplayer profile of every german player in the squad it is quite amazing i must say it even impressed me, so if you would like to give me an e-mail adress i would gladley forward it on to you, having played football myself in germany for four years admittley at a lower level i no wat the demands are like and i can asure you they far greater than england or the rest europe, from the grass level up it is much harder to make it as a professional in germany than in any other country in the world im am sure of this. enjoy the rest of the comp mate it wont be long till its all over.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
and breathe….
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
If everyone who posts on the blog was always right, it would be very boring indeed lads. Anyone else really impressed with Russia? Didn’t see the game but heard they were very impressive
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
They flattered to deceive and will not even count against the Spanish, remember that England beat them and it puts things into perspective!
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Eamo i agree Russia were superb. I said in an earlier post that it would take a good team and a special performance to knock the Dutch out and thats exactly what Russia produced. They were superb in every way saturday night and Arshavin put on a masterclass. Every credit due to them.
It sets up a great semi final which will see flowing football as it should be. Spud what relevance bringing up the defeat at Wembly has iv no idea. Turkey lost to Bosnia in qualifying and Croatia lost to Macedonia, each of which has no relevance either. Nobody would judge either of them on just those matches. So looking at just that game puts absolutely nothing into perspective.
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Just like a horse getting easy chinned in a weak race means nothing to its line of form eh Magic? Everybody is jumping on the one game against Holland as a true indicator of how good they are but it should also be remembered that England gave them a pasting under Steve McLaren - it is also a widely accepted fact that the Dutch always blow up spectacularly in tournaments which has happened again. The final will be between Spain and Germany, end of story.
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
So horses are the same as humans now are they? Look i agree with ya in your prediction of the final i think it will be Spain and Germany as well. And if you look at what i said i never claimed that they are suddenly the best team in the world. I merely stated that they were superb the other night and deserve the credit they are getting. And i still dont see the relevance with focusing on just ONE of TWELVE qualifying games to form your opinion… thats just crazy! And lets be honest losing at Wembly isnt exactly a disgrace.
And i for one dont buy into the fact you mention about the Dutch exploding in major tournaments. The loss was not due to them exploding, it was simply due to a good team playing superb on the night.
Euro 92 - knocked out in semi-final on pens by eventual winners Denmark
WC 94 - Lost a classic to Brazil 3-2 (eventual winners)
Euro 96 - knocked out on pens in quarter finals by France
WC 98 - knocked out on pens in semi-final by Brazil
Euro 00 - knocked out on pens in semi-final by Italy
Euro 04 - knocked out by hosts Portugal in semi-final
WC 06 - knocked out by Portugal in last 16 (a game hard to analysis due to the ref being card happy)
Now Spud i dont know bout you but I dont see how those major tournament results show that the Dutch explode. To me it shows a bit of misfortunate, and that they are piss poor at pens.