Euro 2008: Group A Second Round Betting

Swiss-Turkey Betting on the first group stage games in a major tournament is always a bit challenging, because even if you watched an entire team through the qualifiers, there is absolutely no guarantee that they will actually play that well come Matchday One (Poland, I am looking in your direction). In reference to the match-up between Switzerland and Turkey, both of these teams need goals in order to have any shot at progressing to the latter stages. I have a feeling that this one will be much more attack-oriented than their respective opening matches. Click here for a free £200 to bet on Euro 2008 with Canbet The Swiss were dealt a harsh blow when Frei officially confirmed his tournament exit, things got decidedly more sombre for the co-hosts. Their one out-and-out goal-threat is gone and their offensive players will have to step up in a big way to have any chance of seeing the play-off stages. Marco Streller will be the key element if the Swiss are to have a shot at this one. Both teams will have to get forward and score goals and I am confident that Turkey are simply better positioned, with better strikers, to capitalize when it counts. For Switzerland to have any chance, they must put a stranglehold on Nihat and ensure that he doesn't get quality service from the flanks. For the Turks to come out on top, they need to remain organized and retain possession for long spells. I think Nihat will bury the Swiss, but Streller may have something to say about it. Recommendations: Back Nihat to score at William Hill paying 5/2Back Streller to score at 11/4 at Paddy Power.2-1 to the Turks pays 14/1 at Canbet.1-1 draw pays 7/1 at Canbet. Czech Republic - Portugal The Czech Republic put in a very Czech Republic-like performance in their opening match against the Swiss. They got the job done, barely, and proved difficult to break down. I think Petr Cech will likely get them further than they likely should finish in this tournament. In fact, I think he is going to prove a veritable thorn in Portugal's side in this Group A clash. Both of these teams are sitting on three points from their previous match and I think the focus for both of these teams is to not lose the match. A 1-1 or 0-0 draw is very much a reality here. The Czech's strongest point is in between the posts, with their defence a close second. The combination of (arguably) the world's best keeper and the tight, organized defence that serves as a trademark for Czech football makes them a taller order than you might think for the Portuguese. Cristiano Ronaldo will have vivid memories of the last time he faced down Petr Cech and he will be looking to avenge his stutter-step error that almost cost his team the Champions League title. Despite nearly opening the scoring in the last game (something I had pegged him to do and missed out on by a fingertip and then a post) I think Ronaldo will have a tough time in this one. The Turks double-marked him and rendered him nearly ineffective except from set-pieces. I am confident that the Czechs will do the same in this match and the ultimate winner will be determined by whether the rest of the Portuguese midfield (and the underwhelming Nuno Gomes) can capitalize on the space that will invariably be created by this type of tactic. If the Portuguese come out on top, it will be a squeaker. Recommendations: 0-0 draw at Paddy Power pays 6/1.Czechs to keep a clean sheet pays 11/4 with Paddy Power. Click here for a free £200 to bet on Euro 2008 with Canbet