Euro 2008 Opening Fixtures Betting

The opening fixture for Euro 2008 has a 2-0 win to the Czechs written all over it. The Czechs are the perennial squad that puts in good, physical performances but can't maintain them long enough to actually win a tournament. While I do not expect the Czech's to make it to the semis, they will more than likely get out of their group with a minimum of fuss. The two principle reasons for this are Petr Cech, arguably the world's most talented keeper, and the steely resiliency of the Czech backline. Despite this, their midfield remains a weak point and it must be admitted that their strike-force can put in mediocre performances from time to time. Expect a steady stream of long balls to the front line and a constant threat from dead ball situations.Click here for a free £200 to bet on Euro 2008 with Canbet The Swiss did not have to qualify for the tournament and have had some horrible results leading up to the finals. Sebastien Frei is not at 100% and he will be expected to provide Switzerland's goal threat. I am confident that their biggest weakness is in central defence with the shaky pairing of Arsenal duo Phillipe Senderos and Johan Djourou expected to contain Jan Koller and Milan Baros. In my opinion, this is where the betting action is on the opening match. Seeing as though the Czechs are usually one of the tallest teams in the tournament, they are always a threat from corners and set-pieces and that's where I expect the first goal to come from. Ladbrokes has the giant Jan Koller listed at 6/1 to score from a header at any time during the match. Additionally, many betting sites seem to believe that Cech will likely keep a clean sheet and finding some value around that is tough. I was able to find Czech Republic to win to nil at Ladbrokes listed at 3/1. I also predict that a few Senderos errors will allow Milan Baros several one-on-one's with the Swiss keeper. I expect him to slot one of these home. At the time of this writing, the Czech Republic to win 2-0 is paying in the neighbourhood of 20/1 at Betfair. The Swiss fans will be in full voice, but I feel as though they won't be able to ask the right questions of Petr Cech. 2-0 to the Czech Republic with goals from Koller and Baros. VerdictJan Koller to score from a header 11/2 at BlueSquare or 6/1 at Ladbrokes.Czechs to win 2-0 is currently paying 15.5/1 at Betfair.Instead of betting on Cech getting a clean sheet, bet the Czechs to win to nil which pays 3/1 at Ladbrokes. Portugal-Turkey The Cristiano Ronaldo media circus should continue unabated until the end of the month and it doesn't take a genius to predict that he will factor heavily into the end result of this match and, likely, the tournament. Arguably the world's most exciting attacking player, Ronaldo's pace, trickery and raw strength will be on display here with the Winking Wonder being deployed in more central role than we are used to, likely tucked just behind Nuno Gomes. Portugal are counting on their dynamic midfield to deliver this tournament for them and with names like Quaresma, Deco, Nani and Moutinho expected to line up across the middle of the park, the Turkish defenders are in for a torrid 90 minutes. I am anticipating the deployment of a 4-5-1 formation that will also offer a substantial counter-attacking threat and, while I don't expect the Portuguese to out-muscle the Turks, the limitless supply of direct running and creativity will see Portugal come out 3-1 winners. If the Turks are to pull off an upset here, the responsibility will fall squarely to Villareal's prolific striker Nihat. I think he has the poise to undo Portugal, but I am unsure how much service he is going to get from the midfield. He must score and he must score early in order for Turkey to have a shot at a draw or a win. Despite some solid performances at recent international tournaments Turkey only qualified by one point ahead of Norway. Their captain warms the bench at Newcastle? These factors don't bode well for Turkey's overall progress in the tourney. They will be relying on the Czechs to slip up and while anything can happen in football, I think it's too tall of an order. Ronaldo has a lot to prove right now with the Real Madrid drama festering on the back-pages of newspapers across England and the Iberian Peninsula. I expect an energetic display from him and he will be looking to capitalize on as many opportunities as he can. Paddy Power has him at 9/2 to score first and they are also offering a really sweet promotion throughout the Group Stages. If a player in any match receives a red card, all losing bets placed before kick-off on 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast will be refunded. Check their site for the full details, but that makes Paddy a very attractive option for Group Stage betting. As usual, the best odds on correct score are available at Betfair and, currently, Portugal to win 3-1 is listed at 19.5/1. I also have a sneaking suspicion that Deco won't be happy to let Ronaldo hog his limelight, so I am willing to fork out a few quid on Deco scoring a trademark goal from outside the box. You can get this for 12/1 at Ladbrokes. Goalkeepers are concerned about the aerodynamics of the new ball being debuted at the tournament. Count on a confident, attacking performance from the Portuguese with goals from Ronaldo, Deco and Nuno Gomes with Nihat bagging Turkey's only goal of the match. Verdict: Ronaldo to score first is 9/2 at Paddy Power.Portugal to win 3-1 at Betfair is 19.5/1Deco to score from outside the box is 12/1 at Ladbrokes. Click here for a free £200 to bet on Euro 2008 with Canbet