With Euro 2012 just around the corner it is about time for some warm-up friendlies that will help players to get in good shape for when the debut day will finally arrive. Nearly all the teams will play this weekend and there are some matches that are really interesting especially if you are looking to make up your mind before betting on the tournament.
Today we analyse Group A’s friendlies games:
Co-hosts Poland are enjoying a very good preparation period as they have won three and drawn one their last four internationals. Italy are the only team who have been able to defeat the Polish who have reached a very good solidity with three successive clean sheets. When playing major tournament a strong defence is paramount and they have been able to conceded just three goals in 6 clashes.
Today they will play against Slovakia who are showing some positive progresses after a poor qualifying campaign that included a humiliated 4-0 defeat at home against Armenia. In their last match they managed to win 2-1 against Turkey and this was a positive sign after a winless sequence of 4 matches. We suggest to back Poland to win at 2.14
Czech Republic will take on Israel. The Czechs have had a very positive period recently having been able to win 4 of their last six games including both playoff legs against Montenegro. They have only lost recently against World Champions Spain and today it will not be easy for Israel who are living a very turbulent period that culminated in their failure to qualify for this summer tournament. Israel come into this match on the back of 4 defeats in their last 5 games and Czech Republic should win this match comfortably (1.86).
Grecia will take on Slovenia. Greece are not in very good form having failed to win in their last three outings. Having said that they have only being defeated once in their last 19 games and this show how much character Fernando Santos’ side have. The main problem is that they usually draw games instead of winning. Today they will take on a Slovenian side who have won just 1 match in their last six and that don’t have enough qualities to create problems to the hosts. I think this should be a low scoring affair as both teams are struggling recently to score goals. The Under 2.50 option at 1.62 seem to be the best solution.
Roy Hodgson will make his debut in Oslo against Norway. The curious thing to consider is that whilst most international managers are finalising their tactical plans after two years of working, for the former WBA manager this is the first game. It is a very tough task for Hodgson and it is very surprising to see England currently fourth favourites to win Euro 2012 at 12.5. The only advantage for players is that Hodgson is quite a predictable coach and will use a system that most players will know or have experienced at some points in their careers.