Tuesday’s action from France serves up four fascinating fixtures as Group C and Group D come to their climax. And we can hardly wait.
It should be a truly magical evening of entertainment as there’s one home nation, the current world champions, two fierce rivals, and the holders of this competition all in action. With more games to choose from, we’ll be hoping to increase our profits too.
Good luck!
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Tuesday’s Matches: Northern Ireland v Germany (5PM, BBC One); Poland v Ukraine (5PM, BBC iPlayer); Croatia v Spain (8PM, ITV); Czech Republic v Turkey (8PM, ITV 4)
At 5PM, Group C promises to provide an explosive finish. In Paris, Northern Ireland will be looking to build on their win over Ukraine by causing the biggest of upsets against the world champions. Germany haven’t been perfect, but they have looked strong. Having said that, Will Grigg is on fire, and Norn Iron can still keep their dream alive – even a draw would be brilliant.
UEFA will be hoping that the animosity remains on the pitch as Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine and Poland do battle in Marseille. The Ukrainians have looked particularly poor, and are out before the final game even starts. For the other three nations, though, there’s everything to play for. Expect fireworks.
The evening brings the final matches in Group D, and it should be enthralling from start to finish. Fans will rightly anticipate a truly absorbing contest in Bordeaux as Spain face Croatia. The Spaniards have been the best side so far, and simply don’t look like giving the ball away. Crazy end against the Czechs aside, the Croats have been almost equally impressive, though. It should be a cracker between two star-studded squads.
Group D’s other representative haven’t exactly sparkled, but one of them could still book their place in the round of 16. It’s the Czechs that look more capable on their respective showings so far, but Fatih Terim’s Turks can’t play any worse. There’s still time to salvage things, but this is the last chance for these two countries.
It could be the most exciting night of the tournament so far. Let’s hope our bets bring some profit too.
Toe Punter v The Bookies
There’s four games on offer, and we’ve got one selection from each. However, our two 5PM bets will be placed as a double.
We’d love to see Northern Ireland work their magic, but Michael O’Neill’s men simply don’t have the quality to cause major problems. As was the case against Ukraine, Germany should ease to a win and clean sheet.
In the other Group C contest, we’re backing Robert Lewandowski to finally break his duck.
Bet: Double – Germany win-to-nil & Lewandowski to score @ 33/10 with Ladbrokes (£10 stake)
In Group D, the Czech and Turks both know that only a win will do. Turkey have been hurt by a couple of notable absences, and that’s why we think Pavel Vrba’s men will prevail.
We don’t think they’ll go too deep into the competition, but the Czech’s still have enough quality to come through this one.
Bet: Czech Republic to win @ 13/10 (£10stake)
Croatia have been one of the picks of the tournament but a section of their fans has made things very difficult for Luka Modric and co. When you’ve got a weakness, Spain are the last team you want to face.
Vicente Del Bosque may rest a couple of players as Spain are already through, but he’ll still want his side to top the group. The holders are unbeaten in this competition since 2004, and we expect that to continue. We’re backing Cesc Fabregas to get the party started.
Bet: Cesc Fabregas first goalscorer @ 11/1 (£10 stake)
