2008 Group A Euro Cup Predictions

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2008 EURO CUP Soccer Betting - Group A Predictions

UEFA EURO Soccer betting is all but set to kick off in a few days, so for all football betting enthusiasts and sports betting fans out there, here is a look at the four Groups, starting with Group A that holds 2004 UEFA EURO Cup runners-up Portugal, 2004 semi-finalists, Czech Republic, 2008 Euro Cup co-host nation Switzerland and long shot contenders Turkey.



Group A: Portugal, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Turkey

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic side is a solid team that covers all the positions on the field. Coached by Karel Bruckner, who is widely held a master tactician, his litany of achievements on the international level will be crucial in a successful Group Stage performance. The schedule favours the Czech side as they open their championships against co-hosts Switzerland on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Although the home side will be favoured by the crowd, they are not an elite team in this competition and the Czechs should have no problem notching their first win and gaining the much need points. If Czechs remain unbeaten against Portugal, they will have a straightforward match against the Turkish side. There is no doubt the Czech side can do a lot in the championships – particularly with Petr Cech guarding the posts. Basically as one of the top six European sides currently on the international stage, they are favoured to emerge from the Group stage.

Switzerland

Switzerland is not known for its offensive strength, typically their matches are low-scoring affairs. However, they have some excellent strikers that put to good use may be key in finding the back of the net to propel their side to victory. Defensively, Switzerland is solid. Their zonal defending tactics will make them a tough team to beat. Switzerland holds home patch edge in this championships owing to sharing the hosting duties with Austria. Falling in a tough Group with European powerhouses Portugal and Czech Republic – the two favourites in Group A – Switzerland is the dark horse of this Group. They will have a chance to advance into the knockout stages. Their first match is against the Czech Republic followed by Portugal. If they can remain unbeaten in their first two contests, anything can happen.

Turkey

Turkey is the long shot team in Group A. Entering the championships with no expectations weighing them down, this new generation may have a slight edge in the low prospects anticipated for them. However, despite some encouraging results, on paper, the Turkish side is even weaker than the co-host Switzerland in this Group. In the midst of a Group that contains two strong European sides and a home favourite, the odds are against the Turkish team of emerging from this Group. In fact, it won't be a surprise if they don’t gain a single point in all three matches.

Portugal

Scolari’s team is so deep in talent and covered in all of the positions, they are in an enviable position as one of the championships outright favourites. Of Group A, they are the short-odds-on favourites to emerge at the top of the Group. The soccer betting markets favour Portugal for a memorable turnout this year – particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United striker answering the call of duty for his nation. The Czechs could be a tricky team for the Portuguese, but aside from the threat the second favourites in this Group poses, Portugal should have easy encounters against the host nation and Turkey. There is no reason to expect Portugal will not advance into the knockout stages.

Group A Soccer Free Picks: Portugal and Czech Republic to emerge as the winners of Group A

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