And Yet More Words On Euro 2012

One day in, let's now have a look at Group C of Euro 2012. After the barnstorming start I made (had Russia to win 4-1 at 50/1 and Dzagoev to score 2 or more goals at 35/1), I'll also furnish y'all with some tips for the next few games:

Group C: (Campeones, Corrupt Calcio, Cafe Table Cloths, Caffreys)

Reigning European and World champions Spain, despite being without the injured Puyol and Villa, are among the favourites. There's been much talk of fatigue amongst their players, particularly the Barcelona contingent, but this shouldn't be as much of a problem for them as it would be for other sides. Their possession-based game will see them typically with about 70% of possession each game, so opportunities will be there for the likes of Xavi, Alonso and Iniesta to take a "breather" during the games by simply retaining the ball amongst themselves, knowing that many opponents, Ireland in particular, will likely afford them much time and space in the middle of the park and play with 9 or 10 players within 30 metres of their own goal. By the time they reach the latter stages, though, fatigue may catch up with them, especially if confronted by a rapid-pressing, energetic, powerful Germany side. Behind them, Italy look rather shambolic. Another match-fixing scandal is rife in their domestic game, costing them the services of left-back Domenico Criscito, and their main attacking options are Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano- can either of them really be relied upon at this level? Croatia, still playing in those red and white cafe table cloths, must fancy their chances of finishing ahead of Italy- they are tactically versatile, with coach Slaven Bilic having an impressive array of attacking options available, even without the inured workhorse Ivica Olic- Luka Modric will pull the strings in the centre of midfield, with Darijo Srna motoring up and down the right flank. The left-midfield and central-attacking midfield positions will be filled by 2 from Niko Kranjcar, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic, with the impressive Nikica Jelavic either on his own upfront, or possibly partnered by Mario Mandzukic or Eduardo should Bilic opt for a front 2 ahead of a flatter midfield. Don't expect much from Ireland either aesthetically or in terms of results- the current squad is very much Caffreys (poor imitation) compared to the Guinness (real deal) of their 1994 and 2002 vintages. Giovanni Trappatoni's side have an extremely basic tactical framework- 4-4-2 with centre-backs at full-back, 2 holders in the centre of midfield, 2 wingers and a target man-little man strike partnership. While they could frustrate all 3 group opponents, they are unlikely to be able to create enough to threaten qualification

Now for some tips. Some good, some more adventurous:
Holland to beat Denmark at 8/11 general
Holland v Denmark under 2.5 goals at 4/5 with Betfred

Germany and Portugal to draw at 23/10 general
Half time/ full time Portugal/Draw at 16/1 with Skybet
Cristiano Ronaldo 1st scorer at 11/2 general
Germany and Portugal to draw 3-3 at 80/1 with Bodog

Spain v Italy under 2.5 goals at 8/13 with Skybet
Ireland v Croatia under 2.5 goals at 1/2 general