Advantage in Winning Euros
By Joe, bettingexpert.com | Edited
Google+: Joe Bexpert
The Euro 2012 midweek games might find England and Russia securing their spot for Poland/Ukraine next summer, while the battle of Scandinavia between Denmark and Norway could see one of the teams getting close to Euro 2012, or maybe both dropping out of the tournament after all.
Russia vs. Rep of Ireland
The automatic qualification for the Euro 2012 in Group B can only take one team and currently Russia sits on top with 16 points and a superior goal difference of 6 goals. This was aided with a 1-0 win over Rep. of Macedonia weekend in which I. Semshov scored the winning goal. There are three games left and Russia is looking to finish first of the group with players like Yury Zhirkov, Andrey Arshavin and Alexander Kerzhakov taking a step closer to Euro 2012 next summer in Poland and Ukraine.
The Irish suffered a blow to their Euro 2012 campaign after drawing 0-0 against Slovakia home at the Aviva Stadium. Ireland is currently in control of second spot in the Group, level with Slovakia on 14 points but just edging them out on the goal difference by a single goal. The Irish display might not have been on par against Slovakia but traveling to Russia will put pressure on them to pick up points in Moscow. Ireland will be without St. Ledger as he picked up a yellow card against Slovakia and will be serving the suspension against Russia. It is likely to see Foley or O’Dea as replacement in the defense.
Verdict: Ireland will suffer again, Russia to win this in a tight contest.
Denmark vs. Norway
Group H is pretty tight, with much depending on what will happen on Tuesday when Denmark takes on their Nordic brothers, Norway, in Parken for a “make it or break it” game. The home team is currently third in the group trailing both Norway and Portugal at the top but playing one less game. So with three games to go and only one automatic spot, things are going to get tough for the Danes if they want to be busy next summer.
Coach Morten Olson has drafted a bit of experience to match his Norwegian counterpart. It is likely that old guard Martin Jorgensen and Dennis Rommedahl will get a run while the midfield will be marshalled by William Kvist. Look for the offensive force of Christian Eriksen and Nicklas Bendter to score goals, while defensively, both Daniel Agger and newly aquired Roma player, Simon Kjaer should keep things tight at the back.
Norway kept their hopes for Euro 2012 intact after scoring a last minute penalty goal against Iceland in the 1-0 win last Friday. However, things are not optimal before the big battle of Scandinavia as Norway are struggling for form. Norway will rely on striker John Carew while Mohammed Abdellaoue seems to be taking a bit of responsibility amongst the team. Defensively Norway’s got the tall central Brede Hangleand which can provide cover and goals on both ends which might be the key for Norway to get points against Denmark.
The last time these two teams met was back in March in Oslo which ended 1-1. Denmark lead most of the game until Norway got the equalizer 10 minutes from time. Cosidering that it was in Oslo, Denmark would have the advantage this time around and also Norway with Jon Arne Riise in the defense, could only make greater problems for the visitors. Denmark will not hold anything back as they know a victory over Norway will mean they are at least a chance to earn a playoff spot. But in order to qualify to Euro 2012, winning is the only option.
Verdict: Crunch time and Denmark usually comes out the better team.
England vs. Wales
The three lions are on the verge of booking a place for the Euro 2012 next summer. If they are able to beat their neighbor, Wales, this coming Tuesday at Wembley Stadium, they will achieve this goal. England did well in the last game where they travelled to Bulgaria and came away the 3-0 away win at Sofia. The goals came from Gary Cahill, and Wayner Rooney (twice), to register yet another win in the group. They will now face Wales who they beat back in March, 2-0 and perhaps the double goal scoring hero, Darren Bent might just get the nod. However, Fabio Capello might opt to go for the winning eleven that was action against Bulgaria in which Lampard started on the bench, preferring Scot Parker and Gareth Barry marshalling the midfield. More importantly, Ashley Young could provide the asirpiration as he is in a good form as a playmaker.
Wales claimed their first points in the Europrean qualifying group stage with a 2-1 win over Montenegro, helping England to top group B. However their short travel to Wembley will see them fight hard to get themselves off of the foot of the table and even though their chances of qualification are over, knowing the historical magnitude of a win over England will be certain motivation. Wales proved that they will be a tough opposition to break and with Craig Bemelly and Morrison upfront, there is every chance for the visitors to get some goals. Both strikers will be aided by Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and winger Gareth Bale which will create some havoc for the English three lions.
Battle of the British Isles and England usually come out on top. This time England might even win and finish on top of their group, so this is a win-win situation for the home team. Although it's likely that this game will be a close encounter, I can’t see England slipping up at home. But if they do, then once again, the expectations of the fans will come to weigh on the minds of the players.
Verdict: Finishing the job at Wembley for England and for their fans.
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