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Euro 2012 Match Preview Special: Germany, Russia And The Republic Of Ireland Headline Group A And Group B
We take a look forward to the first set of matches in groups A and B for Euro 2012...
Sep 2, 2010 9:00:00 AM
By Patrick Reilly
Odds supplied by Titan Bet
Group A
Match Odds: Kazakhstan 8.46, Draw 4.45, Turkey 1.25
Guus Hiddink's competitive reign as Turkey boss begins with a trip to Kazakhstan. The Dutch coach has begun well with wins over Czech Republic, Northern Ireland and Romania and one defeat against the USA.
Kazakhstan were only able to beat Andorra at home in their World Cup qualifiers. The rest of the games were usually lost by at least two goals against the likes of England, Belarus and Ukraine.
Turkey should win this one without many problems.
* Turkey (-1) @ 1.70
Match Odds: Belgium 6.00, Draw 3.72, Germany 1.57
Belgium could be forgiven for dreading the visit of Germany, who have beaten them 18 times in 23 games. Four of those ended in a draw with, just a single Belgian win.
There is little to suggest that dismal sequence will change in Brussels with Belgium's last game a 1-0 defeat against Finland courtesy of a Vincent Kompany own goal. Germany though could only draw 2-2 against Denmark in their recent game and made some sloppy mistakes.
Belgium have plenty of talent, with players like Marouane Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku capable of causing trouble. Goals look likely.
* Both teams to score @ 1.83
Match Odds: Armenia 4.80, Draw 3.37, Republic of Ireland 1.68
A trip into the unknown for the boys in green, who meet Armenia for the first time. The Republic of Ireland are struggling with injuries to several key players but remain favourites to win away from home.
Ireland had a good record on the road in qualifying for World Cup 2010, during which they went unbeaten in their group. Giovanni Trapattoni has made the Irish hard to beat and Armenia will make it difficult for the away team in search of three points. The home side can point to a good win over Belgium and restricting Spain to a 2-1 win in World Cup qualifying.
A classic is unlikely.
* Half-time draw @ 2.10
Match Odds: Andorra 41.0, Draw 17.0, Russia 1.01
No prizes for guessing who are the favourites here. Dick Advocaat may not have enjoyed the best of starts with a draw against Hungary and a narrow win over Bulgaria but opponents Andorra are one of the worst teams in the world and haven't won a game since 2004.
Russia should win this game without breaking sweat.
* Goal before 23rd minute @ 1.83
World Cup heroes Slovakia scored plenty of goals at home in qualifying for their successful stint in South Africa. Macedonia have the classy Goran Pandev and shouldn't be underestimated while the home side are likely to be without Robert Vittek.
The last game between these sides ended in a draw and at 3.64 it looks a very good price to happen again.
* Over 2.5 goals @ 2.10
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Predictions and picks are informative and can't be guaranteed. Goal.com encourages all readers who bet to do so sensibly.
Group A
Match Odds: Kazakhstan 8.46, Draw 4.45, Turkey 1.25
Guus Hiddink's competitive reign as Turkey boss begins with a trip to Kazakhstan. The Dutch coach has begun well with wins over Czech Republic, Northern Ireland and Romania and one defeat against the USA.
Kazakhstan were only able to beat Andorra at home in their World Cup qualifiers. The rest of the games were usually lost by at least two goals against the likes of England, Belarus and Ukraine.
Turkey should win this one without many problems.
* Turkey (-1) @ 1.70
Match Odds: Belgium 6.00, Draw 3.72, Germany 1.57
Belgium could be forgiven for dreading the visit of Germany, who have beaten them 18 times in 23 games. Four of those ended in a draw with, just a single Belgian win.
There is little to suggest that dismal sequence will change in Brussels with Belgium's last game a 1-0 defeat against Finland courtesy of a Vincent Kompany own goal. Germany though could only draw 2-2 against Denmark in their recent game and made some sloppy mistakes.
Belgium have plenty of talent, with players like Marouane Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku capable of causing trouble. Goals look likely.
* Both teams to score @ 1.83
Match Odds: Armenia 4.80, Draw 3.37, Republic of Ireland 1.68
A trip into the unknown for the boys in green, who meet Armenia for the first time. The Republic of Ireland are struggling with injuries to several key players but remain favourites to win away from home.
Ireland had a good record on the road in qualifying for World Cup 2010, during which they went unbeaten in their group. Giovanni Trapattoni has made the Irish hard to beat and Armenia will make it difficult for the away team in search of three points. The home side can point to a good win over Belgium and restricting Spain to a 2-1 win in World Cup qualifying.
A classic is unlikely.
* Half-time draw @ 2.10
Match Odds: Andorra 41.0, Draw 17.0, Russia 1.01
No prizes for guessing who are the favourites here. Dick Advocaat may not have enjoyed the best of starts with a draw against Hungary and a narrow win over Bulgaria but opponents Andorra are one of the worst teams in the world and haven't won a game since 2004.
Russia should win this game without breaking sweat.
* Goal before 23rd minute @ 1.83
World Cup heroes Slovakia scored plenty of goals at home in qualifying for their successful stint in South Africa. Macedonia have the classy Goran Pandev and shouldn't be underestimated while the home side are likely to be without Robert Vittek.
The last game between these sides ended in a draw and at 3.64 it looks a very good price to happen again.
* Over 2.5 goals @ 2.10
Place a bet now with Goal.com's official betting partner Titan Bet who are offering an exclusive bet £25 get £25 offer for Goal.com readers
. Predictions and picks are informative and can't be guaranteed. Goal.com encourages all readers who bet to do so sensibly.
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