blonde poker forum

If one has been created ignore this pls but can't see anything.

Where is the value. I'm looking at France who are 10/1 to win it and maybe ronaldo as top scorer at 12s? Or maybe Torres at 16 seeing as villa is injured

Thoughts?

Was also looking at some top goal scorer markets, if you think France might win, i beleive benzema was 20/1 for top goal scorer? ew pays top 4 i think. 

I wanted to bet on england top goal scorer for a sweat, however i didn't really know where to look. any thought on that one?

I've got a lil on Kerzhakov to be the top Russian goal scorer bet as tipped in the 'tips for tikay thread'

I really like both Germany and Holland to qualify from their group at 11/10, and this will probably be my main bet.  Not a huge price, but looking at the squads of each country, they look far better than both portugal and denmark's squads.

Tipped by Horneris, a lot, Portugal 20-1

Tipped by AndrewT with confidence Jelavic top scorer 66-1

I think Llorente is longer odds than Torres in a few places and has been the best Spanish striker all season and is more of a certainty to start.

On both of these.

I also think there's a bit of value in Lukas Podolski in places.

He's been great for Koln this season, and his gpg ratio for Germany is miles better than in club football, he's scored 2 or 3 in every major tournament for Germany in the past as a young lad and at 26 is approaching his peak years. I expect him to score more for Arsenal next season than his typical 1 every 2.5 to date.

Gomez whilst the form striker in the German league and the CL has never scored in a major tournament for Germany and as the CL final and German cup final showed, he's capable of some shocking misses. Most importantly he hasn't started for Germany in the last 3 games. They stick to Podolski and Klose, the tried and trusted Polish-speaking front two.

Klose has shown this year at Lazio he isn't past it at 33 after a couple of terrible years at Bayern and he'll almost certainly start. When him and Podolski do play together they seem to assist each other a fair bit.

Any plans to do a fantasy footie/dream team Euro 2012 thread. Don't know if there's a free site anywhere?

Mentioed LLorente / Jelavic in a thread back in April.

Does Jelavic get in ahead of Olic and Eduardo??

Jel hasn't started last 2 games, just checked....

That is huge, were is this ?

I think the Portugal bet is pretty bad. They finished behind Denmark in group stages yeh? I also thought they had an insanely tough group.

I'm not sure on the price but quite like Germany to not qualify from their group.

France at 12s is great and benzema at 20s looks great too. They have a really good team and are very attacking.

Ben arfa player of the tournament? Also goal of the tournament? Not sure if these markets are available.

Nooo I tipped Portugal @ 25s but the price is long gone now.

They are in the group of death yeah but then yesterday close to Holland's first team lost at home to Bulgaria http://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2012/05/26/world/friendlies/netherlands/bulgaria/1247579/ and half of Germany's first team lost 5-3 to Switzerland http://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2012/05/26/world/friendlies/switzerland/germany/1247581/. I know it is dangerous to read too much into these friendlies but I do think Spain/Germany/Holland are all too short in the outright market so am simply looking for alternatives. Its a shame Italy never show more, we know England are crap and France are really hit or miss (could go all the way, could easily go out in the group stages) . At the moment am swaying more towards Portugal and maybe Russia and Sweden at big prices.

Portugal haven't been playing great for a while but 25/1 or even 20/1 would have to interest me slightly the way all the sides are playing nowadays. The new Portuguese coach has got them playing more solid football and a formation similar to Real Madrid going forward which should finally give Ronaldo some sort of chance to shine for the national team (shame they have Helder Postiga and not Higuain tho).

There could be some value in Ronaldo top scorer/Portugal winners @ 100s (blue square). I wouldn't ever be solely backing Ronaldo for top scorer @ 14s when they are 7/5 to get out of the group but I think if they go along way he is obviously going to have to score a lot of goals.

I wouldn't say I'm confident but then I couldn't be confident in any side in it.

nice view horneris

postiga has actually played well this season which is a rarity so as mad as it sounds i have taken some nibbles at him at around 200-250-1 on betfair for topscorer

his international record is not bad and he looks pretty sure to start the tournament, compared to those priced around him he looks a bit big

not sure i agree that spain are weaker than previously

squad just named (copied from twitter so sorry for typeface)

#Spain squad named. Keepers #Casillas, #Reina, #Valdés (enough said plenty of depth here)

#Spain squad named Defenders #Ramos, #Arbeloa, #Albiol, #Piqué, #Alba, #Juanfran (could be argued a little weak but martinez can easily play centre back and juanfran is a revelation at wingback)

#Spain squad named. Midfielders #Busquets, #Xavi #Iniesta, #Martínez, #Alonso, #Fábregas. #Mata, #Cazorla . (enough said any would walk into the england and most other sides)

#Spain squad named. Strikers #Silva, #Llorente, #Torres, #Navas, #Pedro , #Negredo. (looks pretty strong depthwise when you consider soldado who scored a hat trick his last game for spain cant get in and he was joint top spanish scorer in la liga)

still the rightful favourites

Looking at past Euros, 4 or 5 goals will probably be enough, do you get full odds if TGS is tied?

Was looking at group 1 even though they will have a tough game in quarters someone may have scored at least 4 in the group stages?

1992    Henrik Larsen
 Karlheinz Riedle
 Dennis Bergkamp
 Tomas Brolin   3
1996    Alan Shearer   5
2000    Patrick Kluivert
 Savo Milošević   5
2004    Milan Baroš   5
2008    David Villa   4


Would tend to agree 4 should be enough this year especially with no sides looking particularly weak this time around

Maybe Spain will hose up, that does look the best squad on offer.

Just worried about the results at the end of last year when they lost to Italy, were outplayed at home to Scotland for spells then lost to England and struggled to overturn a 2-0 deficit away at Costa Rica to draw 2-2 late on.

It was like teams had worked them out.

Can't see myself lumping on them @ 5/2.

I agree with Brent, they are probably the best team but I dont think the gap between them and the others is as big as in previous tournaments.

Im personally gonna have a nice bet on Italy. Since Prandelli took over they've played a lot more offensively and breezed through they qualifying as well as v good recent friendly results against Germany and Spain.

With the Cb's and Keeper being Barzagli, Chiellini and Buffon who have not lost a game all season and conceded a paltry 20 goals they have a very solid backline and alongside them attacking but defensively sound fullbacks Criscito and Maggio. In front of them the most likely trio of Pirlo (who completed more passes than Xavi) and is still a phenomenal footballer - maybe his last tournament? the other 2 being De Rossi and Marchisio.

Then the triangle up top with the all certainty being Cassano and then 2 from Giovinco/Di Natale and Balotelli.

With at least 5 being from Juve who have been brilliant this season and going to the Euros in good form, it will hopefully be see a good showing from the Azzurri.

Having watched an awful lot of European football this season (its my job) I would be having some of my hard earned on Italy.

Ps Italy dont meet Spain again til the final (as long as they get there!)

One time?

Thats interesting mate, thanks

Hate to break it to you Maldini but Italy are gonna get beaten by the mighty Irish, 1-0, Robbie Keane 83rd minute.

McGeady was amazing yesterday, hopefully Keanes comments have spurred him on and he throws a few more performances like that in over in Poland.

Loving Italy's midfield and the back four looks solid. I just worry about the goals. Ballotelli ftw.

94 world cup all over again!

Paddy power and ladbrokes both 11/10 for the dual forecast on both to qualify.

Cheers.

evra is so shit

On France/Benzema double at 150/1 and Holland/Llorente at 225/1

guess your watching game v iceland?

france look v average in first half an hour, iceland always a threat

rofls evra such a joke

iceland 2 up

What's your line of work Maldini ? Sounds incred.

yeh mate, france defensively are so poor.

attacking wise we just got to sit back and let them play infront of us, they wont be able to break us down, then hit them on the counter, would play walcott on the left.

 

I work for an online in-play betting company, where you bet on the next outcome ie in football corners, free kicks, goals etc and cricket betting on every ball eg 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 on both sides.

I pretty much follow the ball around the pitch adjusting prices, watching weird and wonderful games of football and cricket from around the world.

Cant complain especially with euros coming up!

Wal  :)up

france comeback to win 3-2, looked miles better when ribery came on

yeh agreed. thought ben arfa had a good game, he, ribery and benzema could be a good front trio.

Since Euro's stared in 1960, only once have the host(s) team(s) NOT finshed in the top 4.

Ukraine and Poland generally 33-1 (1/5 for top 4)

Possibly not going to be the ideal preparation for Italy if this blows up a little more.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18232319

Criscito out of Euros for Italy due to match fixing - good sign tho cos in 82 and 06 with scandal back home Italy won the world cup.

The sad thing tho Maldini is that example shows how long the game has been ill in Italy and how 30 years on it is still commonplace. Doesn't say much for the policing of the game or the deterrent of the sentences handed out either.

the  totonero case then only ended up being a platform for Paulo Rossi to become a national hero when in some other profession he would have been in jail along with many others. They banned him for three years and then made it two so it meant he would be eligible to play in the 1982 World cup and he top scored in the event and Italy won it. It's hardly a ringing endorsement of how seriously it's been treated when it's still rife tho is it?

 

Im just talking about reasons to back Italy for the euros not the issues regarding match fixing in Italy. Obviously match fixing is wrong.

italy is rife with it but at least they are at last taking it seriously

without saying to much it goes on to different levels in most if not all countries imo

Maldini, who are the first choice 1 or 2 up top for Italy please?

Cassano and probably Balotelli ahead of Di Natale

yes I see, what is worrying tho is that betting a team to win a tournament when some of their expected squad has been caught up in the scandal and possibly more to come is prob not a great spot until we know for sure what is going to happen before it starts.

You wouldn't want to be on now when you could prob still get the same price in 10 days when it will be clearer then if any other players are involved/likely to have been omitted. Obv the price can only go one way if it is bad news and will still be there if it is good. I see they have put back the announcement of the squad, do you know when they are going to make the announcement now?

cheers

Squad is announced tomorrow, Criscito's not a massive loss, Balzaretti will come straight in and do just fine.

Criscito's asked to leave to clear his name, quoted from Albertin. He may still be guilty!

yes, its amazing how vocal they are about clearing their names when they are caught and the how quiet they are when they get sentenced  :)

I once got a call from a guy that works out in Asia who told me the captain of a team in Italy had got his agent to have bet with them on a game in the last round of lge matches one season.

No covering it up, or back street gambling, just clear as day got his agent to ring and put a  bet on.

Ashley Young looks a good price

If England progress, he's got a two game headstart on Rooney

Nani has scored 12 in 52 playing wide for Portugal

6 of the 12 though were against Faroes/Bosnia/Malta and Iceland

So I would be tempted to ignore him

Not sure what i did there ...think i deleted when trying to modify...anyway

Ive been hunting around for Euro value and want peoples opinions on this market please    Top Man Utd goal scorer at the Euros

1 Rooney...out for first 2 games and not guarnteed to get back in  the team straight away  best price 3-1
2 Young  definite starter and scored in last 4 England games                                            best price 7-2
3 Welbeck  slighy injury at moment and wont start imo                                                    best price 7-2
4 Nani   plays in same midfield position for Portugal(i dont have too much info on him)     ? best price 4-1
5 No Goalscorer                seems very short price to me  ?                                               best price 9-2
6  Phil Jones      loves to go forward and rumours he will play instead of Johnson               best price 33-1
7 Patrice Evra      No Chance imo                                                                                   best price 66-1

http://www.oddschecker.com/football/internationals/euro-2012/top-man-united-goalscorer        

My thoughts are ...Rooney wont have enough time,Welbeck like wise and is hit n miss  ...so that leaves the inform Young  @7-2 with a saver on Jones at a big 33-1 especially if he plays midfield with his eye for a goal    

Views /discuss please especially on no goal scorer and Nani as not sure about him on the International stage    

                              

My thoughts too on Young  Rich...Is it me or does no goalscorer look ridiculousy short at 9-2?

Rooney is absolutely gtd to walk straight back in the team.

I like Young if we know he's going to play the role he did on Saturday but with Welbeck to return and the fact Downing is about 95% likely to have another terrible game on Saturday if he plays then Hodgson might feel Young should play LM.

Good points Ray...though I must say as regards Rooney, if England win or do well in their first 2 games history has taught us that any managers dont like to change a winning team.

Like you indicate , it might be a betting market that is best entered after seeing the first group match team sheet.

Hopefully we'll get to find out. I'd be very suprised if Rooney didn't play as soon as available, unless were already out.

Its tricky imo Fraser as obv the front three players all impact on the chances of each other scoring and even starting where Wellbeck is concerned. As it stands now I couldn't back him with bad money at that price, coz he will either be miles bigger if he isn't being considered for a start and prob fav if he gets the nod to start the first game, as he is then in prime position to start two of the gtd 3 games we have. It's tough to back Rooney when the team might only get 4 games and he prob only gets 2 of them.

Which means that Young, who will probably start in all the games we play is much more solid on paper, I'm just not sure the price is so far wrong to have a bet on it. If Jones did start in midfield instead of Barry then that would be an angle but this looks like a market where it is possible that 2 goals could be the winning number.  The scenarios that might happen re team selection this far away from the first game mean someone will be great value at those prices come that first game but its impossible to know which one it is now.

On your top Arsenal scorer market you put on the Tips thread, you know RVP is going to start and Podolski too, so its a far better market but again, a little like Maldini's bet on Italy are you getting the edge taking 8/11 now or waiting til you know your man is fit to start when they events kicks off and talking a little shorter then?

There are usually a few injuries in the lead up to these events

Inclined to agree Phil ...Young prob best of a bad bunch...with maybe  a decent price on Jones...but we have the dark horse Nani of course

Wasnt really sure if there was an angle thats why I was seeking opinions so thanks

yes I forgot to add Nani in, the spread firms have England in to have 5 to 5.4 goals in the tourney and Portugal in for 4.5 to 4.8. So Nani is playing in a team that is expected to score less goals and he doesn't play up front. He is prob the most solid player at this stage to pin down but would deffo be behind Young if he starts in the same possie as Saturday or Wellbeck if he starts too, its just we have no way of knowing now which way the team will go.

The no goal is too short at 9/2 because even tho the England team players listed have doubts, you have to think that as a package they will be on the pitch enough of the time to score, with Nani having plenty of minutes played too.

These specials markets are deffo where there will be value Fraser. I once ricked a market up at the 2002 World Cup where I spent the whole of the qtr finals onwards praying there wasn't a game with summat daft like 18 or more corners in it.

Totally Agree thats why im busy studying Phil.

One of the keys to opening a lot of euro betting specials is trying to second guess the team selection , and then of course the next hurdle is tring to get a bet on in these less fluid markets ....it might be an idea to pm rather than post if we make a good find   :)  (until we get on of course  )

PS  ...I tried to get £2200 on RVP...Hills offered me £220  and the rest at blah blah blah      standard   :)

Yes thats the way of the world these days mate.

I have a question for you tho, when we were kids you used to bet in those amounts and all these years later you still are.

Where did it all go wrong? :-)

I didnt think £2200 was too bad for a specials market  hehe  ;)

Maldini - wouldn't you be a bit worried about the general effect of this match fixing on the general morale of the Italy squad and association etc?  Not sure I could back them with counterfeit at the moment.  Feel same about Spain for pretty much same reasons as Brent.  Betting in a big tournament is more about draws than the talents of the teams IMO and for that reason I like Russia.  Underrated as a footballing power because the weather and times of the season there conspire against them in the Champs League etc this is pretty much a home tournament for them and they have some very good players and should get out of their group in a canter.  25/1 is a very big price IMO especially each way.

Not really Italy as a team generally play better when clouded in controversy. Having just said that Bonucci has been questioned re match fixing too - hes one of the 25 due to be cut tomorrow! Im gonna wait til next week, if anything this scandal will hopefully get the price touching 20's.

At prices I like Portugal and Russia.

Its all opinions.

Highest scoring team?

Thoughts?

Yoann Gourcuff & Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa out of France squad.

England to finish bottom of their group. 5-1 anyone? I think we're going to struggle vs France, Sweden have their best team they've had in quite a few years and Ukraine have home advantage. I think there's a good chance we might only get 1 or 2 points.

cliffs on swedish team?

swedens team is abs shit.

just ibra/elmander/kallstrom

team is absolute shit

a vastly experienced squad that could easily go out at the group stages or get to the second round possibly quarters

very hard to call imo

I'd like too see Spain do the treble. I placed a bet at William Hill that Holland will win 12/1 and Germany is the highest scoring team. Also Van Persie as top scorer.

anyone on Postiga? decent odds, surely starting too?

best bet for pinching money is Russia at 1/2 to qualify from there group .

RVP is 16/1 to win player of the tournament but around 10/1 to be top goalscorer. It's not a given (think Forlan won best player at the world cup) but if he finishes as top scorer then surely he's in with a good chance of winning player of the tournament. So was thinking of backing him in that market, but have no idea if 16/1 is value.

Thoughts?

Player of the tourney usually comes from winning country?

Shocking research. Just really really bad.

Not even a mention of Elm and Toivonen, 2 of the players of the year in the Dutch league.

Toivonen scored 18 goals in 33 games for PSV. Elm is the lynchpin of the AZ side and they turned down a 10m bid for him.

Think Sweden could go well if they get their teeth into it...

doesn't Huntelaar play upfront with RVP off him? been given no.9 shirt too (might not mean much though).

odds are pretty similar though.

Suarez had 80% strike rate in that league, and around 30% in the best league in the world. Yes for Ajax, but PSV are not far off Ajax.

Also Sweden were awful late last year v England (yes I know it was a friendly). Only remember Elm playing that game and he didn't do anything of note. Larrson is ok too, would make our current first team with the players available. Their teams attacking force lack of pace will probably cost them!

If you rate Sweden then, do you think there is some value for England to be lowest scorers of the Euro's @ 36-1? Or have Denmark got that one sewn up?

g2l has his thread for this already

wow

Italy 0 - 3 Russia

Kerzhakov, Shirokov 2

<3 Kerzhakov, used to buy him on FM/CM all time, crushes.

watched the italy russia game

to say italy were not off would be an understatement! having said that russia played well enough

oooohhhhhhhhh I'm sorry didn't realise i had to follow on.

If Chiellini doesnt regain fitness and Italy have to go with Bonucci to plug the gap, theyre gonna struggle.

Having said that they Italy created numerous chances.

At least Ill get a better price!

Anyone think Denmark to get 0 points at 7/2 is a good bet? Or to finish last in the group 7/10?

In a group with Germany, holland and Portugal, I think it'll be tough for them to get anything out of the games.

Barzagli out too now, calf strain. The brilliant back line now looks a shambles.

interesting bet.

3 teams in last 3 tournos have managed nil points, denmark being one. they beat portugal in qualification at home though.

will be interesting to watch eriksen too.

something which should work for you is that by the final game whoever they are playing, i expect still to have a chance of qualification

I've gone quite big on holland and Germany both to qual from this group so I'm insure if I want anymore action, I do think it's got a decent chance of landing though. 

Also another bet I have is Germany holland and France England to qualify from their groups.  Not a tip but at 5/1 I think the odds are ok and it will provide a seven sweat.

I used to run some bets for a highly successful sports bettor. Got in touch yesterday and he gave me a few tips. Holland are his outright pick @ 7/1 (ew) he rates a bet on Sweden @ 66s (ew). Also fancied RVP for golden boot. Also likes Sweden to qualify @ 2/1. Few other forecasts and things but need to chat more with him about these. Not sure how to prove the quality of this info, but personally i have one of my biggest ever bets on Holland e/w, so take from that what you will.

Who do you think will play in defence? Do you think you'll play 3-5-2 now?

Steve Freeth ‏@stevefreeth65

Just looking at liabilities for Group A-Czech Rep & Greece to dominate & both Lewandowski & Kerzhakov to have a quiet group stage please!!!

Was gonna say, of the Swedes I know, they've all said this is their best team in years.

Already posted this on Tips for Tikay

Quite like this bet if you can get 7-4 with Stan James or Betfair

Croatia to qualify from Group C   .

Croatia have lost their star striker Olic but still have plenty of fire power up front with Evertons Jelavic ,Mandzukic and Eduardo ,The creative Modric bossing things in midfield a sturdy defence ,a great team spirit and an astute manager in Slaven Bilic.

There are 2 places out of 4 available in the group so as I dont see Ireland as a danger ,and with Spain likely to qualify (not certainties ) I see it as a straight fight for second between Croatia and an average Italian team whose squad and management have been affected by match fixing scandals and dont appear for up for a fight when things are going against them.

http://www.oddschecker.com/football/internationals/euro-2012/euro-2012-group-c/to-qualify
 
 
 
 

Without a shadow of a doubt this is the worst Czech Republic team ever but wouldn't put it past them getting out possibly the weakest Euro Champ Group in living memory.
Really fancy Russia on Friday.

sweden live on betfair player now.....

What does anyone think of Top City Scorer, Nasri @ 4/1 ?

The competition is pretty much Balo and Silva. Not seen the Italians for a while, will Balo be a regular? Silva will start as a sub most games I presume?

I expect Silva to start. I've backed him for the golden boot so that would probably rule me out as a backer of Nasri anyway but....
always thought Nasri was better centrally and it looks like he will start wide right
Balotelli will start I think but from what I've read Italy could be anything as the team/system may change a bit due to injuries

Silva will defo start!

He scored the winner the other day in their friendly too.

Balotelli should score one or two.

Nasri will be taking Frances penalties I believe, this is probably why hes as short as 4/1 which is probably round about right imo.

Ah fair do's. Cheers for the info on Silva and Balo. Am so out of touch with international footy!

anyone know anything about croatian footy? 16s looks too big for darijo srna to be top croatian scorer. his career scoring stats are massively skewed as he's played most games at right back but he's going to be playing in midfield for the euros, should start every game, has an amazing free kick and I assume he's still their penalty taker

Prandellii was saying today Barzagli will stay with the team until he regains fitness and they may revert back to 3-5-2 as most of the team have been playing that formation with their respective clubs. With De Rossi dropping back to play between Chiellini and Bonucci.

Glad its Spain first up.

Im having a double of Sweden and Portugal to qualify for shits and giggles.

Not sure you should be quite so dismissive. They are unbeaten for 14 games and that last defeat was 3-2 against Uruguay, the 3rd-ranked team in the world. The 14 matches include a 2-0 win against Italy and a draw with Russia. They are currently ranked joint 18th. Although all three countries in their Group are ranked higher (1 Spain, 8 Croatia, 12 Italy), those rankings are weighted over 4 years. On current form, Spain haven't lost for 7 matches, Croatia are unbeaten for just 2 matches, having lost to Sweden recently (and lost to Greece 6 months ago) and Italy have lost their last 3 games. It doesn't make Ireland favourite against any of those terms but they don't look like cannon-fodder either.

It is a joke group to try and decipher.

Spain don't seem the force of old, have had some poor results/performances back end of 2011, are missing Puyol and Villa and struggled to a 1-0 (84th min goal) home win vs China the other day.

Italy have a million defensive injuries and just lost 3-0 at home to Russia and apparently Maggio looked awful at rb/rwb.

Croatia were beaten by Georgia and Greece in qualifying without scoring, have been in dissaray for a couple of years now, Mandzukic and Jelavic have about 3 international goals between them in loads of apparences and now Olic is out of the Euros.

You can't see where Ireland's goals are going to come from at all and they apparently looked woeful against Hungary the other night in the 0-0 friendly draw.

Absolutely no idea what will happen in this one.

Defo a Group to avoid punting wise.
I wouldn't take anything from Irelands game against Hungary as they played 2 up front and thts hust nor going to happen in Poland.
Trapp sets his teams out not to lose and having lost only 3 goals in 14 matches with the players he has at his disposole then who can argue.

Corals are going 4. -1up to a maximum of £100 on Germany for today only winning the Euros if anybody can get me on please pm me

Want  £ 6/700 if possible

Will hill also 4-1

£50 max

Germany to win. Benzema top scorer is what I'm going for.

enjoyed this-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01jg74p/Armchair_Euros_02_06_2012/

would strongly suggest a read of the excellent http://www.zonalmarking.net/category/euro-2012/

probably the best preview around

Good stuff that horseplayer

I've got Holland/Huntelaar, 50/1 at William Hill

sweden/russia double to win first games, 6.3/1 betfair

Looks like Van Persies gona get the nod tho mate  :(

What the fuck are the English FA thinking by basing themselves in the South of Poland when all their games are in Ukraine.
That Hotel is also in the centre of Town in Kracow which will probably have more Irish Fans based there than England fans in Ukraine.
#Invalid YouTube Link#

Tremendous welcome says Sky Sports News lol

It's not just England - Germany, Holland, Portugal & Denmark are doing the same. It seems you wouldn't want to stay in Donetsk so, if they stayed in Kiev, they would have to fly to two of their matches anyway and Kiev is only an hour's flight from Krakow.

errm, why? the french are based in donetsk, this is waaaaaay better than where england are http://shakhtar.com/en/club/stb/

Yeah, shame. I put the bet on about 3 weeks ago, maybe I should have waited.

Well France is already using that one but, apparently, there is next to nothing to do in Donetsk, unless you are interested in coal-mining or steelworks, and the England management didn't want a repeat of the last time when they miles away from everything with just each other to look at, so they went city centre.

Wikipedia lists the attractions of Donetsk:

-First Line Avenue (Artema Street). The main part of Donetsk, this large avenue is the place to start for any tourist trip around the city. You'll see an interesting mix of new and old architecture together with small parks, stylish hotels, shopping centers and fine restaurants. The historical sites are the most amazing here and include Lenin Square, the Opera & Ballet Theater, Monument to Coalminers, and Donetsk Drama Theater.

-Statue of Artem (Fyodor Sergeyev). This imposing six meter statue on Artema Street is a tribute to one of the Soviet’s most celebrated politicians and adopted son of Joseph Stalin. He died in the Donets Basin in 1921.

-Donetsk Opera & Ballet Theater. Built in 1936, this is a gem of a theater with an elegant exterior and world-class performances inside.

-Pushkin Boulevard. A beautiful green walkway that takes you away from Donetsk city life for a 2 km (1.24 mi) stroll. Here you can enjoy peaceful fountains, al fresco cafes, and a number of interesting statues such as the monument to Taras Shevchenko.

-Donetsk is home to the world’s perhaps most famous plant forged out of steel, the intricate Mertsalov Palm, located on Pushkin Boulevard. Originally created for an exhibition in 1896 by Aleksei Mertsalov, a local blacksmith, out of a single rail, it represented the skills and power of the heavy industry in Czarist Russia.

-Monument to John Hughes. This 2001 statue located in front of Donetsk National Technical University honors the hard work of Welsh city founder John James Hughes. He was responsible for the city’s Yuzovka Steel Plant that gave Donetsk its industrial history.

-Forged Figures Park. Forged Figures Park was opened in 2001 and is one-in-a-kind object. International Smithcraft Festival takes place in the park every year. The most impressive masterworks remain in the city as a gift expanding the number of park’s “residents”

Other reasons include wanting to spend as little time as possible in a place with the the general quality of services that Ukraine has and the level of racism. Leaving out the hosts, two countries have chosen to base themselves in Ukraine and twelve in Poland. On this one, I'd be inclined to think that the team management does know what it is doing.

lol, that wikipedia article would struggle to sum up donetsk any worse, maybe I'll write them a new entry that's not taken from a decade old travel guide

Top scoroer from their domestic league treble: RVP (prem) benzema (spain) and klose (italy) £8 returns £618  and to finish bottom of their groups acca: greece, denmark, italy and ukraine £8 returns something around £700

Anyone know the reason behind the big drift on Russia this morning?

I was pretty sure they would go the other way way but im no blatch obv.

Rosicky announced fit?

There was a doubt about Baros too but most likely is a big bet in Asia on Czechs from a syndicate possibly Bloom as they only bet on gameday.

Roughly how much would have to be put down to see.a drift like this thru the board?

Russia are now a longer price to win today than Poland?

Strange.

Depends who is betting it and a move from the syndicates would not be as big in a game like this but if the syndicates were betting the same sides then it would be pronounced (and they often do).  It is six years now since I have worked for one of the big Asian firms during a big champs like this but in the 2006 world cup I would say if it was just public money then £5m+ probably more nowadays.  To give you an idea Pinnacle are willing to take £50k at a price.

Is there any reason for Russian drift then ? 6/4 seems big.

Got 30+ bets on the tourney, starting off from about 6 weeks back, best value probably a big 'un on France DNB v Eng 21/20, think it was tipped in the RP @ 8/11 the other day.

Taken lost of Huntelaar t/s 22's & 20's, looks like he won't start now which is a bummer.  4/1 Top Dutch scorer too.

Nibbles on Zlatan/Carroll/Jelavic all 66's t/s, matched at 130 for Cassano too which is value, Keane at 300's (lol).

Montolivo top Italian scorer at 40's, playing more advanced apparently (word of others), Shirokov 12's, Toivonen 14's (Horneris 16's yeah?), Long 12's, Blaszczykowski 8's, nani 9's, K-Dehli 12's, Mandzdukic 7's, Carroll 8's all top scorers for their countries.

Bought Croatia's points @ 3.2, think they go get 5/6 and qualify, have them at 8's for the group too.

Bought Sweden's @ 3.3 and Denmark's @ 2.3, think they'll be no whipping boys in that group, 15/4 for Portugal to finish bottom too.

England to finish bottom @ 13/2, like other think Sweden go do well.

Lets enjoy :)

hahaha yessssss. My biggest bet by far is France DNB v Eng @ 11/10.

2nd biggest bet on Group B to have the most goals @ 9/5

3rd biggest bet on Kerza top Russian @ 9/1 & 8/1 as advised on Tips for Tikay.

20ish other bets also, I tweeted some of them

Benzema top gs @ 18s, Country top scorers Toivonen @ 16s, Keith Andrews @ 20s, Blaszczykowski @ 8/1, club top scorers Affelay Barca @ 16s, Malouda Chelsea @ 12s, Cahill Chelsea @ 100s (LOSER), Dzagoev CSKA @ 10/3

Portugal to win it @ 25s, Sweden to make semis @ 12s, final @ 33s.

Lots more.

Gona do chunks, gl everyone.

Pen for Poland to start us off tonight then pal  :)

yeah gl us.

Also, ALLEZ LES BLEUS

I've had a couple of small bets. Nothing on the outcome. Gonna place some over the weekend. Hopefully starting off with a small profit as had a small bet on Poland/Russia double today

Really like the Sweden angle.

My bets are Portugal @22's, Russia @25's and Italy @16s outrights.

Top scorers outright: Ibrahimovic @ 66's Carrol @66's and Kerzakhov who could have had the top scorer bet locked up last night. Pedro matched @170

Pirlo player of the tournament @ 80's

Also acc on Poland/Sweden/Portugal to qualify free bet jobbie. Around 10/1

Im trying to find a few bets but dont know which acc I put them on. Anyone got any ideas how to find out?

I usually just open up an oddschecker market to see a list and work my way through. Love doing it from time to time.

I always fancy the unders in International tournament matches.

Trying to resist the tempatation to have a bet!

Concentrate on your poker rather than trans atlantic distractions   :)

Good Luck Sir

Had optimistic double on 2 draws today and small bet on 3-0 France benezema first gs ( England gte a win now)

Ox fgs at 19/1 come on England

Had a cheeky £10 on a crazy one Gerard to score first England to win 3-2 @ 175-1

Anyone tempted by Ireland's odds tomorrow?

Goetze first goal scorer at 6/1 today. Not landed a bet yet

Sending off at 4.1 looks slightly generous imo.

Meant gomez obv. First return!

I hope they play well and do Croatia a favour but Im not over confident

Come on Germany using my £50 free betfred bet on Portugal Germany double. 4/1

Theres a lot of opposition to Italy today

All the money has been for Croatia.

http://www.oddschecker.com/football/internationals/euro-2012/italy-v-croatia/winner

If England qualify im sure they will meet Spain in the Quarters? and the way Spain played tonight we aint got a hope

Did Spain play exceptionally well or did Ireland just play exceptionally shit?  I stopped paying attention once the first goal went in.

I don't think Ireland played. They just went for a run. Well most of them did. Keane and Given just watched.

Yeah, walk in the park for Spain, will be there on Saturday for my jollys, always seem to go when Euros and World cup is on, but the bars will be fun

givens been terrible for years now.

I see floors in Spains game whereas Germany look the real deal

No doubt in my mind Germany are the superior out fit as Spain where made to look good against a dis jointed Ireland

I think there will be some value opposing Spain in coming games starting with Croatia as there could be an over reaction

It wouldnt surprise me to see Croatia turn over Spain ...Italy turn over Ireland and Spaiin go out of the tournament

You heard it here first

controversial but i like an outsider bet!

You can effectively  back Spain not to qualify from the group stage at 10 -1 by laying them at 1.1 on betfair

http://www.oddschecker.com/football/internationals/euro-2012/euro-2012-group-c/to-qualify

No medals for voicing this opinion but whilst I can see Croatia causing Spain some problems Croatia's defense and centre backs in particular are far too slow and will be hugely exposed.

Agree about Germany>Spain.

True...I can just can see some potential shocks in Spains games that were actually highlighted by Italy

1/10 shock tip from bh...

Dont understand ?  I cant see anybody tipping up a 1-10 shot ?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18181790
"Sweden have conceded six of their last seven goals from headers".

SpreadEx don't seem to have adjusted their "headed goal minutes" market accordingly.
Is this a buy at 24 minutes?

Not sure what you mean by this but if its what I think you couldn't have get it more right.

That's correct now!

would be jokes if spain drew 2-2 with croatia to eliminate italy. repeat of denmark v sweden.

2-2 is only 6/1

5/6 Italy to qualify is just an amazing price, isn't it?

With the 2-2 in mind would people stay off the Spain/Italy double? Tempted to have a big bet

Spain/france better??

I'm on Spain/Italy and a small bet on 2-2 to cover the bet

Price?

Nothing huge. Evens on the double and 9/1 on 2-2

Lump on France against Sweden?

Best to lump on them now, rather than later, the price is only going to get tucked in.

I've had a browse through specials and can't seem to find any I like with regards to England match tomorrow.

I find the Ukraine defence to be poor and their goalkeeper is very shaky, seems to be a bit 'loose' and over dramatic. So at this moment in time I am trying to find a special with either Gerrard or Parker to score first and England to win.

I also looked on William Hill for time of goals and so on and a goal to be scored in 75th-90th minute is 11/1, might have a spin on that.

Yeh am on. Shitty odds either way but am spinning up

Nice one.

What price you get? I seen 4/7 so far.

Lol as if it's 11-1. You got wrong market for sure, I'd assume u have time of first goal market

Ah yes it is, why on earth do I continue to read things wrong? ffs!

Think I'm on at 8/13

Will Hill offering 4/1 Rooney scores at any time in an England win

Rooney anytime is around 11/8 which, given the history and the run up isn't shabby, England around evens to win and chances of both are improved by either event occurring.

Views anyone?

11/8 anytime looks very short given his scoring record for England, particularly in the last couple of years.

Playing under a manager and in a system that didn't get the best from him...

37 goals last season and he's going to be bursting to play, add in the prolific nature of his partnership with Welbeck and the fact that he scored most of the goals that pairing created for Manchester United and it doesn't look so bad. Or does it?  :dontask:

The shrewdies knew.

What odds do you reckon the England game will go off at?

Pretty much dead level at the moment. Italy seem the value to me. Apart from the first 30 mins vs the Irish they have looked pretty tasty

I would be pretty surprised if it didn't go off pretty much as they are now.  Italy will be backed by the sharps and England by the mugs.

Cheers Red!

Italy DNB evens with 365. I think that's where I'll start to get my free in play bet.

Can anyone help with possible team news for the semi's?

German team going to be the group team or the quarter team? Fabregas or Torres for Spain?

Lol very thin

Does anyone not think Germany are a big price at 10/11 (maybe EVS) to beat Italy?

I personally think they are going to thrash them. The ET surely must not have helped.

Reading back through the thread has been interesting.

Sick sweats, glglgl.

If Portugal won their shoot out would have been #totesamazeballs

^^ Deserves a bump

How much on pirlo at 80/1. He must be a lock if Italy win

I think hes a lock win or lose

Great stuff Maldini and Good Luck on Sunday. So bored of Spain, live the Italian dream!

Only a fiver, just gonna let it ride. Iniesta's the danger but I think Pirlo's so far ahead and the current prices reflect that.

Spain way too short to win outright imo.

Managed to get 11/8 after the Semis but the last 4 Winners has went to the winning side to might be worth a saver on Iniesta.

Is there not a third place play off in this tourney?

nah thats only world cups

Oh, was hoping for a game tonight

I know no-one cares about 3rd place play
offs but I'm still not sure you'd have been
picked mate ;)

Haha, pwnage.

lol

haha