Euro 2012
2012-06-09 - Germany vs Portugal
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : Euro 2012 : Group B
Saturday 9th June - Kickoff 7:45pm
Germany
The Germans enter this tournament as second favourites behind Spain and must feel if they can get out the "Group of Death" then Joachim Low's side could have one foot in the semi-finals.
Being drawn against Holland, Denmark and Saturday's opponents Portugal is not ideal but a potential Group A opponent in Russia, Greece, Poland, Czech Rep in the quarter finals should open up the draw for them.
In the late game on Saturday, Germany play Portugal knowing a defeat must be avoided whilst on the other hand a win sets them up superbly for qualification.
Having won all 10 qualifying games in a group that included Turkey, Belgium and Austria is very impressive with an overall plus goal difference of 27. This side has quality all round with no real weakness. Neuer is a very good keeper, Lahm, Hummels and Badstuber have had good seasons whilst Schweinsteiger and Ozil are two of the world' s best central/attacking midfielders. Up front Gomez scored a bucket load in Germany whilst Podolski and Klose are proven at this level with a combined 106 goals in 211 games.
An interesting stat is that 11 of Germany's last 13 competitive games have seen over 2.5 goals in them. With soo many attacking options and goalscorers in the side if there is an early goal against Portugal we could well see at least 3 in the game.
Portugal
Paulo Bento took over from Carlos Queiroz and bar a 2-1 defeat to Denmark, did a very good job ensuring Portugal made the qualification playoffs behind eventual group winners Denmark. Bento's side then comprehensively beat Bosnia 6-2 in the playoffs to confirm their place at Euro 2012 and like Denmark could be a dark horse for the competition.
The side has goals in them with 21 scored in 8 qualifying games which is no shock given Ronaldo is an integral component of the team. The Real Madrid star scored 7 in qualifying as well 46 in 38 league games to secure the La Liga title. If Portugal are to succeed then Ronaldo must have a good game and tournament.
Similar to the German stat about goals, Portugal's qualifying games went overs in 6 of them with more often than not the Portuguese covering this line alone in goals scored. The other threat going forward is Postiga who chipped in with 5 goals despite a poor goal scoring season for Zaragoza.
Defensively Bruno Alves and Pepe are both very good defenders whilst Coentrao is a decent full back so they should keep things relatively tight. If the defense can keep them in this game against Ozil and co then Ronaldo won't need many chances at the other end.
Betting Verdict
The Germans rightly start the game as favourites with a best price of 1.96 which seems fair however, given this is the first game and Portugal will certainly not want to lose. I can see them playing within themselves looking to counter with the likes of Ronaldo and Nani, as a result they could frustrate this German side.
Overs is priced at 1.95 with Bet365 and like in the Holland game is very appealing had it not been the first game of the group. I'm certain the Germans will get at least one and if Portugal are chasing the game with Ronaldo in the side I think they have enough in them to equilise and eventually take a point from this one.
With that being said I like both sides to score at a decent price as this ends in a score draw.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Germany 1-1 Portugal
BEST BETTING TIP :
MAIN BET :Take Both Sides to Score: Yes at 1.80
