Euro 2012
2012-06-15 - Ukraine vs France
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : Euro 2012 : Group D
Friday 15th June - Kickoff 5:00pm
Ukraine
The hosts got off to the perfect start coming back from a goal down to beat Sweden 2-1 and top Group D after 1 round of matches. This Friday they host France in a game that will see them qualify with a win.
Many of the BBC pundits that covered the game were raving about Shevchenko after his 2 goals won the Ukranians the game. However, I wasn't really that impressed, yes 2 goals is great and the guy is a legend but both were very poor defensive errors in my eyes. Mellberg was caught on his heels and the second goal was no marking from Ibrahimovic and then the man on the post leaves his post!
The reason I'm going on about this is I Ukraine were lucky to win, even more so once Elmander missed a sitter at the death. Up against the French I don't expect them to receive such charity although with Mexes on the field there may be one clanger in there.
To be fair to Blokhin's side they did win and that's all that matters but I see them looking for a point in this one. A draw will mean they, in a worst case scenario go into the last group game with England with their destiny in their hands. A loss to the French could mean they must beat England in the last game and that's not a scenario that they want. Keep it steady is the gameplan and if there's a chance to grab a winner later on then that's where I see it coming for the hosts.
France
France drew their opening game to England and like Ukraine had to come back from a goal down. Unfortunately for them they didn't grab that second despite looking the most likely to. France post game were moaning that England didn't play to win and Evra in particular spoke about the negativity. If France don't like this style then they may struggle against Ukraine as I see more of the same from them with a solid defensive set up.
Les Bleus shouldn't be so frustrated with the point, yes it sets them back in their quest to top Group D and avoid Spain next round but there's still plenty of time to win it.
A win on Friday would put France above Ukraine and then all the pressure is on England and Sweden in the late game. Come 10pm on Friday, Blanc's side could top the group even if it's on goal difference so rather they moan about England they should worry about Ukraine.
Blanc will expect more from Benzema who only troubled from 25 yards out against the English. He will want his striker to stick to the penalty area and wait for the service which should come from Nasri and Ribery. Whilst the Ukrainian's will get men behind the ball they don't have the discipline of England and that could be telling.
Betting Verdict
France are odds against and that is enough for me to bite. For some reason the draw v England has upset them and I think they will come out firing in this one. Ukraine have danger players such as Gusev and Yarmolenko but I worry about them at the other end as Sweden were poor when in front of goal. Benzema on the other hand shouldn't and this is the difference for me.
A bit like Russia v Poland, I think if France win this could be by a couple. When I think that all Sweden really had going forward was Wilhelmsson and Ibrahimovic providing for Rosenberg and Elmander they still got in a few times but were wastful. Ribery, Nasri, Malouda providing Benzema just looks too much for me and ideally with an early goal this will open up and the French will take it by a couple.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Ukraine 0-2 France
