The title is a reference to the fact that it is the last time most European players will be in action for the summer over the next 2 weeks. This is as it's the wonderful Euro 2012 qualifiers again. Hoo-fucking-ray! I hate international football with nothing less than a passion in the main. Most players simply look like they're going through the motions, and since I'm about as un-patriotic as a man can get, I don't care about In-Ger-Land much either. These matches seem to bring out the worst in most people's opinions on football, with the national team seemingly only capable of being utterly brilliant or worse than Scotchland. Most pundits and fans seem unwilling to view England as they really are, a mid-table team in the grand scheme of things, capable of beating those better than them occasionally. I try to avoid the newspapers for at least a week afterwards as the countries 'finest minds' once again sharpen their knives for the nasty foreigner in charge, and pine for Sloppy Chops to rescue England from their misery. I for one, can not wait to see them get their wish and to see that insipid twat get his comeuppance at the second highest level. Anyhoo, I'll see if there's some matches worth betting on from those to be played over the weekend.
Austria v Germany, Friday 3rd June 1935
First up is something of a grudge match between two countries with a chequered history! Germany invaded Austria during the war and obviously this somewhat upset the Austrian's and they would love to restrict their visitors to a draw or even sneak a win. However comma I just can't see it. Germany are not exactly a secret any more after their fantastic World Cup campaign, but they are now one of the top four teams in international football. I would rank them just behind Spain and marginally ahead of Brazil and Argentina. Similarly to the Spanish they have all been playng together for a significant amount of time due to a number of the team rising through Germany's youth teams together. They also have the best player at Real Madrid in Mesut Ozil. The little German playmaker has been outstanding in his debut season in the Primera and whilst Ronaldo (the preening, cheating one) has grabbed the goals and headlines, Ozil has conducted play. He is just as good for Germany with Jogi Low wisely letting the little maestro roam as he sees fit to cause damage to anyone, as England will attest. With Mario Gomez also in excellent form up front, the Austrians will be in for a long evening. Back Germany -1.5 Asian Hcap at 1.98 with Victor Chandler, they should easily cover it.
Belgium v Turkey, Friday 3rd June 1945
Second up would be my pick of the evening for a neutral to watch. The reverse fixture ended in a thrilling 3-2 win for Turkey having been behind twice. It was end to end stuff in the second half and with both teams scrapping for 2nd place behind ze Germans they'll both be desperate for a win to boost their chances. When you look at the Belgian team, it contains an awful lot of Europe's most highly rated and promising players. You have the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen in defence, Van Bruyn and Hazard as well as Steven Defour in midfield and the behemoth of Roman Lukaku up top. They really should be a side to watch, if only someone can get them playing as a complete team. Apparently it's due to national differences and club side cliques, but they can't seem to make it work together on even a 90 minute scale. Makes them fun to watch though! Turkey are nowhere near the individual level, but they do all get behind each other for the national side. They're terrible at the back though, as is evident every week in the SuperLig. This should have goals again, plenty of goals! I'm going balls out on this, so to speak, get on over 3.5 goals at 3.25 with William Hill.
England v Switzerland, Saturday 4th June 1645
I'll have a look at this one, but I'll probably avoid watching as I'm sure it'll go according to the recent script. This is the sort of match England love, a team worse then them individually and hopeless in front of goal. The Swiss seem to produce very capable defenders and midfielders, but can't find a striker that would give them the edge in tight contests. I am sure they'll make England earn a win, but they should hold no fears for the home side. Darren Bent will be alone up fornt I'd imagine with Wayne Rooney suspended, with support from Ashley Young in a fairly free role. This should cause trouble for the Swiss and I would fully expect Bent to once again prove his class by finding the net as he has done regularly for years now. England's strongest position is still at the back though. Joe Hart is a great GK for me, solid and reliable and not prone to the complete confidence failures of his colleagues. Rio and JT are also perfectly capable of marshalling a side like this, although are massively prone to exposure by pace by better sides. I'll be backing England To Win To Nil at odds of 2.2 with Ladbrokes looking great value.
Montenegro v Bulgaria, Saturday 3rd June 1930
This match pits one of the newer European nations against a close neighbour and former power in Montenegro against Bulgaria. The definite high point for the Bulgarians was their run in USA 94 with the magnificently haired Letchkov scoring to beat ze Germans the absolute zenith. Since then they have been a perfectly serviceable international side, but miles away from those past glories. Their best player has been Dimi Berbatov over much of the last decade, but he has followed most of Old Trafford's players in retiring from international football at around the 30 mark. This has left them without a talisman or any real skill and flair. They currently sit above Wales in England's group without a win. Montenegro showed in their match against England that they are a team to pay attention to. They have the traditional hard Eastern European backline and enough flair in attack to trouble a lot of sides. They should beat this Bulgaria team at home and I'll be backing them to do it at an appealing 1.99 on Betfair currently.
That'll do for now. I'll try to get another blog up to include the matches midweek next week too. Happy punting!
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