I'll be honest, I'd written off the Italians. Verrati and Marchisio injured, a lack of real quality in attack and no stars.
And then that magnificent defence last night reminded me just how dogged and determined they are and they are right back in contention.
What a performance that was from Italy. Full of spirit and determination and will to win - something completely lacking from a mediocre and over-hyped Belgium team. If I was the Belgians I'd be looking at Wilmots in the dugout and asking why he's not getting anywhere near the best out of a very strong Belgian side.
Away from the Italians, a 1-0 for Spain in the early kick off saw them record 3 points but I don't think they'll convince many punters with that performance. A lot of huffing and puffing but a lack of quality in the attacking trio may cost them through the tournament. We all remember the series of 1-0s in 2010 but they don't have a David Villa to pull them through this time.
Ireland - unfortunate in many ways but they seemed to revert into their shell when they took the lead. I think the draw was a fair result.
Still a low scoring tournament though with lots of less than 2.5 goal backers happy. I got a couple of small returns on the Spain game but lost a few quid on the Ireland game and didn't put anything on the Italian game. Looking to back the Portuguese tonight and the obvious bet is Ronaldo anytime.
Yesterday's Games
posted on 14/6/16
they should have added one of Costa or Torres to their squad
_
Costa has been horrific this season for Chelsea (mind you so were most of their team) so he deservedly missed out.
Torres has had a decent season for Atletico so I think he was a bit unlucky not to make it.
With this likely to be Del Bosque's final tournament it'll be interesting to see if they freshen it up after this year.
posted on 14/6/16
Italy have so far been the best team, in the sense of what a team should be.. just need to look at how they celebrated that second goal and post match. It'll take either a very good team or very good performance to beat them if they play like that for the rest of the tournament.
16/1 pre-tournament for them was just too good to ignore.
Spain looked good too, but lacking a cutting edge upfront/playing that extra unnecessary pass.
Ireland were unlucky
posted on 14/6/16
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posted on 14/6/16
Ireland ruined my treble too.. had Spain, Sweden, Italy.
Gonna go for a Hungary, Portugal double today, under 2.5 goals.. or maybe two draws.
posted on 14/6/16
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posted on 14/6/16
Austria/Portugal double for me although I have no faith in Portugal whatsoever.
David Alaba to score at any time was just a shade under 5/1 last night. Apart from the fact Pep Guardioa thinks he is God he plays in a more advanced central midfield role for Austria. He takes all the set pieces and penalties . That for me was to good to ignore.
posted on 14/6/16
See koeman has been confirmed at Everton.
Next soton manager will be interesting.
Agree With most of what's been said here, loved gianlucu vialli last night, his passion is the polar opposite to Rio and shearer.
I've put alaba in my fantasy team for the dame reasons btg outlined.
Austria really have their golden generation just now, is it janko? Up front who's been excellent.
Belgium look like they've no plan, they won't come close to winning this.
Austria Portugal for me
Looking to add something to that bet to make it worthwhile odds wise but no idea yet
posted on 14/6/16
That's cracking odds for Alaba.
5 of my fantasy team are either injured or aren't in the 24 man squads
posted on 14/6/16
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posted on 14/6/16
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