The first two quarter finals

Follow me on Twitter- @seabourne92
Tournament Profit so far - £161.08

Czech Republic vs Portugal
Czech Republic lost their first game 4-1; however back to back wins against Greece and Poland ensured they qualified top from Group A. Their second half showing against Poland was very impressive and neutralised the hosts attack with ease whilst dominating the game, and they thoroughly deserved their victory. The likes of Petr Jiranek and Vaclav Pilar have not only scored the goals to get the Czech's out of the group, they've always been their best players, with the experienced Tomas Hubschmann excellent holding in the midfield.

Baros first goalscorer? 14's with Stan James

Portugal impressed in Group B, and came from behind against Holland to ensure they qualified behind the Germans. Cristiano Ronaldo was superb in the win, after having a disappointing start to the tournament, and the Czech's will be the weakest side the Portuguese will have faced so far. Defensively the likes of Pepe and Bruno Alves were good in containing the likes of Robin Van Persie and co, with only a Rafael Van Der Vaart screamer ensuring they didn't keep a clean sheet.

A Patricio clean sheet is 5/4 with Betfair

I fancy Paulo Bento's side to have too much for the Czech's here; however it won't be easy.

Prediction: Czech Republic 0 Portugal 2 - 8/1 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver


My three top tips:
Cristiano Ronaldo to score and Portugal to win - 15/8 with Betfred - Returns of £14.38
Both teams to score NO - 10/11 with Stan James - Returns of £9.55
Theo Gebre Selassie first yellow card - 16/1 with bet365 - Lose a fiver

Game returns of £3.93

Germany vs Greece
Germany qualified from the toughest group with three wins from three, and they rarely reached top gear, which goes to show how strong they are! They have fantastic strength in depth with the likes of Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos and Miroslav Klose all having to settle for spots on the bench. Mario Gomez scored three goals in his first two matches, in doing so shutting his critics up in the best possible way.

Gomez hat-trick is 20/1 with bet365

Greece stunned Russia to eliminate the group favourites; however without their inspirational captain Giorgos Karagounis, who inexplicably was booked for diving, when the eventual match winner was clearly fouled, they face a German side who certainly take no prisoners. The 2004 Champions were much like their former self against Russia and defended superbly throughout, with Giorgos Samaras leading the line brilliantly, could history repeat itself and they win another European Championship built on superb defending? I doubt it!

Another 1-0 Greece win is 24/1 with 188bet

Germany should easily overcome a Greece side who are without their best creative spark

Prediction: Germany 3 Greece 0 - 8/1 with Ladbrokes


My three top tips:
Mario Gomez to score and Germany to win - 13/10 with 888Sport
Germany by three or more goals - 13/5 with Coral
Over 2.5 goals - 68/67 with 188bet

*An accumulator of both Portugal and Germany to win is 1.3/1
*An accumulator for Portugal 2-0 and Germany 3-0 is 63/1

*All accumulator odds are given via Skybet

Group D Climax!

Follow me on Twitter- @euro2012tipster
Current tournament profit (If you placed a fiver on all tips) - £169.80

England vs Ukraine
After coming from behind in such dramatic fashion against Sweden, England only need a point against Ukraine to progress into the knock-out round. In all likelihood second place will mean a quarter-final with the World and European champions Spain, so Roy Hodgson's side won't be playing for the draw, because if they better France's result they'd top Group D.

Rooney to make return with a goal? He's 33/20 with Sportingbet to score at anytime!

Ukraine were very poor in the second half against France and will have to improve dramatically if they are to get the win they need to qualify. Progression is still in their hands, and with home advantage, a victory isn't unrealistic. The last time these two sides met Ukraine beat England in Kiev in a World Cup qualifier, giving the Ukrainians extra confidence ahead of their date with destiny!

I can see this one being a draw, meaning England will progress; however will have to settle for second spot.

Prediction: Ukraine 1 England 1 - 6/1 with ToteSport - Lose a fiver


My three top tips:
England to win - 5/4 with Paddy Power - Returns of £11.25
Under 2.5 goals YES - 11/12 with Betfair - Returns of £9.58
Steven Gerrard anytime goalscorer - 9/2 with BetFred - Lose a fiver

Game returns of 83p

Sweden vs France
Defeat against England eliminated the Swede's meaning they have only pride to play for against France. Defensively all tournament Sweden have been poor and they face a French side full of attacking flair and quality, meaning they'll struggle to keep them quiet. Going forward they've actually looked quite dangerous from both open play and set pieces, with the latter probably their best route of victory against France.

Once France opened the scoring against Ukraine there was only ever going to be one winner, and their two goal victory has made them favourites to not only progress but top the group. Karim Benzema is yet to open his Euro 2012 account; however he assisted both goals in their 2-0 victory on Friday, and a goal is surely due for the Real Madrid forward.

Ribery first goal scorer is 8's with Coral

Back France to win here and top the group!

Prediction: Sweden 0 France 2 - 15/2 with WilliamHill - Lose a fiver


My three top tips:
Benzema to score and France to win - 5/2 with BlueSquare - Lose a fiver
Both sides to score NO - 109/100 with BetDaq - Returns of £10.45
France to win to nil - 2/1 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver

Game return - Loss of £9.55
Day returns - Loss of £8.72
Overall tournament profit - £161.08

*An accumulator of England Ukraine draw and France is 4.49/1
*An accumulator of England 1 Ukraine 1 and France 2-0 is 47.75/1

*All accumulator odds are given via Skybet

Group C Climax!

Follow me @euro2012tipster
Current tournament profit (If you placed a 5er bet on all my tips) - £169.80

Croatia vs Spain
Mario Mandzukic's late strike against Italy was huge as it gave the Croat's a brilliant chance of progression, with defeat meaning they'd have to beat the World and European Champions; however now a draw could see them through. A 2-2 draw would see both sides progress and eliminate Italy, which ironically happened at Euro 2004 as Denmark and Sweden drew 2-2 meaning the Azzurri's victory over Bulgaria was irrelevant.

Spain looked in ominous form against the Republic of Ireland, with Fernando Torres bagging himself an impressive brace. Things won't be as easy this time around though for the Spanish, and unless Italy beat the Irish by four or more goals, then a draw will see them through top.

Torres is now 7/2 with ToteSport to be the tournaments top goalscorer

Neither side will play for the obvious result; and I reckon the Spanish will have too much for Croatia

Prediction: Croatia 0 Spain 2 - 10/1 with Bwin - Lose a fiver


My three tips:
Both sides to score NO - 7/4 with William Hill - Returns of £13.75
Spain to win - 9/11 with 32Red - Returns of £9.10
Andres Iniesta first goalscorer - 10/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Match returns of £12.85

Italy vs Ireland
Italy go into the game knowing they need to beat Ireland to progress; however their recent tournament form has been poor. Since winning the 2006 World Cup, Italy have only won one of their eight matches at major tournaments (against France at Euro 2008) and their start to Euro 2012 has mirrored their poor World Cup showing, with two consecutive 1-1 draws (Italy lost their last World Cup match 3-2 to Slovakia).

Andrea Pirlo to score again? He's 7/2 with Ladbrokes to score!

Ireland have been poor at the Championships and were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. Giovanni Trapattoni will want his side to help knock out his country of birth, and under his stewardship Ireland are unbeaten in three games against Italy, which gives them reasons to be positive ahead of their third and final match.

For some reason I can see Ireland holding Italy; however I'm still going to back Italy to win here.

Prediction: Italy 2 Ireland 0 - 11/2 with PaddyPower - Returns of £32.50


My three tips:
Under 2.5 goals - 13/10 with ToteSport - Returns of £11.50
Draw - 5/1 with SportingBet - Lose a fiver
Draw HT/ Italy FT - 10/3 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver

Match returns of £34
Day returns of £46.85
Tournaments of £169.80

*An accumulator of both Spain and Italy to win is 1.16/1
*An accumulator of both Spain and Italy to win 2-0 is 51.25/1

*All accumulator odds are given via Skybet

Group B Climax!

Follow me on Twitter - @euro2012tipster

Denmark vs Germany
Denmark came from two goals down against Portugal only to concede an 87th minute, which in the end could eliminate them from the tournament. Perhaps fortunate to beat the wasteful Dutch, a point against Portugal would've given them one foot in the quarter finals; however they will need something against Germany to qualify.

Fancy Bendtner to score another double? 25/1 with Paddy Power

It's fair to say Germany have started well at the Euro's, and they upped their performance levels against Holland and they impressed in the 2-1 victory. Mario Gomez was at his prolific best, with Bastian Schweinsteiger dominate in the midfield, and when Holland scored their consolation, the Germans didn't panic, like Portugal did early on in the day, as Holland never threatened a crucial leveler.

Back the Germans to make it nine points from nine! They should have enough to beat Denmark.

Prediction: Denmark 0 Germany 2 - 15/2 with William Hill - Lose a fiver


My three top tips:
Lukas Podolski anytime goalscorer - 2/1 with Skybet - Returns of £15
Under 2.5 goals - 21/20 with StanJames - Lose a fiver
Germany to win to nil - 2/1 with Bet365 - Lose a fiver

Game returns - Loss of £5

Portugal vs Holland
Silvestre Varela's late winner has given Portugal a fantastic chance at progressing out of a group many tipped them to be eliminated from! Going forward the Portuguese looked much better then they did in their tepid performance against Germany in the opening round of matches. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a brilliant chance, and Varela got him out of jail with his late screamer!

Holland were many people's outside tips to win the tournament; however they've been poor and a mixture of  awful defending and wasteful finishing has left them on the verge of an early exit. The 2010 World Cup finalists have the attacking threat to beat anyone, and they need to win by two goals, whilst hoping Germany beat the Danes to progress.

Van Der Vaart to score first and Holland to win 2-0? 100/1 with  Bet Victor

I can't see the Dutch winning here after their poor showings so far, and the point for Portugal will be enough to see them through in second!

Prediction: Portugal 1 Holland 1 - 6/1 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver

My three top tips:

Both teams to score YES - 4/6 with Stan James - Returns of £8.33

Draw - 5/2 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver

Cristiano Ronaldo anytime goalscorer - 6/4 with Ladbrokes - Returns of £12.50

Game returns of £10.83
Day returns of £5.83
Tournament returns of £128.78

*An accumulator of Germany and Portugal Holland draw is 4.49/1

*An accumulator of Germany 2-0 and Portugal 1 Holland 1 is 44.5/1

*All accumualtor odds are given via Skybet

Group A's climax!

Follow me on twitter- @euro2012tipster


Poland vs Czech Republic
Poland's equaliser against Russia ensured that qualification is still in their hands as they head into the Czech Republic match. The Poles showed character after going behind, and once they leveled were arguably the better side against Group A's strongest team. Knowing they need a victory, means their Borussia Dortmund duo of Robert Lewandoski and Jakub Blaszczykowski will need to continue their impressive form so far at the tournament, if they are to progress.

Despite Petr Cech's error, the Czech Republic recorded a much needed victory against Greece, impressively putting their heavy opening day defeat to Russia behind them. Two early goals Michal Bilek's side, meaning a point vs Poland (providing the Greek's don't beat Russia by two goals) will see the Czech Republic progress, in doing so eliminating the co-hosts.

Petr Cech to put his nightmare Euro 2012 tournament behind with a man of the match performance? 20/1 with bet365

I fancy Poland to beat the Czech's in a close encounter and progress to the knock out round!

Prediction: Poland 2 Czech Republic 1 - 9/1 with Coral - Lose a fiver


My three top tips:
Both teams to score YES - 10/11 with BlueSquare - Lose a fiver
Draw HT/ Poland FT - 5/1 with Coral - Lose a fiver
Robert Lewandoski last goalscorer - 5/1 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver


Greece vs Russia 
After recovering a point from dire straights against Poland in their opener, the Greek's really missed a chance to keep qualification in their hands against a far from brilliant Czech Republic side. Two goals down after six minutes wasn't the ideal start; however another goal from a Greek substitute proved they have options to change the game from the bench.

Russia could've ensured qualification was sealed with a game to go against Poland; however Jakub Blaszczykowski's goal meant they still need a draw against Greece; however a defeat unless by a few goals will see them progress. Alan Dzagoev once again scored to take his tally to three in just two games; but captain Andriy Arshavin was kept quieter then he did in Russia's opener.

An Arshavin hat-trick? 90/1 with PaddyPower

These two met in the European Championships in 2004 and the Russians beat the eventual champions, back them to do so here!

Prediction: Greece 1 Russia 3 - 14/1 with Sportingbet - Lose a fiver


My three top tips:
Over 2.5 goals YES - Evens with StanJames - Lose a fiver
Russia HT/ Russia FT - 15/8 with 888sport - Lose a fiver
Aleksandr Kerzhakov anytime goalscorer - 17/10 with PaddyPower - Lose a fiver

Game return - Down £20
Day return - Down £40
Tournament return - Up £122.95

*An accumulator of both Poland and Russia to win is 2.89/1
*An accumulator of both Poland 2-1 and Russia 3-1 is 134/1

*All accumulator odds are given with Skybet

Group D!

Follow me on Twitter - @euro2012tipster

Ukraine vs France


Ukraine came from behind to beat Sweden to give them a fantastic chance of qualification out of Group D! An double from Andriy Shevchenko ensured that they will at least go into the final game knowing that qualification will still be a possibility. Victory will ensure the co-hosts will progress; however they face a strong French side who weren't at their brilliant best in the draw with England. Laurent Blanc's side are 22 games unbeaten and many expect them to ruin the hosts party on Friday evening! A front three of Samir Nasri, Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery is as good anything in international football and they'll trouble Ukraine's fragile back-line no doubt!

Back Nasri to score again at 15/4 with SportingBet

I reckon France will have enough against Ukraine and can see it being a routine victory!

Prediction: Ukraine 0 France 2 - 9/1 with Coral - Returns of £50


My three top tips:
Karim Benzema anytime - 15/8 with Stan James - Lose a fiver
France HT/ France FT - 13/5 with 188Bet - Lose a fiver
Both sides to score NO - 5/6 with 32Red - Returns of £9.17

Match profit of £49.17

Sweden vs England


England defended brilliantly against a technically strong France side, who were restricted to efforts from long range. Despite their best threat coming from set pieces, England deserved a point, and victory against Sweden would give Roy Hodgson's side one foot in the knock out stages. Sweden, in complete contrast to England, were good going forward; however defensively they were abject as they threw three points away against an average Ukraine side.

Welbeck 1st scorer and England 1-0 win is 22/1 with Skybet

I fancy England to beat Sweden which will give them a fantastic chance at no only qualifying but topping Group D which could be vital.

Prediction: Sweden 0 England 1 - 6/1 with Paddy Power - Lose a fiver


My three tips:
Under 2.5 goals - 5/7 with Betfair - Lose a fiver
England to keep clean sheet - 79/50 with Betfair - Lose a fiver
Danny Welbeck first goalscorer - 7/1 with PaddyPower - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £20
Day returns of £29.17
Overall returns of £166.95

*An accumulator of both France and England to win is 3.1/1
*An accumulator of France 2-0 and England 1-0 is 50/1

*All accumulator odds are given via Skybet

Thursday we shall say goodbye to the Irish!

Follow me on Twitter @euro2012tipster

Italy vs Croatia
Italy were impressive as they managed to thwart the reigning European and World Champions on Sunday, and they will need to repeat their showing against a good Croatia side if they are going to put themselves in the driving seat to progress out of Group C. Cesare Prandelli's 3-5-2 selection, with Daniele De Rossi occupying the libero role, worked as Italy neutralised the threat of the Spanish midfield, whilst dealing comfortably with anything in the box due to the Spanish's lack of a real number nine in the box. Pre tournament I fancied a shock here; however now I'm not so sure.

De Rossi to score from the libero position - 10/1 with ToteSport

Croatia and Mario Mandzukic in particular had too much for an average Ireland; however they'll have to find another level of performance if they are to repeat their result against a strong Italy. Luka Modric in the midfield was at his imperious best as he dictated the game, and if his Croatia side can win, then they'll progress to the knock out round.

Luka Modric 9/1 with Boylesports to be man of the match!

Before the tournament I tipped Croatia to stun the Italians here; however after I saw Italy's first game I reckon the points will be shared.


Prediction: Italy 1 Croatia 1 - 11/2 with BlueSquare - Returns of £32.50


My three top tips:
Draw - 9/4 with Skybet - Returns of £16.25
Antonio Cassano anytime goalscorer, 9/2 with SportingBet - Lose a fiver
Over 1.5 goals - 1/2 with StanJames - Returns of £7.50

Game returns of £51.25

Spain vs Ireland 
Much was made about the exclusion of a real striker for Spain in their starting XI against Italy; however they still dominated possession and missed some late chances to steal a victory. Fernando Torres came off the bench and despite missing some presentable opportunities, his presence alone was enough to create chances as he took advantage of the tired legs in the Italian defence. Whether he'll start against Ireland is to be seen; however it shouldn't matter.

Fabregas to score anytime - 5/2 with SportingBet

Ireland were put the sword in their opener, and their chances are progression incredibly slim. With Spain and Italy to come, little is expected of Giovanni Trapattoni's side which could work in their favour. Despite their poor showing against Croatia, there isn't expected to be wholesale changes in their starting XI; with many fans wanting to see James McLean get the nod.

Given to be man of the match - 14/1 with bet365

Unfortunately for Ireland I can only see one result here and that is a routine Spain victory.

Prediction: Spain 3 Ireland 0 - 7/1 with Coral - Lose a fiver


My three top tips:
Fernando Torres anytime goalscorer - 11/8 with Ladbrokes - Returns of £11.88
Both sides to score No - 59/100 with Betfair - Returns of £7.95
Over 3.5 goals - 9/4 with William Hill - Returns of £16.25

Game returns of £31.08
Day returns of £82.33
Tournament returns of £137.78

*An accumulator of Italy Croatia draw and Spain is 3.06/1
*An accumulator of Italy 1-1 Croatia and Spain 3-0 is 41/1

*All accumulator odds are given via Skybet