The first day ... Where should the money go

It's fair to say that Group A is the weakest of all four at the tournament; however it's arguably the hardest to call with all four sides having a genuine chance of progression to the knock out rounds.

Rewind eight years and Greece incredibly overcame Portugal in their own back garden as the hosts got off to the worst possible start, ironically the two also met in the final, and we all know what happened there. And tomorrow they have the chance to spoil another hosts party as they face Poland in the tournaments opening game.

History surely won't repeat itself!

Otto Rehhagel's reign as Greece manager came to an end after the 2010 World Cup, and at the helm now is Fernando Santos, a Portuguese man whom had success with four of Greece's top club sides. The Greek's qualified despite scoring just 14 goals in their 10 qualifying matches, which coupled with their low goal tally's at the last two big tournaments (just three goals in six matches), suggests that they won't score many.

Poland have a few young and exciting players in their squad, Wojciech Szczęsny and Robert Lewandoski to name but two. The later is part of a Dortmund trio in the squad, along with Lukasz Piszczek and captain Jakub Blaszczykowski, whom enjoyed an exceptional season winning a domestic double. The hosts are unbeaten and yet to concede a goal this year, meaning they enter the tournament in good form.

Prediction: Poland 2 Greece 0 - Best Odds 15/2 with numerous bookies - Lose a fiver


My three top tips:
Robert Lewandoski to score first - 9/2 with Boylesports - Fiver wins £27.50
Both sides to score NO - 4/6 with StanJames - Lose a fiver
Poland to win - 11/10 with StanJames - Lose a fiver

£7.50 profit from the game

The late kick off in Group A pits Russia against Czech Republic. In my opinion the winner from this game will progress to the knock out rounds, whilst the loser won't, and in such a tight group, it is imperative that you get off to a good start.

Andrey Arshavin famously tore Holland to pieces in 2008 and many expect the Zenit loanee to help guide his side through the group stages. Another Dutchman is at the helm, following Guus Hiddink's successful reign, in the form of Dick Advocaat. In Alan Dzagoev they have a talented youngster who will no doubt look to make a mark in his first international tournament. The CSKA Moscow play maker is much sought after with Real Madrid rumoured to be interested in his services.

The last two European Championships ended in heartbreak for the Czech Republic. In 2004 they lost to a Traianos Dellas silver goal at the semi-final stages, a tournament which was deemed to be the Czech's real oppourtunity at claiming international silver wear. Whilst in 2008 they let a two goal lead slip against an inspired Turkey side, to be knocked out at the group stage. In 2004 the Czech's had a fantastic side, with the likes of Pavel Nedved running the show in the midfield, whilst the combination of Jan Koller and Milan Baros up front was often devastating. When you through the three Tomas's into the mix (Rosicky, Galasek and Ujfalusi) it culminated in a brilliant side, and for long periods were the stand out team at Euro 2004. Nowadays the squad isn't as strong and I feel they will struggle to get out of the group.

Prediction: Russia 1 Czech Republic 0 - Best Odds 11/2 with numerous bookies - Lose a fiver

My three top tips:
Both sides to score NO - 8/11 with numerous bookies - Lose a fiver
Draw HT/ Russia FT - 9/2 with William Hill - Lose a fiver
Alan Dzageov man of the match - 12/1 with Ladbrokes - Return of £65

£45 profit from Russia Czech match

*An accumulator for both Poland and Russia to win 3.4/1
*An accumulator for Poland 2-0 and Russia 1-0 is 43/1

 *All accumulators are done via sky bet.