Before every Euro 2012 match Ian Wright will unleash his inner gambler and predict the score. On this page you’ll find Football Friends Online as well other popular football bloggers from across the web wading into debate to make their expert predictions too.
Absolute Radio- Bloggers Predictions.
But as the action gets under way, will they be Wright, or will they be wrong? Follow the #WrightorWrong hashtag on Twitter and lend your voice to the debate.
Greece v Czech Republic
Paul Hill- Greece 1-1 Czech Republic. Despite Greece’s comeback in the opening game, I still believe this match will be a wooden spoon decider. The Czech’s look a very poor side but the Greek’s are now missing their first choice central defensive pairing which will stop them from getting the win.
Ben McAleer- Greece 2-2 Czech Republic. The second set of fixtures as the tournament begins its cycle once more. Greece are likely to be buoyed by their result against Poland on the opening day, whilst the Czech Republic will be hoping to bounce back following their 4-1 humbling at the hands of the Russians. As good as the Greeks were during the second half of the 1-1 draw with Poland, and with the Czech’s needing at least a point to rescue their dreams of qualification, I have this won down for a 2-2 draw. Dimitris Salpigidis made an influential impact from the bench and it is likely to have earned him a starting role in the encounter.
Dan Whiteway- Greece 2-2 Czech Republic The Czechs were on the wrong-end of the biggest defeat in the opening round of matches in the tournament but and this poor form will continue resulting in a probable early exit as they lack the guile to make chances, nor the striker to put them away. The Greeks looked unconvincing in the first half of their game against Poland but shaped up much better for the second 45, looking dangerous on the break and will provide the Czechs with some defensive headaches.
George Powell- Greece 1-2 Czech Republic. I can’t see the Greeks getting anything out of this one, against a Czech side with a point to prove. Although Karagounis and co improved dramatically in the 2nd half against Poland, I don’t think they’ll create enough chances to worry Petr Cech and his back line, I can see the Czech’s having more of the ball and if Greece defend like they did in the first half on Friday, then I’d expect Bilek’s men to win.
Scott Balaam-Greece 1-0 Czech Rep. Greece looked very poor in the first half against host Poland, but not as bad as the Czechs who were shocking. I expect Samaras to get his first goal and then Greece to use their ‘park the bus’ tactics that worked so well in 2004. In the second half of the Poland game there were glimpses of what they can do and I expected them to take the three points.
Oliver Wilson-Greece v Czech Rep 1-2. Greece pulled themselves out of the mud and back into a game they had no right to be in against Poland. Their courage and heart will take them a long way in these group games and, if Ninis can get himself fit, Greece have a great creative talent to utilise going forward.
The Czechs were crushed by a very strong Russian outfit, but the first 15 minutes saw Thomas Rosicky and co control the flow of the game. THey have the potential, but they do they have the consistency. A scrappy affair predicted in this one with Rosicky curling in a dream strike to give his side the edge.
Brad Smith – Greece 0 – 2 Czech Rep. They we’re beaten well against Russia, and will look for a quick start, expect Arshavin and Rosicky to run the midfield against a poor Greek team. Goal difference may come into it which is why I expect the Czechs to shine.
Poland v Russia
Paul Hill- Poland 2-1 Russia. This match could prove eventful both on and off the pitch with obvious ill-feeling between the nations as well as a planned march through Warsaw by 5000 Russia fans. The Polish will be more up for this match and eager to impress after the opening day draw. The much heralded Dortmund right side of Poland could have a field day tonight with Russia’s attack minded left-back Yuri Zhirkov not at his best when defending.
Ben McAleer- Poland 2-2 Russia Russia currently top Group A after their emphatic win over the Czech’s on Friday, but Poland are likely to be a tougher proposition. The loss of Wojciech Szczesny will surely hamper the co-hosts, but with Robert Lewandowski set to lead the attack once again, he will be handful for the Russia defence. Alan Dzagoev will look to build on the goal he scored during Friday’s 4-1 win and Dick Advocaat’s side will likely turn to the CSKA Moscow ace for creative inspiration once again.
Dan Whiteway- Poland 0-2 Russia Russia arguably put on the best performance of the tournament so far in their dismantling of the Czech Republic whilst Poland laboured, despite their initial dazzle, in their draw against Greece. FIFA rankings and current form would indicate Russia should run out winners and there is no reason to think otherwise as they’ll prove to hot too handle for the Polish defence, despite home backing.
George Powell- Poland 1-3 Russia. The Russians look the strongest in the group, they look organised and capable of scoring. Poland will be up for this grudge match but, although Lewandowski is a class act, I don’t think they’ll have enough to significantly trouble an in form Russian side.
Scott Balaam- Poland v Russia 1-2. Sadly, I think there will be heart break for the hosts. Russia were class against a poor Czech side and I anticipate a harder match against Poland, but they have enough to get the points and head into the next round.
Oliver Wilson- Poland v Russia 0-2. Heading into the tournament this fixture was the one I thought would decide the group winners. Poland’s implosion in their opener has shown that even being the home nation isn’t enough to get you by when you make silly mistakes. I expect Arshavin to have another excellent day at the office, he seems a new player since his loan move and today will see Kerzhakov get his first of the competition.
Brad Smith- Poland 1 – 3 Russia. This has the makings of a great game. Russia were clinical vs the Czechs, and expect them to be again. Poland will rue the dropped points against the Greeks and im back Kerzhakov to show everyone what was missing from the first game of the group.
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