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.
Portugal v Denmark
Paul Hill- Portugal 2-1 Denmark. Despite finishing below Denmark in qualifying I fancy Portugal here. The Danes were lucky to win their first game and Ronaldo is due a memorable performance in a major tournament.
Ben McAleer- Denmark 0-2 Portugal. After there shock win over the Dutch last week, I can’t see Denmark repeating the trick over Portugal. The latter need to win following the 1-0 loss to Germany and with the two early tournament favourites taking each other on following this game, I believe Portugal may win it comfortably. Helder Postiga will lead the line and given the chance, will opening the scoring.
Dan Whiteway-Denmark 0-1 Portugal A fascinating clash between a team very much based on the collective and the other more geared toward the individual (quite literally in a sense). Denmark were impressive in their stifling of the Dutch in their first game and if Portugal play as they did for the first 60 minutes of their tournament opener, dourness will ensue. However, Portugal should go for it after they troubled the Germans when they took on an attacking bent and will squeeze a vital victory.
George Powell- Denmark 1-2 Portugal – Although Denmark were very good defensively on Saturday, I can’t see them keeping the Portuguese at bay. Ronaldo, Nani and co will be too much for the Danes in a game that Portugal, who lost to Germany at the weekend, need to win.
Scott Balaam- Denmark 0-2 Portugal – The Danish did really well beating the Netherlands, but I can’t see them doing the same against the Portugal. Today we will see Cristiano Ronaldo turn-up, he will score one maybe two – if he does get on the scoresheet then he overtakes Luis Figo as the third all-time Portuguese leading scorers.
Oliver Wilson-
Brad Smith – Denmark 0 Portugal 0. – Agger and co. will look to build on their first clean sheet, and take a much needed draw to edge towards the knockouts. Portugal have attacking options, but have struggled to work as a unit so far, I expect that to continue here, and they will struggle against a Danish side that finished higher than them in qualification.
Adam Gray-
Germany v Netherlands
Paul Hill- Netherlands 3-1 Germany. As strong as Germany’s squad is I have a funny feeling about the Oranje here. The loss to Denmark may have been a blessing in disguise, as they are now forced to take the game to their opponents. Defensively they are average and the possibility of Huntelaar and VDV coming in will bring out to their strengths in the final third of the field. In summary, they are bound to concede but they are also bound to score, more than Germany.
Ben McAleer- Holland 1-1 Germany. A defeat to Denmark was not what Holland were expecting and you can be sure that will look to make amends against the old enemy Germany. However, the Germans were defensively solid during the 1-0 win over Portugal, with Mats Hummels exceptional in the back four. He will have to be on top of his game again to deny the Dutch, but I can’t see this being more than a draw, Arjen Robben and Hummels to net for either side.
Dan Whiteway- Netherlands 2-1 Germany Potentially the match of the tournament so far but just as potentially a damp squib if the Netherlands are overwhelmed with the pressure of the situation and go all defensive on us. However, that isn’t their strength so I think they’re go down the attacking route and put on a show between two proactive teams resulting in the Dutch scraping a victory to keep their tournament hopes alive thanks to their forwards clicking, although that may be more wishing that the Oranje staying in the tournament…
George Powell- Netherlands 2-2 Germany – A game that the Netherlands have to get something out of, happens to be against their arch rivals. I would expect Huntelaar and Van der Vaart to start and the Oranje will score, but I can’t see them beating the pre tournament favourites.
Scott Balaam- Netherlands 1-1 Germany – I was going to go with a German win, but I can see the Dutch turning it on. The big money questions is whether Schalke 04 striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will start. Wesley Sneijder is the man to watch, if he’s on form the Dutch will click, but Mario Gomez will score … most likely with his head.
Oliver Wilson-
Brad Smith- Netherlands 1 Germany 1 – Not exactly must-win for the Dutch, but a can’t lose. They should start with Huntelaar and Van Persie up top, giving them more options and chance to score, although they have to wary of the German counter-attack, that could send them packing. Germany will not want to settle for a draw either, as knocking the Dutch out at this stage could be massive in their attempt to lift the trophy.
Adam Gray-
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