Monday, May 29, 2006

All to play for in Portugal ......

Final matches in Group B of the U21 European Championship in Portugal tonight.

Everything is still to play for, all 4 teams can still qualify, infact, all can still determine their own destiny. Netherlands and Denmark must win to advance, a point would suffice for both Italy and Ukraine.

In Agueda, Denmark meet Ukraine and will fancy their chances as they beat them home and away, in qualification for the finals. The Danes have impressed so far despite being winless. They dominated the opening fixture with Italy for long periods, taking a 3-1 lead before being held 3-3 , with a last minute goal from the Azzurrini.

Ukraine have a few problems, Ischenko,Yatsenko and Maksymov are all struggling with injuries. Three of the team are also set to join the first squad in Germany after this tournament and it is only natural for them to have this on their mind.

I take the Danes to win this.

The Netherlands have had a disappointing tournament so far, but have promised to attack from the start tonight. This may leave them vunerable on the counter and while Italy qualify with a draw, victory will leave them as group winners and mean they will avoid the very impressive French side in the semi-finals. Italy are looking for their sixth tournament win in the last eight championships.

5 points Denmark -1/2 2.22 asian line
4 points Italy -1/4 1.98 asian line

Good Luck.

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