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| | Author: MasterBets
| Euro 2004 Tips - Betting Preview Group C
Group C consists of Italy, hoping to avenge the bitter loss of Euro 2000, Sweden, a dangerous team but limited in depth, Denmark, a speedy team who emerged from a tough qualifying group to get into this competition, and the dangerous Bulgaria, who looked formidable in qualifying.
Italy
Italy were just seconds away from winning Euro 2000 when Francesco Totti was booked for kicking the ball away. In the time added for that infringement, Sylvain Wiltord levelled matters before David Trezeguet netted a 103rd-minute Golden Goal to give France the title. Italy could well count themselves unlucky losers.
The Italians again fell foul of a Golden Goal in the 2002 World Cup as South Korea ousted them in the second round with a goal just four minutes before the end of extra-time, in a result that was a far bigger upset than the defeat in Euro 2000. It showed that the conservative, almost negative style of play adopted by countless modern Italian teams, has serious flaws. Playing not to lose, or to win by a single goal can backfire.
So Giovanni Trapattoni's men will arrive in Portugal looking to put these major disappoinments behind them but they are confident that they have the quality to take the trophy home. Yet they almost didn't make it, with a draw against Serbia & Montenegro followed by a shock defeat to Wales looking to have seriously dented their qualification hopes.
However the Italians avoided the play-offs after they completed a storming second half to their qualification campaign including 4-0 thrashings of Wales and Azerbaijan plus a brace of 2-0 victories over Finland. As you would expect Trapattoni's men were typically tight in qualifying, conceding just four goals. They have the best defense in the tournament, as per usual.
The Italians will again build their hopes around having a strong defensive base with the likes of Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro and Christian Panucci featuring in a back-line that will protect Gianluigi Buffon, widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in world football.
Italy are equally strong up front, with the likes of Christian Vieri, Alessandro Del Piero and Totti supplying the ammunition.
The Azzuri are also blessed with fresh young talent, Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano will provide more attacking options than Italy have had in previous tournaments and both will be vying for a starting place in Trapattoni's team.
So it is no surprise to see them firmly in the top three in the betting markets, with their defiance in defence giving them a great chance of progressing deep into the tournament. But their strength can also act as a hindrance as Italy far too often rely on holding onto a one-goal lead.
Sweden and Denmark
There is little to choose between these two teams, and both countries have excellent records in the big tournaments. The Swedes have the stars in Larsson and Ljungberg, both able to win any game with brilliant individual play. But beyond these two are a bunch of benchwarmers who aren't good enough to play in the top leagues in the world.
Denmark are well-coached, speedy, and tough to break down, but are unlikely to progress very far in Euro 2004. Their lack of top-quality strikers is a real concern.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria should give both Sweden and Denmark a tough time, and we would not be surprised to see an upset victory for this team in one of those fixtures. The Bulgarians are not in the same class as a team like the Czech Republic, but then neither are their opponents in this group with the exception of Italy. We expect a strong showing from this team, although they are unlikely to progress in the knock-out phases.
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| Last Updated
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | | |
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