Euro 2008 - June 10

Welcome to the first installment of the 2008 European Football Championship blog, brought to you by our title sponsor Schlitz beer - "the tinny taste that made Milwaukee famous". Since the Euro games start at 9:00 am and 12:00 pm in Phoenix, you need a light beer to let you ease into the rest of the day. But don't take my word for it: try a Schlitz.



Spain v. Russia recap:

The early game today was full of action on a soggy pitch. Spain’s David Villa (Valencia – Spain, and no relation to Stephen J. Avillo) took command of the golden boot race by scoring a hat trick against the lethargic Russian defense. Fernando Torres (Liverpool - England) on more than one occasion carved up the Russian defense providing Villa with an empty net for tap in goals. The game was 2-0 at the half. The Russians attempted a comeback, but David Villa’s goal in the 75th minute put the game away at 3-0.

Upon going down 3-0, the Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, stood up from the politburo box and attempted to descend upon the pitch, but was stopped by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who scolded him for acting like he was in charge. Putin then went down to the pitch where he verbally assaulted the Russian striker Roman Pavluchenko for an uninspired performance and causing an embarrassment to the Russian people. Pavluchenko, a suspected steroid user, beat his chest and yelled in Russian, “I fight for me. I fight for me”. He then proceeded to score a meaningless goal in the 86th minute that Spain got back through Cesc Fabregas’ injury time header.

In the post-match interview, David Villa noted, “If I can do it, and you can do it, we all can do it”.


Sweden v. Greece recap:

Greece is the reigning champion of Europe after their surprising championship run in 2004, however, that does not mean that they are good.

Greece is playing with the same squad and the same awful defensive tactics from 2004. Back then, Greece played with 8 men behind the ball and would squeeze in a goal off a random corner kick. They tried the same tactics today against Sweden.

Sweden is an ageing team that somehow is still calling on Henrik Larsson (Helsinborg) and Freddy Ljungberg (West ham United – England) although they are both in the twilight of their careers.

The first half was an extreme contrast of footballing styles with Sweden attacking through Freddy Ljundberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan – Italy) and Henrik Larsson, while Greece played constant defense, never attempting to do anything on offense. Greece only brought players forward in numbers for corner kicks and free kicks. It was ugly.

Thankfully, Sweden broke through in the 67th minute with Ibrahimovic playing himself into space through a nice give and go, then blistering a far post laser past the Greek goalkeeper. Sweden went on to score a second just a few minutes later.

Hopefully this will put an end to this monstrosity of a team that somehow is the current European champion. Greece should forfeit the rest of their games out of embarrassment.

Somewhere Andy and Maria Avillo family are celebrating. And somewhere the Swedish Bikini Team is celebrating. And somewhere one Hotline member made money, and one did not.





Speaking of money: On to the odds and Buffet picks for June 11 and June 12:





June 11





Game 1: Czech Republic vs. Portugal

• Czech Republic snuck away with a 1 - 0 victory over Switzerland in their first game. Some may say that Switzerland had the better chances, but the Czechs were clearly playing on their heels because it was basically an away game in Switzerland. That won't be the case when the Czechs play Portugal.



• Portugal opened up group play against Turkey and smoked them. I made a funny. Cristiano Ronaldo and the other 3 unstoppable Portugal wingers seem to be on top form and Deco is controlling midfield.



• Portugal is highly favored (1.75) - bet $10 to win $7.50.



• The over/under is at 2.5 goals.



• Portugal is simply the better team. I expect high scoring a Portugal victory. The Hotline prediction is Portugal 3, Czech Republic 2 in a shootout. Take Portugal and the over.

Game 2: Switzerland v. Turkey

• Switzerland opened up play optimistically, but ended up losing the game and their best player in Alexander Frei. ouch. They do still have the Otter favorite Tranquilo Barnetta - from now on people with cool names will be on the "Otter watch" list. Tranquilo is the first.



• Turkey must have been surprised that they were actually playing in a major competition since they haven't been in one since they were semi-finalists at the 2002 World Cup. How could this happen? Well, they didn't qualify for either Euro 2004 or the 2006 World Cup. They looked out of rhythm against Portugal.



• I expect Switzerland and Turkey to play a tight match with neither team showing much attacking prowess.



• Switzerland is the slight favorite (because they are playing at home) and the over/under is once again at 2.5 goals.



• Take the tie (3.20) and the under. This is a money-maker. The Swiss are over-rated simply because they are playing at home. Keep in mind - and awful, and I mean awful American team went into Switzerland 2 months ago and beat a full strength Swiss squad 3-0.

June 12:

Game 1: Croatia v. Germany

• Croatia played the weakest team in the tournament, Austria, in its opening game. I was unaware how bad Austria was until I saw that match. Trinidad and Tobago could take them. Maybe even Rountree Juniors. Croatia won 1-0 on a 4th minute penalty kick. Don't expect more points out of Croatia in this game.



• Germany is simply a strong team. They are solid at every position. They don't have the flair of Portugal or the Netherlands, but they simply win games. Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack once again are the leaders. Lucas Podolski (best young player at the 2006 World Cup) is also back and scored a brace in the opener.



• Germany is the heavy favorite (1.75). over/under at 2.5 goals. I expect Germany 2 - Croatia 0. Take Germany and the under.

Game 2: Austria v. Poland

• Let me just put it to you this way: I will not be watching this game live. Go watch "Sex in the City". Turn on "What Not To Wear". Do anything but watch this match. Dreadful.



• Austria is one of the host countries, but that doesn't change the fact that the only reason they are in this tournament is because of an automatic bid. They are undeserving. I think UEFA wanted to play games in Austria in the summer and figured it couldn't hurt to let the Austrian semi-pros kick the ball around for 3 games.



• Poland qualified for Euro 2008 easily, but for some reason when they get into the big tournaments they fall flat. They certainly did that in game 1 when they lost to Germany. Poland is better than Austria, but their finishing is not impressive. It's hard for me to think of how Poland or Austria will score a goal in this game.



• Poland is the slight favorite, but really who cares.



• Only bet on this game if you have a gambling problem. Austria 0 - Poland 0.



• Bet the tie (3.20) and the under (2.5 goals).

Leif out.