Euro 2016 is a week old
They grow up so fast!
The first round of games in Group D were if we were honest, a bit dull. Spain huffed and puffed to a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic thanks to Pique of all people, while a Luka Modric volley from MILES OUT JEFF handed Croatia a win against Turkey. Both can secure a finish in the top two should they win their games today, while in Group E, Italy are looking to back up an impressive win over Belgium when they take on Zlatan Sweden.
Once again, we’ve flicked through the odds to try and help you out and picked a 22/1 anytime goalscorer treble for Friday.
Graziano Pelle, Italy vs Sweden, 2pm kick off
Pelle was one of many Italian standouts in their win over the Red Devils. He won more aerial duels than any other player, with the ball more often than not ending up at the feet of one of his team mates. He stood at the top of the ‘shots at goal’ column with five and was responsible for more than half of Italy’s chances.
Sweden didn’t have a shot on target against Ireland. They needed an own goal from an Aston Villa player (of course it was a Villa player) to scrape a draw against Ireland. Up against Pelle, who was still able to run faster than your dad after forgetting an anniversary even with 92 minutes gone, we’re backing the Southampton striker to net again at odds of.
Mario Manduzkic, Croatia vs Czech Republic, 5pm kick off
Mario Mandzukic scored 10 goals in 20 appearances for Juventus this season, which isn’t that impressive given his size and stature. But internationally, his record is brilliant, particularly at major tournaments. He was top scorer at Euro 2012 with three goals in as many games (albeit joint top scorer) and backed it up with another goal at the World Cup in Rio.
In the opening game against Turkey, Mandzukic seemed off, but still managed to create six chances for Croatia and probably should’ve scored a header midway through the first half. It was a header from a cross which caught out the Czech’s against Spain.
Croatia don’t have Iniesta to ping balls in. Instead they have three miniestas (haha, we’re fantastic) with Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic all able to hit crosses with a dangerous amount of whip on them. It’s only a matter of time before Manduzkic gets on the end of one. He’s to score anytime.
Cesc Fabregas, Spain vs Turkey, 8pm
Fabregas loves to score at a European Championship. He’s grabbed goals in 2008 (against Russia during Spain’s inevitable march to the title) and in 2012 (against Italy and Ireland during Spain’s inevitable march to the title). The game against Turkey is his best chance to keep that record up in 2016.
A pass completion of 86% and a success rate of just under that saw Cesc and Iniesta be the engineers of the win over the Czech Republic. Some of the Turkish defending against Croatia was suspect at best. They let the Croats have 19 shots with Modric eventually breaking through, but they could and possibly should’ve had more. If they let the Spanish get even half of that amount of attempts, this could be brutal.
Fabregas made some headlines for a goal line clearance against the Czechs. He’s to grab a goal and make them at the other end.
Pop them together and you get a nice round 22/1 treble. If things with three can be round. Geometry would not be our favourite.