Group B Matchday Three Preview

The Group of death, as Group B has been dubbed, will claim two victims Sunday as it comes to a conclusion, but who will be left alive and kicking?

Many would suspect Germany will be one of those who make the last eight with them already on six points. The Germans simply have to avoid defeat in their final Group B game with Denmark to be certain of their place in the last eight, (even then they likely would still qualify) a simple task, surely.

History though suggest that it might not be so easy for Germany, Denmark are unbeaten in their last three previous games with Germany, winning two of these. For Denmark to claim another victory here then you can get 11/2 (paddy Power) and the draw is 13/5 (ladbrokes). Those who think the Germans class will win through this time can get 13/17 (188bet) a German victory.

Mario Gomez has caught fire this tournament netting three in his opening two games and is 5/1 (BetVictor) to fire in the first goal. Those who think Germany might be inclined to rest Gomez for later games can get 11/2 (general) that it is Klose who bags the opener. Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl will miss out with injury, which is a blow as the winger has netted in his last three against Germany. In his absence Tobias Mikkelsen could be worth a chance at 20/1 (general) as he takes his place on the wing in a forward three. Nicklas Bendtner netted twice against Portugal and is 9/1 (general) to net the first goal here.

All three clashes between Denmark and Germany in major tournaments have ended 2-0 (Denmark winning two of these, Germany one). It is 17/2 (Coral) a 2-0 German victory and Denmark winning 2-0 is 35/1 (188bet).

Germany have netted the first goal in each of their last 13 competitive games and you can get 7/4 (bet365) Germany HT/ Germany FT. If you think Danish resistance means this goal will not come until the second half you can get 4/1 (Coral) Draw HT/Germany FT.

In the other game in the group the Dutch are undergoing something of an identity crisis (probably something to people not being sure whether to call them Holland or The Netherlands) and are split between their attacking football philosophies or the new pragmatic defensive dutch system with two holding midfielders. In a game they must win to stand any chance of qualifying, Holland might withdraw one of their holding midfielders and play both Robin Van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntelaar. Van Persie is 6/1 (general) to grab the opener, while Huntelaar is 7/1 (general). Cristiano Ronaldo missed a couple of sitters in the last game, but can be backed to bounce back by netting the opener at 6/1 (general).

Holland have won only one of their last ten previous internationals against Portugal and you can get 15/8 (paddy Power) the Oranje men suffer their third straight group defeat. It is 12/5 (general) the draw and 13/8 (betfred/Stan James) a Holland victory.

Lack of goals has proven to be a problem for Holland in this campaign and their fans will not be cheered by the news that they have failed to find the net in six of their last ten against Portugal. A 1-0 Portugal victory is priced at 10/1 (bet365/Coral) or 2-0 at 16/1 (Coral).

It is sure to be a dramatic last day with the hopes of two of these sides going up in smoke.

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16/06/2012     © Frixo 2024