EPL Talk » Modric

Euro 2008 Croatia v Turkey Preview & Prediction

Paul Bestall — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:05:10 +0000

First of all, let me say what a super performance Germany gave last night. They tactically outclassed Portugal from the get go and thoroughly deserved their win. Anyway, enough of yesterday, now for today’s big clash. Before yesterday, I’d have put my house on Croatia winning this game, now I’m not so sure I don’t have a niggle like yesterday but Turkey have shown you write them off at your peril. The Croats have played some excellent stuff in this tournament but Turkey have shown tremendous nous and spirit to come back from the dead in two straight games.

Realistically though, Croatia started slowly but have begun to improve game on game, their second string beating Poland 1-0 with a goal from Klasnic and I honestly think that Luka Modric has been one of the star players at this tournament so far. Turkey need to get a man marker on him and try to stifle his creativity. Having said that though, Germany put Frings on him and he danced around him like a statue. Turkey’s danger man is Turan; he loves to come from deep and attack the ball, playing off Nihat and Tuncay. Will Croatia go like for like or simply get the ball down and try and play their way through? Turkey have also lost first choice keeper Voltan after Jan Koller’s acrobatics, so Rustu Recber comes in for his for his record extending 117th cap tonight and the former Barcelona player will be keen to show he’s lost none of his abilities at 35 years of age.

Turkey have shown us all that they are a fast breaking team who play positive, possession football. Both sides have shown that they like to play good attacking football and play with pride for their nations. It is a lesson England would do well to try and emulate in future under Capello. The British press are complaining that this is the weakest of the 4 games but I’m disappointed to hear that type of criticism. Then again, the commentary in last night’s Portugal v Germany game was so biased toward Portugal as to be embarrassing, Ronaldo’s personal fan club defending his every action, slating every German challenge on him and then they didn’t bother interviewing any German players at the end which was really sad to see. Old habits die hard in British football coverage even in 2008.

Both sides fully deserve to be here and I think we’ll get a great game of football. Using my head, I’m going for a Croatian win, maybe 3-2 or 2-1, but if Turkey get a late goal, hold on tight because we’ll get a grandstand finish.

Euro 2008 Group B Match Predictions

Paul Bestall — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:07:22 +0000

Group B throws us another tantalising opening game this evening as Croatia entertain Germany.

A win for either side will see them join Portugal in the last eight and after the performances on Sunday, Germany will be strong favourites to do so. Yet, Croatia are a team that have shown over the last 12 months that you underestimate them at your peril or you are a tactical moron in charge of England called Steve.

Podolski was in fine form in the clash with Poland and will be looking to add to his two goals. They were extremely impressive against the Poles and will be very confident of gaining the 3 points today. Modric will be key for Croatia today and Olic needs to put in a better performance up front for them. I however think Croatia may match Germany today and they’ll be keen to improve on the lacklustre performance against Austria. Can they repeat their great win from the 1998 World Cup? I doubt it, but I think it’ll be a 2-2 draw.

This evening’s game sees Austria meet Poland. After Switzerland exited the competition last night, the Austrians will be keen to give themselves a chance of qualification but so will Poland. Austria certainly gave a good account of themselves and will perhaps feel unlucky they haven’t got a point to show for all their efforts in the clash with Croatia.

Poland will also want to get some points on the board and show us that they have the quality to get through to the last game with something to play for. Guerreiro looked really good when he came on and Poland certainly seemed to have a little but more flair with him on the pitch. If he links well with Smolarek, they will come good.

It’ll be crucial that Poland get him on the ball early in the game to get at Austria. I’m fancying a Polish win tonight, Beenhakker will be crucial in getting the Poles fired up for this clash and I feel they’ll have a little bit too much for Austria to cope with. That said, I going for a 2-1 for the Poles.

Dos Santos Confirms Tottenham Move

Paul Bestall — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:00:40 +0000

The Mexican winger Giovani Dos Santos has completed his £5million move to White Hart Lane from Barcelona this afternoon. Dos Santos has signed a 5 year contract and joins up with his team mates for pre-season training on July 7th. It was a signing we discussed last weekend here on EPLTalk.com.

Spurs had been in the running for his signature for the last couple of weeks, but had to fend off a late bid from Manchester City to complete the deal. Dos Santos has cited the main reason for joining Tottenham is coach Juande Ramos and the two will be hoping for a successful season, both domestically and in the UEFA Cup.

Dos Santos is Tottenhams 2nd major signing of what seems to be developing into a very busy summer of transfer activity for the North London club. Ramos has also made his feelings clear about signing Portsmouths French defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra as he looks to strenghten the squad. Everton have also indicated they are preparing a bid for Spurs’ England Under 21 International Tom Huddlestone, expected to be around £6 million