25.-28. 03.2011. KVALIFIKACIJE ZA AFRIČKI KUP NACIJA IZ UGLA MILUTINA SREDOJEVIĆA

GRUPA A
ZELENORTSKA OSTRVA – LIBERIJA 1 – Domaćin preti da postane iznenađenje u svojoj grupi, a ovoj ostrvskoj zemlji veliki adut kada igra kod kuće je izuzetno jak vetar koji stiže sa Atlantika.

GRUPA B
NIGERIJA – ETIOPIJA 1, 3+ - Nigerija je apsolutni favorit na ovoj utakmici. Jedna od najtalentovanijih afričkih nacija ne sme da propusti priliku da savlada Etiopiju i za korak se približi plasmanu na Afrički kup nacija.

GRUPA C
LIBIJA – KOMOROS 1 – Fudbaleri bombardovane Libije domaćini su na neutralnom terenu. Boje domaće selekcije braniće samo igrači iz Tripolija, ali Libija je protiv nejakog Komorosa ipak favorit.

GRUPA E
DR KONGO – MAURICIJUS 1 – Domaću selekciju čine igrači TP Mazembea, klupskog prvaka Afrike, a na tribinama u Kinšasi biće oko 100 hiljada ljudi. Mauricijus je bez šansi.

GRUPA F
BURKINA FASO – NAMIBIJA 1 – Namibija igra dobro kod kuće, ali u gostima ova selekcija se pretvara u tim “zečeva”. Burkina Faso je veliki favorit u vrelom Uagadudu.

GRUPA H
OBALA SLONOVAČE – BENIN 1 – Zbog problema u Obali Slonovače meč se igra u Gani. U tim domaćina vraća se Drogba, pa verujem da “slonovi” mogu do pobede kojom skoro obezbeđuju plasman na prestižno takmičenje.

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25.-26. 03. 2011. Bets of the week

25.03. (Fri) 20:30 Austria - Belgium
The previous game between the two teams who dream of finishing second behind Germany ended in a glorious 4-4 draw. It was a pulsating and dramatic affair, and there are good chancing of witnessing the same kind of events again.
Both teams are much more talented offensively (keep in mind that Daniel van Buyten, for example, is not really in top form right now). Austrian and Belgium must go for a win in order to have a decent chance of outfoxing Turkey come autumn. If they scored eight times in October, why can't they contribute three goals in March?
Chances are they will. Given the explosive potential of this fixture, it's also very interesting to consider a treble of “over 2.5 goals, over 12 corners and over 6 cards” at no less than 29.00.
Match Odds: Austria 2.45, Draw 3.40, Belgium 2.80
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.91

26.03. (Sat) 18:00 Georgia - Croatia
Croatia top Group F after four games with a record of three victories and one draw. Slaven Bilic has overseen a run of 14 games unbeaten since England exacted some revenge in a 5-1 victory back in the autumn of 2009. Whilst opponents have hardly been testing in that run, Croatia know a win this weekend against Georgia would kick them clear in the race for qualification.
Georgia incidentally are unbeaten in Group F, but have only managed a slender 1-0 win against bottom placed Malta at home. Croatia have a host of star names in their squad including Tottenham’s trio of Niko Kranjcar, Vedran Corluka and Luka Modric and should have enough quality to secure the win and all three points.
Match Odds: Georgia 6.0, Draw 3.60, Croatia 1.61
Tip: Croatia to win @ 1.61

26.03. (Sat) 20:00 Barcelona Atletic - Alcorcon
We are well versed to seeing Barcelona tearing teams apart most weeks in the Spanish Primera Liga. The Barca B team, coached by Luis Enrique, have been making a similar impact in the Spanish Segunda Division recently.
Although ineligible for promotion to the top table in Spanish football, they lie fourth in the standings and have been on a rich vein of form of late, winning four out of last five, scoring 19 goals in the process. Barca B play Alcorcon on Saturday, a team they have beaten 3-1 already this season.
Match Odds: Barcelona B 1.67, Draw 3.40, Alcorcon 5.0
Tip: Barcelona B to win @ 1.67

26.03. (Sat) 20:45 Ireland - FYR Macedonia
The Republic of Ireland simply have to beat teams of the strength of Macedonia at home if they are to qualify or at least stand a chance to do so through the playoffs. Surely they cannot afford to drop more points at home after the defeat to Russia.
FYROM have so far scored four points with a record of four goals scored and four conceded in four matches which is not surprising as they play generally very defensively, especially away from home. It's worth mentioning that all four goals came against inferior opposition to Ireland such as Andorra (2-0) and in a 2-2 draw against Armenia. The Irish should win and keep a clean sheet in the process.
Match Odds: Republic of Ireland 1.44, Draw 4.0, FYR Macedonia 8.50
Tip: Ireland to win to nil @ 1.70

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25.-26. 03.2011. Bets of the week (goals)

25.03. (Fri) 20:45 Slovenia - Italy
Since Slovenia became an independent nation they've met Italy on five occasions. All of them went under 2.5 goals with the last four all going under 1.5 goals.
Slovenia have never lost at home to Italy and, with so many of their players earning their bread across the border on the peninsula, they look a good bet to avoid defeat. They need to close the gap on the Azzurri and @ 1.61 look a decent price to do. For value consider under 1.5 goals to occur again @ 2.62.
Under 1.5 goals (Slovenia - Italy) @ 2.62
Match Odds: Slovenia 3.50, Draw 3.10, Italy 2.20

25.03. (Fri) 22:00 Spain - Czech
World and European champions Spain don't do home defeats. La Furia Roja have won every single qualifying game at home stretching back to 2006. As such the price of 1.25 is understandable on another routine home win. The Czech Republic beat Scotland and Liechtenstein but a trip to Granada will be one step too far. After heavy friendly defeats to Argentina and Portugal the world champions are due to hand out a beating.
Spain (-2 handicap) @ 3.0
Match Odds: Spain 1.25, Draw 5.50, Czech Republic 13.0

26.03. (Sat) 16:00 Wales - England
A British derby takes centre stage on Saturday with Wales taking on England in Cardiff. The withdrawal of Gareth Bale robs the Welsh of their number one threat but we can still anticipate goals. England have only failed to score twice in their last 13 matches in all competitions. Nine of their previous 10 European qualifiers have gone over 2.5 goals. Wales don't have a prayer of qualifying and have scored just once in their last four games. New boss Gary Speed will want a reaction against their big British brother. Goals look likely.
Wales - England (Over 2.5 goals) @ 2.0
Match Odds: Wales 8.50, Draw 4.33, England 1.40

26.03. (Sat) 20:00 Norway - Denmark
A Scandinavian derby to savour between surprise table toppers Norway and rivals Denmark. It's the battle of those other Olsen twins (not related) Egil and Morten, and while it lacks the spiciness of Denmark - , itshould still be a cracker. This is the first time they've met in a qualifier since 2003 when the game in Norway finished 2-2. Egil Olsen is missing his first choice goalkeeper Jon Knudsen while Denmark have concerns over Nicklas Bendtner. For value a small punt on a red card @ 5.0 to be shown looks inviting.
5) Norway - Denmark (both teams to score) @ 1.91
Match Odds: Norway 2.37, Draw 3.25, Denmark 3.0

26.03. (Sat) 20:45 Ireland - FYR Macedonia
Ireland can't defend a lead. They failed to hold onto their advantage against Slovakia and the same occurred in a recent friendly against Norway. Macedonia haven't scored in their last four matches and it's a game the Irish must win. Chances are they will but concede in the process.
Republic of Ireland - FYR Macedonia (both teams to score @ 2.50)
Match Odds: Republic of Ireland 1.44, Draw 4.0, Macedonia 8.50

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25.03. (Fri) 22:00 Spain - Czech

DID YOU KNOW?

* Spain have won five of their 13 games against Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, drawing once but losing seven. They have won four of their five fixtures on home soil, though.

* A shock 1-0 reverse against Switzerland during the World Cup had critics questioning Spain's credentials, but they've since won their last nine internationals.

* Should David Villa find the net on Friday night, he'll become Spain's outright leading scorer in international competition. Presently he has 44 goals; the same tally as Raul.

* Only three members of Vicente del Bosque's selection play their football outside of the Primera Division. Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Fernando Torres (Chelsea) and David Silva (Manchester City) all feature in the English Premier League.

* This encounter will be played at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes, which was officially opened when Real Madrid met Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly. The Spaniards won, but it was a Czech, Peter Dubovsky, who scored the game's only goal.

* The Czech Republic lie second in Group I boasting six points, their only blemish coming when they surprisingly lost 1-0 at home to Lithuania.

* February 24, 1988 was a memorable date for the Czechoslovakian football team as they recorded a 2-1 success against Spain in Malaga; their only victory on Spanish soil.

* A 3-2 victory for Czechoslovakia in a UEFA European Championship qualifier in Prague on November 14, 1990 was the last time a Czech side beat Spain. They've failed to win either of the last two meetings.

* None of the present Czech squad currently play in Spain, though Girondins de Bordeaux midfielder Jaroslav Plasil has experience of the Primera Division with Osasuna.

* The Czechs were finalists at Euro 96, their first major finals as a unique entity. Since then, they have only qualified for the World Cup of 2006 and Euro 2008, crashing out at the group stage on each occasion.

LAST MEETING

June 8, 1997: Spain 1-0 Czech Republic

Javier Clemente's Spain took a step closer to World Cup 98 qualification with a 1-0 success in Valladolid. The only goal of the match was scored by Fernando Hierro from the penalty spot four minutes before the interval.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Spain: Casillas; Ramos, Pique, Albiol, Capdevila; Xavi, Busquets, Alonso; Silva, Villa, Iniesta

Czech Republic: Cech; Pospech, Hubnik, Hubschman, M. Kadlec; Plasil, Polak, Rosicky, Pudil; Necid, V. Kadlec

Prediction

The Czechs promise to be obstinate opponents, but the craft and persistence of the home team should prove to be too much. Expect a relatively routine success, though this will be no walkover.

Spain 2-0 Czech Rep.

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25.03. (Fri) 21:00 Luxembourg - France

DID YOU KNOW?

* Luxembourg's most recent international ended in a surprise 2-1 win for De Roude Leiw against World Cup finalists Slovakia last month.
* Daniel Da Mota scored a brace in that match, he plies his trade in the national division.
* Luc Holz's side's first ever international was against France 100 years ago this October - they lost 4-1.
* Their only previous victory against France was 5-4 win at home in 1914.
* If Luxembourg manage to gain something from this match, it will be the first time they have been unbeaten for more than two games since 1995.
* However, the Grand Duchy haven't recorded a competitive victory since a shock 2-1 win over Switzerland in 2008.
* They are bottom of Group D, having recorded one point in four games.

* France are on a five-match winning streak. The last time Laurent Blanc's men tasted defeat was in a 1-0 home loss to Belarus in their opening match in the European qualifiers.
* Les Bleus' fine form includes the 1-0 win over Brazil last month and a 2-1 victory over neighbours England at Wembley in November.
* Wayward World Cup duo Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery have served their bans and are expected to feature for Les Bleus for the first time since their infamous World Cup rebellion.
* France are top of Group D in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, winning three and conceding none since their slip-up against Belarus.
* France have also won their last 12 competitive games against the Grand Duchy with an aggregate score of 50-5.
* History is on their side, France have a W14 D0 L1 record against Luxembourg, and all things point to another Les Blues victory.
* To see if France can make it six wins in a row, check out the match live on Omnisport.tv for just USD$1.99.

LAST MEETING

October 12, 2010: France 2-0 Luxembourg

France had few problems dispatching the challenge of Luxembourg in Euro 2012 qualifying, scoring once in each half against the 10-man minnows to record a 2-0 victory.

Karim Benzema broke the deadlock against a side comprising of 10 amateurs and just one professional. A Yoann Gourcuff corner fizzed in to the back post, and Benzema was given time to control the ball before smashing it across goal and into the net via the post. A rash challenge from Rene Peters on Gourcuff earned the visiting captain his second yellow card

The second goal came in the 75th minute. A quickly taken free-kick from Dimitri Payet found Gourcuff, and his low fizzing shot passed a couple of defenders before deceiving Jonathan Joubert, who allowed the shot to pass through him on a night on which he was otherwise impeccable.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Luxembourg: Jourbet; Hoffman, Schnell, Blaise, Kintzinger; Peters, Bayal; Leweck, Gerson, Da Mota; Joachim

France: Lloris; Sagna, Mexes, Rami, Evra; M'Vila; Gourcuff, Nasri, Ribery, Malouda; Benzema

Prediction

Laurent Blanc's rejuvenated Les Bleus will want to continue their great run into their first qualifier of 2011. With recent wins against England and Brazil, coupled with the return of Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery as well as the key form of certain players, notably Karim Benzema, France will look to secure a very comfortable win on Friday. Expect plenty of attacking - Luxembourg would be happy to restrict Les Bleus to three goals or less.

Luxembourg 0-4 France

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25.03. (Fri) 20:45 Slovenia - Italy

DID YOU KNOW?

* Slovenia have picked up two wins over Italy in their last five encounters (W2 D1 L2).

* Slovenia have yet to lose to the Azzurri at home (W1 D1).

* The last four matches between the teams have been decided by a single goal.

* Seven players in the Slovenian squad currently ply their trade in Serie A.

* Tim Matavz has scored three goals in three games in the qualifying campaign.

* Italy are currently three points ahead of Slovenia at the top of Group C.

* Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli were left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons.

* Six different players have scored for Italy during the current qualifying campaign.

* Antonio Cassano leads the Azzurri in scoring with two goals.

* Andrea Ranocchia was unable to shake off his knee injury and has been ruled out of Friday's encounter.

LAST MEETING

October 8, 2005: Italy 1-0 Slovenia

Italy qualified for the 2006 World Cup with a narrow win over Slovenia at the Renzo Barbera in Palermo. Cristian Zaccardo was the hero as he came off the bench to net the winner in the 77th minute.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Slovenia: S. Handanovic; Brecko, Suler, Cesar, Jokic; Radosavljevic; Birsa, Ilicic, Koren; Novakovic, Matavz

Italy: Buffon; Maggio, Chiellini, Bonucci, Balzaretti; Montolivo, Motta, Aquilani, Mauri; Pazzini, Cassano

Prediction

Italy are undefeated in the qualifying campaign and will look to pull away from the Slovenians with a win on Friday. The Azzurri didn't exactly impress in their last road qualifier though as they were held to a scoreless draw against Northern Ireland and you can expect more of the same in Ljubljana.

Slovenia 0-0 Italy

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25.03. (Fri) 20:30 Serbia - Northern Ireland

DID YOU KNOW?

* Serbia’s last game was abandoned after just six minutes after fans clashed with police. Italy were awarded all three points.

* As a result of this, Friday’s game will be played behind closed doors, although 200 Northern Ireland fans have been awarded special dispensation to make the trip to Serbia.

* In Northern Ireland's last 10 games against Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the independent Serbia they have recorded just one win, two draws and seven defeats.

* Lee Camp will make his Northen Ireland debut should he appear against Serbia.

* Northern Ireland have failed to score in nine of their last 12 matches.

* It’s two years since Northern Ireland scored more than a single goal in an international, in a 3-2 victory over Poland in a World Cup qualifier.

* Serbia have scored five goals in their four group games so far, while Northern Ireland are the lowest scores in the group with just two goals from three games.

* Nigel Worthington's side are unbeaten in qualification so far, while leaders Italy are the only other team in group C without a defeat.

* Northern Ireland have a game in hand over every team in the group and could move into second place should they win it.

* Serbia have failed to win in both of their home games in qualification so far.

LAST MEETING

November 14, 2009: Serbia 1-0 Northern Ireland
The two teams have only played each other once since Serbia became an independent nation, a friendly match in Belfast when Danko Lazovic's goal earned the visitors a 1-0 win.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Serbia: Brkic; Ivanovic, Bisevac, Subotic, Kolarov; Stankovic, Petrovic; Krasic, Jovanovic, Tosic; Pantelic.

Northern Ireland: Camp; Baird, McAuley, Craigan, J Evans; McGinn, McCann, C Evans, Brunt; Healy, Lafferty.

Prediction

Serbia will end Northern Ireland's unbeaten run to secure their first home win of the competition. The visitors will take a slight advantage from the fact that the crowd will consist of just 200 of their own fans but the Serbs will have to much for Nigel Worthington's men, who struggle for goals.

Serbia 2-0 N. Ireland

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25.03. (Fri) 20:30 Hungary - Netherlands

DID YOU KNOW?

* Hungary currently occupy second place in Group E of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with nine points from four games.

* Hungary have not qualified for a European Championships since 1972, when they finished fourth at the finals.

* Goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly is the most capped player in the current squad with 79 international appearances.

* The Hungarians are unbeaten since their 2-0 away loss against Sweden on September 3, 2010.

* Star player Balazs Dzsudzsak is the only player in the current squad who plies his trade in the Dutch Eredivisie.

* Netherlands sit first in Group E of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with the maximum 12 points from four games. See if they can make it a perfect 15 by watching Hungary-Netherlands live on Omnisport.tv.

* Oranje were eliminated in the quarter-finals in the last European Championship finals. Russia proved to be too strong in 2008 as they beat Holland 3-1 after extra time.

* Rafael van der Vaart is the most experienced player in the squad that's selected for Friday's game. The Tottenham Hotspur ace has been capped 88 times.

* Holland were beaten only once in all of 2010. Spain beat the Dutch 1-0 in the final of the 2010 World Cup to shatter their dreams of winning the World Cup for the first time in their history.

* Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has scored eight goals in four appearances during the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, but won't play on Friday due to a knee injury.

* Shot-stopper Jelle Ten Rouwelaar will make his Netherlands debut if he gets playing time.


LAST MEETING

June 5, 2010: Netherlands 6-1 Hungary

The two sides last met in the summer of 2010 when Netherlands were preparing for the World Cup. Most of the Hungarian players had finished their season a while before and Oranje cruised to a comfortable 6-1 win to get a real confidence boost ahead of the 2010 World Cup. The match will be remembered by many for the hamstring injury Dutch winger Arjen Robben picked up during the game.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Hungary: Kiraly; Lazar, Liptak, Juhasz, Laczko; Elek, Vadocz; Gera, Hajnal, Dzsudzsak; Rudolf

Netherlands: Vorm; Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Pieters; De Jong, Van der Vaart; Kuyt, Sneijder, Afellay; Van Persie

Prediction

Despite the absence of several important players, Netherlands will start the match as sky-high favourites. Oranje have won all their qualifying games since Euro'08 and have impressed in their previous four games. Hungary won't be pushovers though as they've also won three out of their four qualifiers. The individual quality of the away side will eventually prove to too much for Hungary though and Holland will cruise to a relatively easy away win.

Hungary 1-3 Netherlands

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