Euro 2012, Group A, Friday, Warsaw, 5pm
PUNTERS have lost sleep waiting for the start of Euro 2012. But here's the good news – you might make up for it watching Poland v Greece!
The much-awaited Euro 2012 kick-off takes place tonight but organisers could be left cursing the opening fixture.
It's hardly mouthwatering, is it, and the Group A fixture screams “unders” from every angle.
Under 2.5 goals is my best bet on the game but bookies aren't daft and it pays a biggest 1-2 with Blue Square. For that reason I'm looking at under 1.5 at 6-4 with Paddy Power.
And for anyone who remembers how defensive the Greeks were as they bored their way to Euro 2004 glory then what about no scorer at 6-1 (various).
I sincerely hope I'm wrong because there's nothing worse than watching a game and praying for no or next to no goals.
no shots on goal.
The chances of an early goal are slim in what could be a sparring contest from the off. Look at first goal to come after 31 minutes at 1-1 with William Hill
Under Fernando Santos the 2004 champions are a bit more exciting but are no Brazil and you don't get Greeks bearing gifts.
They scored fewest goals (14) of the qualifiers but conceded just five. Their leading marksmen netted two goals compared to the six by Poland's Robert Lewandowski.
The presence of the Borussia Dortmund hitman in the starting line-ups is the only negative to backing the unders.
Lewandowski banged in 22 goals in the Bundesliga last season and is most likely to break the deadlock in Warsaw.
He is 5-1 at BetVictor to score first and 7-4 at Betfred to net at any time.
Poland will be looking to get off to a flier in front of a passionate home support but may have to settle for a draw that pays 23-10 at BetVictor.
They are slight favourites at 21-20 with BetVictor and William Hill to pick up the points with Greece attracting some attention at 7-2 with Blue Square and boylesports.
Recommendations
Under 1.5 goals
(6-4, Paddy power)
First goal after 31 minutes
(1-1,William Hill)
Half-time 0-0
(7-5, bodog)
Lewandowski to score
(7-4, Betfred)
In December 2020 we sadly 
Paul, this is probably goin to be a stupid question but: if you back 1st goal after 31mins and it finishes 0-0 do you get paid out or is that classed as a looding bet. (I bet with willie hill) cheers Lewis
Lewis, I’m pretty sure you need a goal to be paid out.
You do need a goal Lewis. Russia v Lithunaia last week,I was rubbing my hands after 23 mins (market I had taken) as you just expect there to be a goal. Sadly in my case there wasn’t!
few last minutes bets
lewandowski hit the opener win 2-0 28/1
spain win tournament torres top scorer 25/1
russia,germany,spain,france group winners 20/1
not long to go now for a month of glorious football and hopefully some serious headaches for the bookies
good luck everyone
Russia and Poland double!!!
Poland/Russia double for me tonight! Looks good!
Russia/Poland double
Russia/Germany/Spain/France group winners (1 loser = money back with paddy power)
25/1 enhanced 5-fold with betfred on various matches
Hoping tonights double pays, so I can go big on Holland/Germany dual forecast!
Good luck everyone!
Got lewandowski first scorer last night betfred 4/1 dd/hh cmon robert give iss another 2
Nice one David. I never touched the game at all. Going to have a bet on keherzakov first and last
should have gone bigger on lewandowski instead of scorecast
May do that since am up to 50, because betfred are doing dd/hh on all euro2012 games. Kerzakhov is a really good shout.
Yeah but betfred only 11/2
brilliant, out my 2 defenders in fantasy team 1 off injured and 1 sent off haha at least lewandowski’s ma captain
Craig, looks like Lewandowski will be my only winner here. Sending-off was a disgrace and Greece should have had a pen too. Suppose that happens when you are up against the hosts. Did Lewandowski and Kerzakhov as anytime and first scorer singles and doubles so here’s hoping.
Lewandowski top scorer tenner ew 25s come on and 2 pound double first scorer Lewandowski and Kerzakhov fingers crossed.
John, I have those same bets so I’m with you. Right, I’m off to see my daughter’s show (aargh) and will miss most of the Russia game so looking forward to seeing the highlights.
i know, referee having a shocker but it’s a decent start to the comp, greece look more likely to get a winner now, the stage is set for big samaras