It is a big weekend of International friendly football betting, as the participating nations at Euro 2012 really being their preparations. In just around two week’s time, Euro 2012 will be kicking off on June 8th. Now players have to squeeze in these international friendly matches between the close of domestic seasons and the European Champions themselves. So there has not been a lot of time to get ready. Here we take a look at some of the important international friendly matches that are taking place over the weekend, with all odds listed are at highly rated online bookmaker Bet365. With limited preparations, scare little time to test out back up plans and for players to fight for places in the starting line up, these International Friendlies are going to be vitally important. Teams will want to head to Euro 2012 in a good, confident mood.
Friday, May 25th
Russia v Uruguay
Russia find themselves as one of the decent dark horse shouts in Euro 2012 betting, as they landed in what is the easiest group, Group A. There they will face Poland, Greece and the Czech Republic, nothing to much to worry about, you would think. They have given themselves a tough warm up against one of the top South American sides at the moment. Russia 11/8, Draw 23/10, Uruguay 9/4.
Croatia v Estonia
Croatia warm up with an easier match against Croatia, as they build to their important opening Euro 2012 match against Ireland. Three points there will be crucial, as the Czechs will have to go on and face Italy and Spain in the group. Croatia 2/9, Draw 6/1, Estonia 14/1
Saturday, May 26th
Denmark v Brazil
A very interesting looking match, because Denmark were surprisingly decent through Euro 2012 qualification. They pulled out some big performances and pipped Portugal to take top spot in their qualification group. While there will probably be more to learned from facing European opposition, it’ll give Denmark a good warm up before taking on the Group of Death alongside Portugal, Holland and Germany. Denmark 7/2, Draw 13/5, Brazil 4/5.
Ireland v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Ireland get to warm up with a good test ahead of facing Croatia in their opening group fixture at Poland and Ukraine 2012. See our full preview here.
Poland v Slovakia
Everyone is waiting with bated breath to see if joint host nation can delight their own fans. Can Poland produce a top quality side? Well, they have a top striker in Robert Lewandowski. Poland are in Group A alongside Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic for the finals, so stand a solid outside chance. Poland 6/5, Drew 23/10, Slovakia 11/4.
Norway v England
England look get off to a flying start under Roy Hodgson. Things haven’t always been so easy against the Norwegians though for England.
Portugal v Macedonia
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have to square up against the might of Germany and the Netherlands in their Euro 2012 group. There is not too much they can to do prepare for that. They have gone for an easy option here, possibly for confidence more than anything else. Portugal 1/7, Draw 7/1, FYR Macedonia 20/1.
Spain v Serbia
The reigning European and World Champions won’t have a full squad for this friendly. The Spaniards will be without their Barcelona contingent, as well any anyone joining from Athletic Bilbao, as the two sides face up in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday. So a chance for Spain’s fringe players to shine, nothing else. Spain 4/9, Draw 7/2, Serbia 7/1.
Switzerland v Germany
German coach Joachim Low will have to pick up his strong Bayern Munich contingent and get that back into the right frame of mind after their Champions League final loss to Chelsea. Switzerland does make for a difficult place to visit, but the power of Germany should be able to prevail. They will want to keep momentum going ahead of their Group of Death challenge at Euro 2012. Switzerland 18/5, Draw 13/5, Germany 5/6.
Greece v Slovenia
Euro 2004 winners Greece will carry along in their pragmatic and hard working fashion as they warm up against Slovenia. It will be a good challenge for them, especially having to meet Russia in Group A. It’s all about keeping a tight ship for the Greeks. Greece 13/10, Draw 23/10, Slovenia 12/5.
Netherlands v Bulgaria
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk may get to look at the option of playing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie up front together. They are the two big, prolific goalscoring threats that the Dutch have, but the Netherlands usually stick with just one up top. Will they change things up for their Euro challenge? Netherlands 2/9, Draw 11/2, Bulgaria 15/1.
Czech Republic v Israel
Another participant from Group A, are the Czechs, in what will probably be an evenly matched foursome. The Czech’s came through the play off route, beating Montenegro to reach the finals, and face an Israel side who were solid but unspectacular in finishing third behind Greece and Croatia in their qualification group. Czech Republic 10/11, Draw 13/5, Israel 7/2.
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