England U17 vs France U17
Free“Hello, we’re Real Madrid, the most stupid club in Spanish history”.
Yes, they’ve sacked Pellegrini. How fucking dumb can you get? They’ve sacked one of the most proven and talented managers in the Primera Liga despite their best season for some time. Why? Madrid just continue to get dumber and dumber. I sincerely hope that they never win anything ever again. Winning trophies is all about consistency and that’s something Madrid don’t have anymore so I genuinely hope they win nothing for a long time.
Anyway, after that pointless rant, today’s featured game is the UEFA European U17 Championship Semi-Final between England U17 and France U17. England U17 have been excellent so far whereas France have blundered their way into the Semi-Final thanks to an impotent Portuguese side and a woeful Swiss side so there’s only one side to win this one in my eyes tonight.
It’s not simply that England U17 have won every group game they’ve played so far, nor even that I am English myself. It’s the manner that England U17 have won their games that has convinced me of the longevity of their quest for glory this year. They were immense in their opening game and although their two following games weren’t as dominating, their football style was efficient and clinical, which shows a variety in their level of ability and maturity beyond their years. The only side I can match up against England U17 pound for pound is the flambuoyant Spain U17 side, who have been magnificent so far in this tournament. England U17 have basically got all the essentials that they need to win this game – clinical finishers, swift attackers, and good passers. Their defence can look a bit shaky at times but that’s only to be expected for such a young side so I’m not peturbed by this. England U17 basically look the real deal and providing they hold their nerve tonight (as they’ve done so far) then I expect them to triumph.
As I touched upon briefly before, France U17 are here due to some fortunate circumstances. They faced Portugal U17 for a long time with just ten men and poached a goal to take the lead before relying heavily on the impotence of the Portuguese side (who only scored against Switzerland U17 in the whole group), eventually grinding out a 1-0 victory. Credit given where it’s due, of course – they still won the game. They came from behind to beat a meager Switzerland U17 side 3-1, although that was to be expected – the Swiss were a world away from being able to compete with any side in their group. The game that interested me the most was their appearance against Spain U17. The French competed well but were simply outclassed by the Spanish and I’m expecting a similar type of outcome tonight. France U17 simply don’t score enough as a rule and thus their only hope for success in this game is to drag it into extra time and maybe even penalties, in my opinion. I rate the French junior squads more than I do their senior squad as they’re always worthy of respect but I’ve never seen the English youngsters so dominant so I don’t see the French being able compete with them today.
This is a terrific game in-play either way so tune into it if you can. I hope someone will be covering it with live commentary as I won’t be available at that time. It should be a great game but ultimately the English have been so convincing on every level so far in this tournament with the French riding their luck somewhat so the odds of 11/8 on an England U17 win looks good value for me today.
Verdict: England U17 to win at 11/8.
Thursday’s Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
South Africa vs Colombia – away win at 9/5.
I can’t shed much light on this one – I just don’t think that the odds are correct. South Africa are hosts, they’re preparing for a World Cup, and are extremely tenacious, thus they’re a hard side to play against. However, they have a massive hindrance and it’s their ability to score against good sides, something they’re virtually incapable of doing. They defend and pass quite comfortably and look quite assured until they fall behind but they never seem to take their chances against good sides! How can you win games like that? You simply can’t! I’ve got more faith in Colombia than I do in South Africa because like all South American sides – they score goals. They’re a constant threat in attack and whether they’re at home or away against South Africa, they’re still the better side and they still play better football. I’d keep stakes low for this one but I honestly don’t see South Africa scoring in this game whereas Colombia are more than capable of doing so which leaves the away win at 9/5 looking a potentially good bet. I’d certainly recommend watching this game because this is a really key game for South Africa as it determines how their World Cup Group Stage games against both Uruguay and Mexico will be played next month so it’s useful for future betting knowledge either way!
Accumulator fodder:
Denmark, Spain U17.
Recommended bets:
Denmark, Spain U17, and England U17 at 6/1.
As ever, if there any questions/explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
UEFA European U17 Championship:
England U17 vs France U17 (7) over 2.5 goals
Spain U17 vs Turkey U17 (8) over 2.5 goals
Belgian Tweede Klasse Play-Offs:
Roeselare vs Eupen (6) under 2.5 goals
Mons vs KVSK United (5)
Brazilian Serie A:
Vasco da Gama vs Internacional (5) 0-1
Atletico Paranaense vs Atletico Goianiense (6) over 2.5 goals
Goias vs Ceara (6) 2-1
International Friendlies:
Belarus vs Honduras (6) 1-1
Denmark vs Senegal (8) 2-0
South Africa vs Colombia (6) 0-1
International Friendlies – Toulon Tournament:
France U20 vs Chile U20 (5) 2-2
Ivory Coast U20 vs Denmark U20 (6) 1-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!