The bets have been few and far between which is mainly because I have a newborn in the house, lots of visitors and not getting to watch as much football as I would need to make better judgements. We did have another winner, with Italy, although the top goalscorer bets look to be dead in the water.

3 win / 5 bets / 4.5 points staked :: +2.1

As we hit this knockout stage I think we should find some decent prices as some teams have been overated and others under.

Portugal v Germany I cannot make any judgement on as I haven’t see Portugal enough. I didn’t think Germany justified being tournament favourites by a long way but this game could be a stale affair.

In Croatia v Turkey I think the Turks could cause an upset but I could be way off the mark and Croatia could dominate. One to steer clear of.

Personally, I think Holland have peaked too soon and may be like Argentina in the World Cup. They are attacking but may have played their best matches in the first two games. I think Russia are improving, the players are fresh, and Arshavin looked sharp and will be a big plus for them. So it was only Sweden they beat but Spain laboured to beat the Swedes. I like Hiddink, who is up against his home nation in the semi’s. He’s a manager prepared to risk all if a game needs it. Pre-tournament the Dutch were not fancied and they have come through the group of death with full points but was the group of death really that tough, as France were poor and Romania very negative.

In the final game on Sunday I think Spain can do Italy. No Pirlo and no Gattuso is a huge blow for Italy as they are both big game players. Luca Toni could not hit a cows arse with a banjo but you think at some stage one of his multitude of chances has to drop. I don’t think the Italian defence is all that and although they have Buffon the fact that Spain have Casillas means they are on an equal footing there. I think, along with Cech, they are the best keepers in the world. Torres had a fenomenal season and Villa seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch, which seemed to coincide with Koeman leaving Valencia. I can’t see the Italian defence dealing with them without Gattuso in front of them particularly with Pannucci at centre back.

I am away for a few days now so am doing all these bets now. I will be back on Sunday and so will summarise and look for more bets before the semis.

++ Win Market – Spain @ 2.6 on Boyles (1pt) * i would not be surprised if this price drifts a bit.

++ Draw No Bet – Russia @ 3.5 on Boyles (1pt)

Another half point collected as Austria managed one point so the saver part of the bet won.

2 win / 4 bets / 3.5 points staked :: +0.6

Today the Holland game looks one to avoid but I like the Italy v France game and I think Italy are worth a bet. They have been unlucky as opposed to France who have been poor. With both teams needing to win it should be a good game and there could well be some late drama. The Draw/Italy HT/FT bet makes some appeal but I'll stick to a straight win bet.

++ Win Market – Italy @ 2.5 on Blue SQ/Paddy/Skybet (1pt) (again Pinnacle beat them all with 2.56)

A very small profit yesterday and without that late penalty the Austria 0 points bet would have looked very strong indeed. Oh well. I am tempted by France on draw no bet today but with the defence creaking with Thuramn in the middle cannot be sure enough.

1 win / 2 bets / 2 points staked :: +0.1

Hopefully something tomorrow.

All the teams have now played and I'll try to have a few bets. Today in Group B I'm happy to back Poland against Austria as I just think Austria are terrible. Poland qualified above Portugal getting to this tournament and didn't disgrace themselves against Germany. Their left winger seemed to have a terrible game and so many of their attacks broke down through him. They have to win and I think the coach will send them out to attack.

Germany were good in the first game but I think their price is always too low. I think they are beatable and quite a few of their players have not had the best of seasons or are in on the back of injuries. Croatia are a good team and not sure how Germany can be 1.73 to win. I think a draw will suit Croatia as they then would just need a draw with Poland to qualify but they do need something from this game. The AH price looks good at Croatia +0.5 so a draw would be a win.

++ Win Market – Poland @ 2.3 on Coral/Paddy Power (1pt)

++ Asian Handicap – Croatia +0.5 @ 2.1 on bet365 (1pt)

* Pinnacle offer 2.25 on the Asian Handicap and 2.32 on Poland.

It's been a crazy week for me and not had as much time to look at this as I would have liked.

My bets so far would be

++ Austria Total Points Betting Odds – Zero points @ 6 on Boyles/Blue Sq/Skybet (1pt)

++ Austria Total Points Betting Odds – Exactly 1 point @ 4 on Boyles/Betfred/Skybet (1/2pt)

I think Austria are terrible. I would expect Germany, Croatia and Poland all to beat them and I think they will all be going out for the win as it's the game they have to win in their group. I just think they best they can hope for is a draw.

Time has run away from me but will look again tomorrow and see if I can get in anything else.