Euro 2008 betting will be soon be whittled down to the last eight teams, as the quarter-final line-up starts to take shape. Both the Euro 2008 hosts are out, leaving most of the power-houses of European football to face-off for an all important place in the semi-finals.
Euro 2008 Quarter-final 1: Germany v Portugal (June 19)
The first quarter-final of Euro 2008 sees Germany play Portugal in Basel on Thursday night, for what is an intriguing encounter between the 1996 winners and 2004 finalists. Germany came into the tournament as favourites with top handicap bookie PinnacleSports.com, but having finished second in Group B, they now take a more difficult route. The Germans are now priced 7.000* for outright success behind the Portuguese who are now 6.000* to lift the Euro 2008 trophy on June 29th.
Portugal have a more fluid passing game with the likes of Ronaldo and Deco, but lack an out-an-out striker. Germany are more solid defensively, have proven strikers, but lack the service. PinnacleSports.com are offering 1.96/1.96 style Asian Handicaps, and live-betting for the game.
Euro 2008 Quarter-final 2: Turkey v Croatia (June 20)
Four years ago at Euro 2004 Greece captured the neutral supporters’ vote, emerging as unlikely winners. This time around, following two last gasp victories, Turkey have become everyone’s favourite Euro 2008 under-dog. It would be some story were Fatih Terim’s side able to make it all the way to the final, having looked down and out after opening with a 2-0 defeat to Portugal. They now face Euro 2008 Group B winners Croatia, but are without first choice goalkeeper Demirel, sent off the amazing conclusion to their 3-2 win over the Czech Republic.
Croatia bring a 100% record into the last eight, and have shortened in the Euro 2008 outright betting at PinnacleSports.com to 9.000* with the win over Germany of particular significance. The Croatians have grown in confidence, and coach Slavan Bilic had the luxury of resting key players in the win over Poland. PinnacleSports.com are offering 1.96/1.96 style Asian Handicaps, and live-betting for the game.
*All odds in this blog are subject to change but were correct when published. Check out the best bookie odds live for Euro2008 betting here at BookieLabRat.com.
June 17th, 2008
Euro 2008 Betting Preview – Group C Reaches its Dramatic Conclusion (June 17)
Holland have shot to head of the Euro 2008 outright betting at top Handicap sportsbook, PinnacleSports.com, priced as short as 4.500*, in a market priced to an amazing 105%. The Dutch have scored seven goals to send them through to the quarter-finals, where they could be joined by any of Italy, France and Romania.
Victory Against Holland Will Send Romania Into Last Eight
If Romania can do what France and Italy failed to do – beat Holland on Tuesday night – they will book a place in Euro 2008 quarter-finals. Judged purely on performance so far that would appear unlikely, as the Dutch have slammed in seven goals, and played the most attractive football so far. However, having already qualified, Marco Van Basten’s side may take their foot off the gas, and they will shed no tears if by losing they also knock out France and Italy. Adrian Mutu has more to prove than most having missed a penalty against Italy that would have sent them through. PinnacleSports.com price the Romanians favourites 2.200 (-0.5)* with Holland 1.769 (+0.5)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
World Cup Finalists’ Fate Out of their Hands
The Euro 2008 fate of World Cup finalists, Italy and France, is out of their hands ahead of the final Group C fixtures. A victory for Romania will send them both out, irrespective of the result, so they must hope Holland hold form. A draw is unlikely to good enough, given both sides heavy defeat to the Dutch, so both teams must go for the win, ensuring a cracking game. Neither the French or Italians have produced their best form, and on the night it could well be the side that enjoys a bit of luck that progress, in a World Cup final re-run. PinnacleSports.com price Italy slight favourites 1.794 (0/scratch)* with France 2.160 (0/scratch)*.
Euro 2008 Betting – Group D Final Matches (June 18)
The complete line-up for Euro 2008 quarter-finals will be known after the final Group D fixtures on Wednesday night. Outright 4.90* second favourites in Euro 2008 betting, Spain, play a meaningless game against holders, Greece, who are already out, leaving Sweden and Russian to battle it out for the final quarter-final place.
Swedes & Russians Face Off for Quarter-final Place
Sweden must pick themselves up after the disappointment of a conceding a late goal against Spain, which makes the job of reaching the final eight that bit harder. The Swedes must avoid defeat against Russia, but if successful will face tournament favourites, Holland. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – scorer of two goals – is a fitness doubt, but should play. Russian produced a crucial winner against Greece, which leaves them needing another victory against Sweden to progress after losing their opening fixture. PinnacleSports.com price Sweden 1.893 (0/scratch)* with Russia 2.040 (0/scratch)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Greeks Playing For Pride Against Buoyant Spaniards
European Championship holders, Greece, are already eliminated from the 2008 tournament after successive defeats. Otto Rehhagel’s side are therefore playing for pride against Spain, looking to at least score a consolation goal. Having already qualified as Group D winners, Spain are resting at least three key players – Puyol, Cazorla and Silva – while coach, Luis Aragones, may look to protect his lethal strike-pairing of Torres and Villa. Aragones will understandably leave out those players on yellow cards, but will not want to disturb his side’s positive momentum. PinnacleSports.com price Spain favourites 1.763 (-0.5)* with Greece 2.210 (+0.5)*.
*All odds subject to change – so check out the latest LIVE EURO2008 ODDS compared across online sportsbooks here.
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June 17th, 2008