Euro 2012 reaches the quarter-final stage

Euro 2012 reaches the quarter-final stage with Group A winners Czech Republic taking on Group B runners-up Portugal Thursday night

The 1996 European Championships held in England are remembered for many things, Gazza’s goal, that Baddiel and Skinner song, but for me far it was Karel Poborsky, that hair mainly, but what a player. Poborsky had a great tournament and scored a classic goal in the quarter-finals against Portugal in the 1996 as the Czechs went onto the final. Those who think the Czechs can spring the shock again can get 9/2 (general) on the Group A winners going through. Portugal though will be difficult opponents, running Germany close in the opener, before seeing off Denmark and Holland and are 4/5 (paddy Power), while the draw in 90 minutes is priced at 13/5 (general).

Those worried about the risk of extra time and penalties can get involved in the to qualify market. Portugal are 4/11(general) favourites to book their place in the last four and a match against either Spain or France. The Czech Republic meanwhile are 12/5 (bet365/Stan James) to book their place in the next round. Those who prefer a more speculative punt can bet on the method of victory, with punters able to bet on the team who wins and whether they do it in 90 minutes, extra time or penalties. You can get 12/1 (boylesports/BetVictor) on a Portugal penalties victory or 12/1 (general) on a Czech Republic penalties success.

Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have finally hit form in this tournament, netting twice in the last game and is 4/1 (BetVictor/Stan James/ladbrokes) to grab the opener here. Helder Postiga meanwhile is 7/1 (general) to score the first goal. Milan Baros has yet to score in this tournament, but if you think he can make his mark here he is 12/1 (general) to net first. Jiracek and Pilar have grabbed two goals each for the Czech Republic and you can get 14/1 (BetVictor/Stan James) Pilar grabs the opener, while it is 18/1 (general) Jiracek grabs the first.

Portugal have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last three games, while the Czech Republic have scored in each of theirs, even in the 4-1 defeat of Russia. Bookmakers make the 1-0, 2-0 scorelines to Portugal their favourite in the betting, which means a little value could be had. The 2-1 Portugal victory is 8/1 (general) while a repeat of the 3-1 scoreline from the Euro 2008 group stages is priced at 16/1 (Skybet/sportingbet/BetVictor). The 1-1 draw is priced at 13/2 (BetVictor/ladbrokes/william hill) while the 0-0 draw is 9/1 (Skybet/ladbrokes/william hill). Those who fancy a Czech victory can get 12/1 (general) a 1-0 victory and 19/1 (188bet) a 2-1 victory.

It is 15/8 (Blue Square/Stan James/888sport) that Portugal have too much class and are ahead at HT/FT. Those who think the Czechs can hold out for at least a half you can get Draw HT/Portugal FT at 19/5 (Bodog). The Czech Republic HT/FT result is a best priced at 10/1 (BetVictor).Those anticipating a tight game can get the Draw HT/ Draw FT result 5/1 (Coral).

The goals market could be the way to game on this game with both teams to score currently trading at evens (general), while the over 2.5 goals is 23/18 (188bet).

This promises to be a fascinating encounter to open what should be a thrilling knockout stage to Euro 2012.

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20/06/2012     © Frixo 2024