Spain vs Portugal Preview

Just one of these Iberian rivals can book their place in the final of Euro2012, but whom will it be?

Bookmakers make Spain the favourites at 22/23 (188bet/32 Red) to see off Portugal in their Euro 2012 semi-final. Spain have won 31 out of 34 competitive games under Vincente Del Bosque and are unbeaten in knockout tournament games under the coach. Spain will go into the game confident after a comfortable quarter-final victory over France. History though could be on the side of Portugal, with Spain have won just two of their last 12 games against Portugal and it is 7/2 (general) that this hoodoo continues here. The 90 minute draw is priced at 12/5 (general).

Cristiano Ronaldo has been the Portugal hero this tournament and is 6/1 (general) to grab the opening goal. Spain meanwhile must decide who will start up front, Fernando Torres is 11/2 (general) to score first, while Cesc Fabregas who started in the quarter-final is 7/1 (Skybet/BetVictor/Stan James). Hugo Almeida is expected to replace the injured Helder Postiga and at 16/1 (bet365/Stan James) looks value for a player playing so far forward.

Spain have kept a clean sheet in each of their last eight games in major knockout finals and 1-0 to Spain has been a common scoreline and is priced at 5/1 (general) here. Those who think the game could be a tight will be considering the 13/2 (general) on offer on the 0-0, meanwhile a 1-0 Portugal victory is priced at 9/1 (general). The last time these sides met it finished 4-0 Portugal and those expecting the huge shock scoreline can get 325/1 (Stan James/ladbrokes), while Spain to avenge that result with a 4-0 victory of their own is 65/1 (188bet).

Five of the eight goals Spain have scored at EURO2012 have come in the last 30 minutes of play and you can might want to consider the Draw HT/Spain FT betting market which is priced at 4/1(Bluesquare/888bet). Since 1996 13 of the last 16 semi-finals in European Championships and World Cups have been level at half-time. Those expecting a tight game can get Draw HT/Draw FT which is priced at 4/1.

The threat of extra time and penalties always looms large and you can back a team in the ’to qualify market.’ Spain are 7/15 (32 Red) to make it into the final,while those who think Portugal can do it can get 2/1 with (Skybet).

Semi-finals tend to be close affairs and those who think the game can go to extra time and penalties can get larger prices on the ’method of victory market.’ Spain to win in extra time is 9/1 (bet365/BetVictor/Bwin) and on penalties is 11/1 (general). Portugal to win in extra time is priced at 16/1 (bet365/Skybet/Bodog) and 12/1 (BetVictor) to win on penalties.

The Quarter-finals were low scoring affairs and the bookmakers are not taking any chances in the overs/unders market with under 2.5 goals priced at 8/15 (general), those looking to take on the market can get over 2.5 goals at 7/4 (william hill).

It seems to go that if Portugal are to get through then Cristiano Ronaldo must score and people may be interested in the 6/1 (betfred/ladbrokes) are offering that Ronaldo scores and Portugal go through.

It promises to be a passionate affair but two fierce rivals on the international stage and the 13/5 (paddy Power) that a red card occurs could appeal to some.

This promises to be a must watch affair and a match that would not have disgraced as the final.

Go To bet365

#Ad

27/06/2012     © Frixo 2026