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| Soccer Betting Previews |
| Euro 2008 Final Betting Preview (Friday, June 27, 2008) |
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Euro 2008 Final Germany vs Spain
Betting Preview
After 30 games over 3 weeks, Euro 2008 reaches its climax on Sunday as Germany take on Spain in Vienna at 7:45pm. Despite being labelled a 'poor' German team by many pundits, they have, as they did in 2002 and 2006, overcome these criticisms to show you can never write of the Germans. Nothing illustrated this more than their 3-2 semi final win over Turkey on Wednesday, as they scored three goals in ten minutes to break a heroic Turkish side which had just 13 available players. As always Spain entered the competition with great expectations, but this time there was also a real belief amongst both the squad and the fans that this side had the resilience needed to win a major tournament. So far that believe has been proved through impressive results and performances against tough sides like Italy and Russia, but can they finally prove they can win when the pressure is on?
Sunday's Euro 2008 final
Germany v Spain - Live on BBC 1, k/o 19:45pm
Three times champions Germany look to continue their impressive form in this competition as they enter their sixth final, but their first in twelve years. Although they started the tournament as favourites, due in part to the relative weakness of Group B, many people believed their workman like team would struggle against more skilled outfits once they reached the knockout stages. Their first real challenge came against a fancied Portuguese team, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been impressive in their first two group games. However, early goals from Bastain Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose gave the Portuguese a shock they could not recover from, despite Nuno Gomes' reply five minutes from half time. Germany were never truly stretched, and in the 62nd minute Ballack sealed it with a header from a Schweinsteiger free kick, despite Postiga's consolation goal three minutes from time. Their semi final win over a depleted Turkey was not as comfortable, as first they had to come from behind, and then score in injury time to seal their place in Vienna. They were big favourites to beat the injury ravaged Turks, but were outplayed in the first half, and were fortunate to be level at half time. Ugar Boral had given Turkey a deserved lead after they dominated the opening twenty minutes, but that lead lasted just five minutes as Schweinsteiger flicked in a cross from Podolski. In a tight second half Klose looked to have won it for the Germans ten minutes from time as he capitalised on a mistake from Rustu to head Germany into the lead. However the Turks have made scoring late goals their speciality in this tournament, and did it again for the fourth game in a row, thanks to Semih Sentruck, and everyone prepared for extra time. Everyone except Phillip Lahm that is, as his surging run from full back caught the Turks napping, and he lashed home Hitzlsperger's pass from six yards to seal Germany's place in the final.
Spain have been the neutral's choice due to their open and exciting approach, and are the tournament's top scorers with 11 goals, one more than the Germans, while David Villa is the top scorer so far with four, three of which came in their opening game, where they swept aside the Russians 4-1. Consecutive 2-1 wins in their final two group games against Sweden and Greece earned them top spot in Group D, and a quarter final clash with the Italians. The two sides took very different approaches to the game, resulting in Spain dominating the 90 minutes as their attacking brand of football was restrained by the Italians typical defensive position. Spain had the best chances in normal time, coming closest to scoring when Buffon spilled Marco Senna'a shot, only to see it hit the post and come back into his arms. The match inevitably went to penalties and looked set to favour the Italians, as it looked as though they had played for that outcome since the start. History was also not on Spain's side, as they had previously lost three quarter finals by penalty shot outs, all on the 22nd June. However, this time they held their nerve to win the shoot out 4-2, Casillas saving two kicks to give Fabregas the chance to shoot the Spanish into the final. Their semi final pitted them against their opponents from the first round, a Russian team this time with Andrei Arshavin. The opening half was tight, with both teams predictably cancelling each other out following their opening group game. The second half saw the attacking Spain of the last three weeks emerge, with Fabregas, who had come on for an injured David Villa, opening the scoring on 50 minutes. Guiza and Silva then put the game beyond the Russians with strikes in the 73rd and 82nd minute respectively, to seal Spain's first tournament final place since the Euros of 1984.
The best priced 90 minutes betting is:
Germany win 12/5 Bet365
Draw 11/5 VC Bet
Spain win 13/10 Centrebet
BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on the Germany v Spain game if Sergio Garcia scores at anytime in this match.¹
BGbet will refund all correct score bets on the Euro 2008 final if your selection gets beat by an injury time goal.¹
VC Bet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets as a free bet on any future match if your selection fails to score the first goal but scores at any other time in the match.3
VC Bet will refund all losing Correct Score, First Goalscorer and Double Result (HT/FT) bets if the game finishes 0-0 as a free bet on any future match.4
Open an account with any of the following bookmakers and receive a free bet:
VC Bet £100 in Free Bets BGbet £100 Free Bet
Centrebet £20 Free Bet
Odds subject to fluctuation - Odds taken at 11.00am 27/06/2008
¹.Refunds will be in the form of free bets. Maximum Stake £50. Singles Only, Web Customers Only.
2. T&C's:
Min Stake £5 Max Stake £50
Bets must be placed after 10am Saturday
Singles only
Win Or Each Way
Web Customers only
Free bets will be available from Monday 10am
3. Maximum refund £100 per person per match. Applies to singles only, placed via telephone, internet or mobile. Free bets credited within 48 hours.
4. Max refund £100 (EUR120) per offer per person per match. Applies to singles only. Does not apply to in-running bets. Free bets credited within 48 hours
Labels: euro-2008-betting, euro-final-betting, euro-match-betting, germany-betting, spain-betting
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 7:09 PM
 
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| Euro 2008 semi-final Betting (Tuesday, June 24, 2008) |
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Euro 2008 Semi-Final Betting Preview
Pinnaclesports.com Euro 2008 Semi-final Betting (June 25-26)
60% Better Euro 2008 Semi Final Betting Odds at Pinnaclesports.com
Euro 2008 Betting - Semi-finals Betting Preview
Euro 2008 betting was turned on its head after some surprising quarter-final results. Bettors now have a few days to recover from the excitement, before the Euro 2008 semi-finals take place on Wednesday and Thursday. The tournament favourites ? Holland - tumbled out in the last eight, in one of several shock results, including the amazing scenes at the end of the Croatia v Turkey game, with two goals in the final minute of extra time. See the latest Euro 2008 semi-final betting at Pinnaclesports.com, up to 60% better than traditional bookmakers.
SIGN-UP NOW FOR 60% BETTER ODDS ON EURO 2008 SEMI-FINALS
Semi-Final One ? Germany v Turkey, June 25th
Turkey pulled off another Euro 2008 great escape, scoring with the final kick of extra-time against Croatia in the quarter-finals, to take the game to penalties, where they came out on top. The Turks' joy was tinged with some misgivings as they approach a Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany without four key suspended players. Goalkeeper, Volkan Demirel, Emre Asik, Arda Turan, and Tuncay Sanli ? the backbone of the Turkey side ? will all watch from stands at St.Jakob-Park in Basel. Turkey are the outsiders of the four Euro 2008 semi-finalists priced 15.500* at Pinnaclesports.com in a yes/no market priced to less than 102%.
In stark contrast, Germany cruised passed Portugal into the last four, oozing confidence, and carry only one injury into the semi-finals. Midfielder, Torsten Frings, is a doubt with a rib injury, otherwise Joachim Low has a full squad to choose from looking to repeat the success of national side at Euro 96. Germany are now favourites in the outright Euro 2008 betting at Pinnaclesports.com priced 2.500*, strongly fancied to overcome the weakened Turkish on Wednesday night. The quarter-finals did however, make a mockery of the formbook, so bettors should think twice before piling on Germans. Pinnaclesports.com price Germany 1.746 (-1)* with Turkey 2.240 (+1)* - a market priced to less than 102%.
Semi-Final Two ? Russia v Spain, June 26th
The Russian soccer renaissance gathered pace as Guus Hiddink attack-minded philosophy helped them to a 3-1 extra win over Holland, who were the favourites in the Euro 2008 betting at Pinnaclesports.com. Having been huge outsiders at the start of the tournament, Russia are now as short as 4.620* for overall glory, and 1.249* to fail - market priced to less than 102%. This has already been a phenomenal sporting year for Russia, after Zenit St.Petersburg lifted the UEFA Cup, CSKA Moscow became Super League Champions and the Russian national team won the Ice Hockey World Championships.
Spain stand in Russia's way, as two of the under-achievers meet on Thursday night for what promises to be a engaging Euro 2008 semi-final. Spain were frustrated by an intensely defensive Italian side in the quarter-finals, but came through a tense penalty shoot-out, to reach the Euro 2008 semi-finals that their performances so far certainly merit. The attack pairing of David Villa and Fernando Torres remain a potent threat, while Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas will be pushing for a place in the starting line-up against Russia, having impressed as a substitute, and scoring the winning penalty against Italy. Pinnaclesports.com price Spain 2.750* overall second-favourites in their Euro 2008 outright betting market, and 2.120 (-0.5)* on their Euro 2008 Asian Handicap for Thursday night, with Russia 1.820 (+0.5)* - a market priced to less than 102%.
SIGN-UP NOW FOR 60% BETTER ODDS ON EURO 2008 SEMI-FINALS
*All odds subject change
Best Euro 2008 Odds at Pinnaclesports.com!
1.96/1.96 style Asian Handicap pricing (c.102%) & live-betting on the major European football tournaments gives gamblers up to 60% better Euro 2008 online betting odds. PinnacleSports.com offers commission-free fixed odds betting with exchange style pricing, as well as the web's highest guaranteed liquidity and fastest payouts.
Get a 10% sign-up bonus, 7% cash back on US horse bets and the best odds on all major sports.
Find the Smarter Way To Bet at Pinnaclesports.com. Visit Pinnaclesports.comLabels: euro-2008-betting, euro-match-betting
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 11:17 AM
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| Euro 2008 Betting (Friday, June 06, 2008) |
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Euro 2008 Betting Preview
60% Better Euro 2008 Betting Odds at Pinnaclesports.com
Euro 2008 Betting Preview - Group A Betting Preview
Punters are now within touching distance of three weeks of top Euro 2008 soccer betting action. The coaches of the 16 teams qualified for the 2008 UEFA European Championships have named their final squads for the event starting June 7th, and leading online sportsbook, Pinnaclesports.com, have for some time posted outright prices and odds for the winners of each Group. Pinnaclesports.com are also offering a host of other Euro 2008 bets including Asian Handicap betting and total goals markets for the opening fixtures, priced to just 102% - which gives punters 60% better Euro 2008 betting odds than traditional bookmakers.
Weak Section Could Be Portugal's For the Taking
Portugal lead the Group A winner's betting market at Pinnaclesports.com priced 2.350* to top the pool phase. The Portuguese possess an enviable pair of wing wizards in Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani, but cannot match that quality in the striker department. Though the Portuguese lost just once during Group A qualification, they finished second, having drawn six of their 14 games. Ronaldo was their top-scorer with eight goals, but an unhealthy amount of expectation rests on his young shoulders, and if the opposition can neutralize his threat, coach, Felipe Scolari may struggle with a plan B.
As hosts in 2004, Portugal progressed to the final, and despite being strong favourites, lost out to a single Greek goal. The Portuguese may however, have been flattered in reaching the final, as England had a perfectly good goal ruled out against them in the semi-final. They were also left sweating on qualification for Euro 2008 right up to the final game and key playmaker Deco has had a poor season with Barcelona. Nevertheless Pinnaclesports.com make Portugal one of the favourites on their Euro 2008 betting market at 8.600*.
Czech's Dealt Blow By Rosicky Injury
After topping Group D at the finals of Euro 2004, with three wins, including over Germany and Holland, the Czech Republic became many punters' favourites to go all the way. In the event they were beaten by a dogged Greek side in an extra time semi-final. Much of their success was the product of the creativity of Tomas Rosicky and Pavel Nedved, and goals of Milan Baros. However, Rosicky is out of the Euro 2008 through injury, Nedved is retired while Baros has struggled to emulate the form he showed in Portugal.
35year old striker Jan Koller is one of several Czech players reaching their sell-by date, so coach, Karel Bruckner, has tried to mix youth with experience. Euro 2008 will be the Czech Republic's fourth straight European Championship stretching back to Euro 1996 in England when they were surprise finalists, losing to Germany. They qualified this time round ahead of tournament favourites Germany who they beat 3-0 in Munich, but are nevertheless considered unlikely winners priced 20.00* on Pinnaclesports.com's Euro 2008 betting market, but just 3.330* to top Group A.
Turkey Seeking Stability & Composure
Turkey's third place finish at the 2002 World Cup was an immense achievement that catapulted those players involved to national heroes. Unfortunately, the story since then has failed to match that magic, with failed qualification to the 2006 World Cup marred by violent scenes against Switzerland that ended with several lengthy bans, which will make the rematch potentially fiery. Though some of that volatility remains, coach, Fatih Terim has been able to guide the national side through a tricky qualifying group to the finals in Austria and Switzerland.
A 2-1 victory in Norway was the pivotal result in their penultimate qualifier and if Turkey can show the same resolution at the Euro 2008 finals, they could easily negotiate a path out of an open group. Injury problems have abated leaving Turkey without any major obstacles in preparation. Emre hasn't had a great season at Newcastle, but the left-footed midfielder is capable of match-winning skill, playing alongside Hamit Altintop who has enjoyed a steady season at Bayern Munich while Tuncay Sanli has steadily improved at Middlesbrough. Volatility is the Turk's main weakness, part of the reason why Pinnaclesports.com price them 58.00* in their outright Euro 2008 betting markets, with odds of 8.440* to top Group A.
Swiss Host Hampered By Injuries
Of the two hosts of Euro 2008, the Swiss are certainly considered the likelier to make a real impact on the event. Their chances have however, been dealt a severe blow by a spate of injuries that has ruled out several key players and placed doubts of many more. Tranquillo Barnetta, Christoph Spycher and Philipp Degan all missed the 2-0 friendly win over Slovakia on May 24th, though hopes are high that they will participate in the tournament.
On the plus side, striker, Alexander Frei has returned to form after long-term injury, and much is expected over 19 year old Eren Derdiyok. The 6ft 2? striker, scored within minutes of a substitute appearance at Wembley against England, only his second appearance for the Swiss national side. In common with Austria, Switzerland have lacked competitive football, qualifying as hosts, but their showing at the 2006 World Cup, where they didn't conceded in open play in four games, shows they are defensively tough, if lacking creativity. Pinnaclesports.com price Switzerland 33.00* outsiders on their Euro 2008 betting market, with odds of 4.780* to win Group A.
Euro 2008 Betting Preview - Group B Betting Preview
With the all the major European domestic leagues and Cup competitions done and dusted, club football now steps out of the limelight, and the focus falls firmly on Euro 2008 betting. The final countdown to the tournament kick-off on June 7th is well underway, so now is the perfect time for punters to analyse the chances of the 16 participating teams then take advantage of up to 60% better Euro 2008 betting odds at Pinnaclesports.com.
Germans Worthy Favourites to Top Group B
Germany are worthy favourites in the group betting markets at Pinnaclesports.com to top Pool B at Euro 2008. Priced 1.690* they are the shortest team in any of the four group betting markets, reflecting the positive progress of the side from their surprise semi-final appearance in the 2006 World Cup, and the important influence of the strong support they will enjoy. The Germans were top-scorers in qualification, but haven't won a game at the European Championship finals since winning the trophy at Wembley in 1996 ? losing three and drawing three.
Several of coach, Joachim Low's key players should arrive fresh for their opening game against Poland in Klagenfurt. Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Tim Borowski, Lukas Podolski and Christoph Metzelder have all only recently returned from long-term injury, so as long as they have recovered full fitness, should give the Germans extra vitality. It has been suggested that Greece's success in Euro 2004 was in part due to similar circumstances and Pinnaclesports.com make Germany favourites 5.110*.
Avoiding Early Exit Austria's Main Ambition
Austria coach, Josef Hickersberger, has arguably the toughest job at Euro 2008. He has to mould a squad of very average players into a winning unit, that can avoid the embarrassment of an early exit despite the benefit of home support. Having both played and coached at World Cup finals, Hickersberger knows what is needed to succeed at the highest level, but his inexperienced squad face a steep learning curve. Qualifying automatically as hosts, Austria have only had friendlies to prepare, with soft opponents chosen in the hope of providing a boost to confidence.
That hasn't worked out as planned, as up to May the co-hosts had won just one of their previous 14 games, suggesting that Austria will be the whipping boys of Group B. This is reflected in the Euro 2008 Group winner betting odds at Pinnaclesports.com where Austria are priced 13.320* to top Group B, and a whopping 151.00* in the outright winner's market. None of the Austrian squad are household names going into Euro 2008, but each has a golden opportunity to step forward and help their country to an unlikely success.
Croatians Likely Dark Horses to Upset Big Names
After leading Croatia to Euro 2008 as winners of qualification group E ahead of England, coach, Slaven Bilic, has been tipped by many to take charge of one of Europe's big club sides. Several of his squad are also tipped to go on to greater things, with 22 year old Luka Modric already captured by Tottenham Hotpsur for a club record £21.5 million. Modric joins 21 year old defender, Vedran Corluka in the Premiership, who joined Manchester City for an estimated £8million.
This Croatia side must deal with the legacy of the success of the national side at the 1998 World Cup (which included Bilic), who are immortalised at home. Croatia were dealt a blow when Brazilian born striker, Eduardo da Silva, suffered a horrific broken leg playing for Arsenal, ruling him out of the tournament. The Croatians are second favourites to win Euro 2008 Group B priced 3.550* by Pinnaclesports.com behind Germany. As dark horses to win Euro 2008 outright, Pinnaclesports.com price them 14.180*.
Poland Looking to Enjoy Euro Finals' Debut
Though Poland have enjoyed success at the World Cup, famously finishing third in 1982, this will be their first appearance at the European Championships. Their passage was booked on the back of nine goals from striker, Euzebiusz Smolarek, whose father W?odzimierz played in that bronze medal winning side. Coach, Leo Beenhakker, has a wealth of experience at club and national level, which helped steer the Poles to the finals.
Their was disappointment in March with a 3-0 home defeat by the USA, but the Dutch boss insisted it was ?no reason to lose faith'. Poland aren't considered likely winners, despite the benefit of a strong travelling army of supporters. Pinnaclesports.com price them as 54.600* outsiders to win Euro 2008, while the Poles are 9.430* to cause a shock and win Group B. Games against Austria and Germany will be highly charge local Derbies that should raise the level of performance of what is an ordinary looking Polish squad.
Euro 2008 Betting Preview - Group C Betting Preview
Ever since the draw was made back in December, Euro 2008's Group of Death has been the subject of lengthy debate as to who will emerge from among France, Italy, Holland and Romania. The Euro 2008 betting at Pinnaclesports.com for Group C has Italy as 2.700* favourites ahead of France 3.040* and Holland 3.740*, with Romania considered outsiders at 12.080*. Without a crystal, ball the best bettors can do is take the 60% better Euro 2008 betting odds available at Pinnaclesports.com, then wait for the first Group C games on June 9th.
Italy Head a Three Horse Race for Group Supremacy
World Champions Italy come into the 2008 European Championships looking to erase the memory of their dismal failure in Portugal. The Azzurri were eliminated at the Group stage after a timid showing and the team and manager were heavily criticised on their to Italy. All was forgiven after success in Germany, but expectations remain high for an improved performance on the European stage. This will be Roberto Donadoni's first major tournament as coach; the former Azzurri winger has presided over a transition phase for the national teams since winning the 2006 World Cup.
Donadoni cannot call upon Francesco Totti, who has retired from international football, but he has otherwise retained the backbone of the side that were successful two years ago in Berlin, and who guided Italy the top of qualification Group B ahead of France. The Group of Death poses a real threat to the Italians should they revert to their natural negative tactical game which was their undoing in Portugal. Donadoni should have learned enough to encourage his team to express themselves in attack as much as defence in which case they are capable of another tournament victory priced 8.360* by Pinnaclesports.com.
French Possess Enviable Euro 2008 Squad
One look at the names that didn't even make Raymond Domenech's 30 man France squad for Euro 2008, tells you a lot about the strength of Les Bleus. There was no place for David Trezeguet who scored the winning goal in the Euro 2000 final, nor for Gael Clichy of Arsenal. There are several stalwarts in Claude Makele, Patrick Viera and Lilian Thuram, while the future lies in the hands of Lyon's Hatem Ben Arfa and Karim Benzema. Perhaps France's most famous player, Thierry Henry, has suffered an indifferent season with Barcelona, but the former Arsenal great will see Euro 2008 as an opportunity to re-launch his career.
France exceeded expectation in beating Brazil at the 2006 World Cup, and only failed in the final on penalty kicks. Domenech has struggled with moving side forward, and finding the right formation from such an embarrassment of riches. After such a successful season with Bayern Munich, Franck Ribery will be a pivotal figure, with a lot riding on his creative input. Pinnaclesports.com price France 9.690* to win Euro 2008.
Can Young Exciting Dutch Come Of Age?
Holland captured the U21 European Championships last summer on home turf, illustrating the abundance of talent coming through the Dutch ranks. Holland have rarely been short of soccer ability, but internal strife has often been their undoing. If coach, Marco Van Basten, can maintain unity then his side have an excellent chance of emulating the success of the U21 side.
The roll call of he Dutch squad includes almost all Europe's top domestic clubs: goalkeeper, Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd), Robin Van Persie (Arsenal), Dirk Kuyt & Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robbenn & Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid). The Oranje may however, have a weak-point in defence, with their quality concentrated in midfield and attack. In qualification they only took one point from six against Group C rivals, Romania, which they will need to improve, but if they can fulfil their undoubted potential, the Dutch could be good value priced 14.00* for overall success at Pinnaclesports.com.
Under-estimate Romanians at Your Peril
Having qualified for their first major international tournament since Euro 2000 with two games to spare, Romania must be cursing to have been handed a place in the Group of Death. Their record in European Championships is poor, with one win from nine matches, but coach, Victor Piturca, has a squad capable of improving that record, despite their tough pool. Adrian Mutu was one of the best strikers in Serie A this season, while captain, Cristian Chivu, is a regular with Italian Champions, Inter Milan.
Romania showed they shouldn't be overlooked by finishing on top of qualification group G ahead of Holland, losing just one of their twelve games. The national side has struggled in recent years to emulate what is considered the Golden Era of national football in the early nineties, culminating with a quarter-final at the 1994 World Cup. Controversy and internal wrangling are never far away from the Romanian national side, but their recent 3-0 thrashing of Russia shows they are not just making up the numbers. If Piturca can keep his side under control, Romania could produce a shock similar to that of Greece four years ago. Pinnaclesports.com price Romania outsiders to lift the Euro 2008 trophy at 50.00*.
Euro 2008 Betting Preview - Group D Betting Preview
With the all the major European domestic leagues and Cup competitions done and dusted, club football now steps out of the limelight, and the focus falls firmly on Euro 2008 betting. The final countdown to the tournament kick-off on June 7th is well underway, so now is the perfect time for punters to analyse the chances of the 16 participating teams then take advantage of up to 60% better Euro 2008 betting odds at Pinnaclesports.com.
Can Talented But Moody Spaniards Be Trusted?
One of the greatest conundrums in international football is why a soccer nation with the embarrassment of talent that Spain possesses has so consistently under-achieved when in matters. The Spaniards were many pundits confident selections for success at the 2006 World Cup, with a mixture of youth and experience, but once again fell short. Coach, Luis Aragones was fortunate to keep his job, helped by the fact that few Spanish managers actually want to be handed the poisoned chalice of managing the national side.
The Wise Man of Hortaleza has made some bold exclusions from his squad, with no place for Real Madrid's Raul, or Barca's teenage sensation, Bojan Krkic, while Sergio Garcia of relegated, Real Zaragoza, gets a surprise call-up. Spain regularly produces champions in individual sports such as golf and tennis, but seems to struggle in team events. Avoiding the big names of Europe in Group D hands Spain another chance, but any punters who've had their fingers burnt backing the Spaniards before may watch and wait. Pinnaclesports.com price 7.330* second favourites for overall glory in their Euro 2008 betting market, with odds of 1.943* to top their section.
Will Russian Renaissance Spread to Euro 2008?
Russia is currently in the midst of a sporting renaissance, which its fans will hope continues at Euro 2008. Zenit St Petersburg lifted the UEFA Cup on May 14th, shortly after the National team beat Canada on home soil to win the Ice Hockey World Championship while it is the dominant force in world tennis. The new breed of Russian athlete is shaking off the post-communist inferiority complex, and that confidence was certainly evident during Euro 2008 qualification as the national soccer team beat England in Moscow on the way to booking their place in Austria and Switzerland.
Russia's new mentality will be tested in their opener against Spain, who beat their neighbours, Ukraine, 4-0 in their opening 2006 World Cup game. Coach, Guus Hiddink, has trusted in youth, with the oldest squad member just 30. Critics may suggest the Russians lack experience, and a star striker up front, but they have a solid defensive unit, and are easily capable of emerging successfully from Group D for which they are priced at odds of 5.580* with Pinnaclesports.com to top, and 28.740* outsiders in their outright Euro 2008 betting market. For further information, on all the Euro 2008 betting odds available at Pinnaclesports.com.
Larsson Rolls Back the Years for Sweden
Henrik Larsson clearly loves playing for his national team. Having announced his retirement on two previous occasion, he has delighted Sweden coach, Lars Lagerback, to resume his international career at Euro 2008. Larsson will be bring valuable experience, but Lagerback's successful attempt to lure Larsson out of retirement illustrates a lack of available young Swedish successors, with fellow striker Marcus Allback now 34. The tournament in Switzerland and Austria will be Sweden's fifth successive major tournament, but the best finish in that spell was a quarter-final in Euro 2004.
Though they will present a tough physical challenge to any side, Sweden tend to fall short of the quality required to go all the way. The return to fitness and form of Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be critical; the tall striker came off the bench in Inter's final game of the season to score two quick-fire goals that handed them the Serie A title. He may need to perform similar heroics for a Sweden side that otherwise lacks invention and sparkle. That suggestion is supported by Sweden's price on Pinnaclesports.com's Euro 2008 betting market, who rate them 37.230* outsiders for overall glory.
Holders Won't Relinquish Trophy Without Fight
Otto Rehhagel, has remained in charge of Greece in order to orchestrate the defence of the European Championship title which the Greeks won so surprisingly in Portugal four years ago. Half of that successful squad remain, and though Greece failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, they were impressive in booking their place at Euro 2008. The Greeks topped a tricky section by seven points losing just one of their twelve qualifiers.
Despite their impressive results in qualification, statistics speak against a repeat success for Greece. In all twelve previous European Championships, no team has successfully defended the Henri Delaunay trophy, while the same is true of the last eleven World Cups. Rehhagel will however be pleased with his Group D opponents, who don't present an insurmountable challenge to reach the knock-out phase. Pinnaclesports.com price Greece 5.760* to top Group D, but beyond that however, Greece's Euro fairytale may finally end. Pinnaclesports.com price them as big as 28.740* to win back-to-back titles, in their Euro 2008 betting market.
*All odds subject change
Best Euro 2008 Odds at Pinnaclesports.com!
1.96/1.96 style Asian Handicap pricing (c.102%) & live-betting on the major European football tournaments gives gamblers up to 60% better Euro 2008 online betting odds. PinnacleSports.com offers commission-free fixed odds betting with exchange style pricing, as well as the web?s highest guaranteed liquidity and fastest payouts.
Get a 10% sign-up bonus, 7% cash back on US horse bets and the best odds on all major sports.
Find the Smarter Way To Bet at Pinnaclesports.com. Visit Pinnaclesports.comLabels: euro-2008-betting, euro-match-betting, group-betting
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 4:04 PM
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| Champions League Final Betting Preview (Tuesday, May 20, 2008) |
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After the exciting end to the Premiership last week, Manchester United and Chelsea renew their rivalry in the Champions League this week aiming to win the biggest prize in club football, the European Cup. Chelsea will be keen to avenge missing out on the Premiership in Moscow, while United look towards their second European Cup in ten years.
Champions League Final-Manchester United v Chelsea, Wednesday 7:45pm
Live on ITV 1 & Sky Sports 1
The top two in England face each other for the title of best in Europe in the first ever all English final. After clinching the Premiership last week United will feel they have the psychological advantage, but it was Chelsea who were victorious in the last meeting between these two just 3 weeks ago. A late Michael Ballack penalty at Stamford Bridge helped secure victory over United that day, as Chelsea reversed the result from Old Trafford earlier in the season, which United had won 2-0. However, this is the first time the teams have ever met in Europe, and Chelsea will be up against a United team that is undefeated in this years competition, winning nine and drawing three of their 12 European games.
Chelsea managed to break out of Liverpool's semi final stranglehold over them, finally defeating the Reds in a Champions League semi final at the third attempt. The 4-3 aggregate victory was secured thanks to extra time goals from Lampard and Drogba, as the Blues scraped past Liverpool to claim a place in their first Champions League final. Chelsea had ridden their luck in the first leg, only avoiding defeat thanks to a 95th minute Riise own goal in a game that Liverpool had largely dominated. That goal proved to be crucial as Ryan Babel's second leg goal 3 minutes from the end of extra time left Chelsea fans praying for the final whistle. John Terry is back to lead Chelsea out, having recovered from the elbow injury he picked up in Chelsea's final league game against Bolton, while Didier Drogba and Ricardo Carvalho have also overcome minor knocks to take their place in the travelling squad.
United are looking to repeat their historic League and European Cup double of 1999, and confidence will be sky high after they secured their tenth Premiership title at Wigan last week. That followed a nervous semi final victory over Barcelona at Old Trafford, Paul Scholes 14th minute goal the only thing separating the teams across the two legs. That goal must have been a relief to Cristiano Ronaldo following his penalty miss in the first leg at the Nou Camp that looked to have handed Barcelona the advantage. His miss could have been crucial in such a tight tie between two evenly matched teams, but United's nerve held to see them through to the final again. United go into the game with no injury concerns, with the only decision facing Sir Alex is how best to fit all of United superstars into the starting eleven.
If you're looking for good value and fancy a punt on a big price, why not back Owen Hargreaves to score first with VC Bet at 25/1.
Chelsea Win 6/4 VC Bet
Draw 2/1 VC Bet
Man Utd Win 11/5 VC Bet
VC Bet will refund all losing First Goalscorer and Correct Score bets as a free bet if the match goes to a penalty shoot-out.2
Open an account with VC Bet and receive a £100 free bet.
Odds subject to fluctuation - Odds taken at 11.00am 19/05/2008
1 Refunds will be in the form of free bets. Maximum Stake £50. Singles Only, Web Customers Only.
2 Maximum refund £100 per person. Applies to singles only placed online and telephone. Does not include in-running bets.
Free bets credited Thursday 22nd May.
Paddy Power is running a very good Money-Back Special for
Man Utd v Chelsea - Champions League Final
If Ronaldo scores in normal time, Paddy Power will refund ALL losing single pre-match Win-Draw-Win, Correct Score, 1st/last/anytime goalscorer and Half-time/Full-time market bets on this match.
Labels: champions-league-final-betting, chelsea-betting, man-united-betting, man-united-chelsea-betting
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 5:36 PM
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| FA Cup Final Betting Preview (Friday, May 16, 2008) |
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FA Cup Final,
Portsmouth v Cardiff-Live on BBC1 & Sky Sports 1, k/o 15:00pm Few people would have chosen either of these teams to be walking out onto the famous Wembley turf at the beginning of the season, and fewer still as the competition progressed. Although they are favourites to win their first trophy since 1939, Portsmouth were amongst the shock winners this year when they beat 11 time winners Man Utd in the quarter finals. They managed to squeeze past West Brom in the semis 1-0 to book their place in the final, but go into the game on their worst run of the season with one draw and four defeats their last six, including a season ending 1-0 home defeat to relegation threatened Fulham. They will also be without cup tied Jermain Defoe, who has scored 8 goals in 12 games since joining Pompey, although they are boosted by the return of in form keeper David James. Cardiff will be sweating on the fitness of former England international Robbie Fowler as they look forward to their first Wembley final since 1927, the last time the FA Cup left England thanks to their
1-0 win over Arsenal. City were also amongst the shock winners this year, beating Middlesbrough 2-0 in the quarter finals to set up a semi final with fellow giant killers Barnsley. An early Joe Ledley goal was enough to send the Bluebirds to Wembley, although they come into the final with just two wins from their last six league games, including a season ending 3-0 win over the team they beat in the semis, Barnsley. If boss Dave Jones decides Fowler is not fit for the weekend, he can still call on Premiership experience in the shape of Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink, whose previous FA Cup final appearance, with Chelsea in 2002, ended in defeat to Arsenal. VC Bet make Portsmouth favourites at 8/11, but can Cardiff complete the season of FA Cup upsets by gaining an unlikely victory? VC Bet don?t think so as they price a Cardiff victory at 22/5. Labels: fa-cup-betting, fa-cup-final-betting
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 3:14 PM
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| Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell (Friday, May 09, 2008) |
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Weekend Tips / A Lazy 'Worst Of' Compilation
Saying goodbye to the football season is very much like giving birth to a ginger child: after nine months of optimism, hope and anguish, you're left with a genuine feeling of disappointment.
The final day is often emotional. Who could forget Arsenal pipping Liverpool to the title in 1989? Well sadly, my old man. In fact, if you see a small befuddled pensioner roaming the streets, you'll be better off avoiding football trivia altogether; senility is no picnic.
I'm absolutely devastated that I have to work on Sunday as the drama unfolds. The gaffer has offered me double time and a day in lieu though, which I'm reasonably happy with; but it hasn't gone down too well with Louise.
Lou hasn't been this upset since Liverpool were beaten by Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final. Liverpool supporters are like Paul McCartney on his wedding night; they're struggling to get over a disappointing second leg.
Steven 'more dives than Glasgow' Gerrard will hope to inspire his team-mates to a win over Spurs, but I fancy the Tottenham boys at 9/5. They can be heroes, just for Juande.
Manchester United are on the verge of winning the title and I'm particularly pleased for Paul Scholes. There was a worry that Paul's career was over as a result of blurred vision, practically confirming what my mother told me. I'll have my head in my hands if Manchester United fail to beat Wigan at 1/4.
As is often the case in such a high profile match, there has been plenty of early activity in the first goal scorer market. Bookmakers have already seen a monkey on Ronaldo, a pony on Carlos Tevez and an old dog on Wayne Rooney.
A recently discovered tribe of Congolese pygmies have admitted knowing absolutely nothing of western civilisation, other than the fact that Steven Gerrard is better at football than Frank Lampard.
Frank simply isn't that great a player, most of his goals come from his close relationship with the O'Shea family, notably Rick. Frank would need 29 attempts to score on an 18-30 stone holiday.
Frank will not be happy about Chelsea finishing second best to Manchester United. I remember how upset he was when I first suggested that he had a weight problem - he sent me a text that read, 'gbvsdfabdsb'.
Ashley Cole will also be unhappy with a runners-up spot. The overrated full-back is desperate for success to cement his role as a celebrity. He's already been offered a spot on next week's Jonathan Ross show, he just needs to find three pals and a piano. Chelsea are certainties to beat Bolton, i'm all over the 1/6 like John Terry on a referee.
I'm no stranger to disappointment; I once watched all of Soccer AM. Alex McLeish can empathise, he would give his right arm for Birmingham to avoid relegation, but a trade of that magnitude has only ever come off for Heather Mills. I'm backing Blackburn to beat the Blues at 3/1, but be warned, the price is dropping quicker than Steven Gerrard in a penalty area.
Reading are a lot like Princess Diana, they used to look good, but they've hit a wall.
The wife is praying that the Royals stay up, as she's supported them ever since her English teacher wrote 'reading difficulties' on her school report.
I also hope that Reading beat Derby, as I'm not a great fan of Robbie Savage - I can't forget how he kicked me off the waltzers when I was young. I can't let my heart rule my head though, I'm going to be like Robbie and mark the coupon with an 'X' at 7/2.
Portsmouth are currently wobbling like a jelly on a drunken Sumo wrestler - they haven't won in their last handful of games. Actually, they haven't won in their last four games, so it's more of a Jeremy Beadle handful.
I'd like to see Pompey beat Fulham as I have an enormous amount of sympathy for Harry Redknapp; he's been the subject of more enquiries than the 118-118 guys.
Hollywood should make a film of Harry's life, they could call it 'The buying, the twitch and the fraud probe.'
A case can be made for backing Portsmouth at 5/2 to beat Fulham, but it has more holes than Pete Doherty. I'm going to be like David Cameron in college; and get stuck into the draw at 11/4.
Hopefully, my son will become a professional footballer. The last time we had a kick around in the back garden, he nutmegged me twice; nobody's regretted opening their legs on two separate occasions since Mrs Neville.
Phil Neville is like the sun, you should never look directly at him. The lesser of two evils is surprisingly quite bright, he can quote the old Chinese proverb: 'Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day; give him twelve cans of lager, and he'll think that Newcastle are worth a bet at Goodison Park.
You don't have to be Stephen Hawking to realise that Everton are nailed on at 10/11, even Mrs Hawking could work that one out; if she wasn't down the gym working the bags.
I once said that Benjani couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo. If we were ever to meet, he'd probably want to hit me; i'd better change my name to Annette.
On a related note, I once tried to hit a cow's arse with a banjo - at least that's what I told the police officer, although the lack of a banjo aroused some suspicion.
Middlesbrough are a riddle, wrapped up in an enigma, shrouded in mystery, situated in a hole. The 11/10 for a Boro win over Manchester City is the most enticing proposition since Ulrika Johnson offered Sven Goran Eriksson a little slice of Swedish fish pie.
Is it wrong for me to continually speak of my admiration for Cesc Fabregas? Apparently, it is during lovemaking.
Cesc is a little magician. He'll have a great future in the game as long as he avoids Debbie McGee. Arsenal are a great bet at 10/11 to beat Sunderland, it's as clear as the chin on Frank Lampard's chin.
As an Aston Villa supporter, i'm a huge fan of Randy Lerner. I'm not ashamed to say that all it took to make me happy was just one little Yank.
I did read that a healthy male averages 20 minutes when expressing his love physically; I'm assuming that includes the taxi journey and the queue for the cashpoint. I'll be throwing my cash on a West Ham win over the Villa; the 12/5 is positively pulchritudinous.
The Premier League remains my true love, but I've occasionally strayed into the arms of the football league, the SPL, the conference and the Paralympics. I'm a little bit uncomfortable about watching football at such a poor level though, but Rangers have made it into the UEFA Cup final.
I'm often asked why I appear reluctant to share my expertise on the Scottish football scene. I can assure you it's not a result of xenophobia; some of my best friends know Scottish people. I know that a Celtic win over Hibernian at 1/4 will practically wrap up the title for the Bhoys.
My computer is a lot like the wife, if the information is punched in correctly, positive results are guaranteed. My spreadsheet plays a sound if the odds offered on an accer are greater than the actual probability of success: when I placed 16/1 next to Middlesbrough, Tottenham and West Ham, it whipped out a guitar.
Weekend Betting:
Birmingham v Blackburn Sunday 11th May 15:00 Live on Sky
Birmingham 21/20
Draw 13/5
Blackburn 3/1
Get on: Blackburn
Chelsea v Bolton Sunday 11th May 15:00 Live on Sky
Chelsea 1/6
Draw 7/1
Bolton 18/1
Get on: Chelsea
Derby v Reading Sunday 11th May 15:00
Derby 11/2
Draw 7/2
Reading 8/13
Get on: Draw
Everton v Newcastle Sunday 11th May 15:00
Everton 10/11
Draw 5/2
Newcastle 7/2
Get on: Everton
Middlesbrough v Man City Sunday 11th May 15:00
Middlesbrough 11/10
Draw 12/5
Man City 27/10
Get on: Middlesbrough
Portsmouth v Fulham Sunday 11th May 15:00 Live on Setanta
Portsmouth 5/2
Draw 11/4
Fulham 6/5
Get on: Draw
Sunderland v Arsenal Sunday 11th May 15:00
Sunderland 17/5
Draw 11/4
Arsenal 10/11
Get on: Arsenal
Tottenham v Liverpool Sunday 11th May 15:00
Tottenham 9/5
Draw 12/5
Liverpool 7/4
Get on: Tottenham
West Ham v Aston Villa Sunday 11th May 15:00
West Ham 12/5
Draw 5/2
Aston Villa 13/10
Get on: West Ham
Wigan v Man Utd Sunday 11th May 15:00 Live on Sky
Wigan 14/1
Draw 11/2
Man Utd 1/4
Get on: Man UtdLabels: premier-league-picks
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 11:39 PM
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| Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell (Thursday, May 01, 2008) |
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Thai Hard: With a Vengeance
Tubby Brazilian Ronaldo may be one of the greatest players to ever grace a football pitch, but he's definitely a poor role model. The AC Milan man let himself down when he invited three members of the late-night entertainment industry back to a motel. It wasn't just the fact that they turned out to be ladyboys; he shamefully offered to pay them for doing nothing. If I pay a builder to construct a conservatory, and he brings along a few superfluous tools, I'd expect him to keep his head down and finish the job.
This sorry tale was not the only case of mistaken identity this week; Rio Ferdinand kicked a female Chelsea steward after mistaking her for a wall. It sounds like a tall story, but I once kicked the wife by accident; I thought she was her mother.
This is Rio's first high profile gaffe since that moment of madness a few years ago, when he dated Emma Bunton. I will definitely be dipping in to the 7/1 for a draw between Manchester United and West Ham.
Rio wasn't the only player involved in controversy at Stamford Bridge last week; Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba almost came to blows over a free kick; they should really have got a room with Ronaldo. I can't get my head around the 11/2 for a Newcastle win over Chelsea.
The funniest moment of the match came after the final whistle, when the Manchester United players had a Benny Hill style fight with the Chelsea groundsmen. The United boys were completely out of order; Rio Ferdinand should know by now to keep off the grass. Middlesbrough are involved in a real fight, they'll beat Portsmouth at 11/10.
Rafa Benitez's decision to wind up Didier Drogba prior to their Champion's League semi will rightfully be filed alongside Ronaldo's shemale escapades in the 'what a massive rick' category, but both are trumped by my decision to make a move on a waitress when I holidayed in Thailand. I won't bore you with all the gruesome details, but let's just say that she wasn't the only one who received a large tip. I'm far more comfortable with this tip; back Liverpool to beat the imploding Manchester City at 8/11.
Gareth Barry is considering a move to Liverpool as he wants to join a club that can match his ambition. Evidently his ambition is to perform adequately in Europe and never win the league. The Villa can overtake Everton for the UEFA cup spot by seeing off Wigan at 4/7.
Last week was disastrous for Birmingham City. As the Blues threw away a 2-0 lead at home, Fulham were performing miracles in Manchester and Bolton were holding on for a point at White Hart Lane. Maybe there is a little truth in the gypsy's curse; they should never have sold him to Blackburn. Fulham v Birmingham will be a cracker, I'll explode when Fulham take the points at 5/4.
Robbie Savage could definitely forge a career in the female impersonation industry once his best footballing days are behind him; somewhere in 1998. Blackburn are a far better team since they dropped the blonde deadwood; they'll beat Derby by two or more goals at 5/6.
If Reading v Tottenham produces as much action as the reverse fixture, it'll be quite an entertaining game. Tottenham romped to a 6-4 victory at the Lane; narrowly foiling my bet on 'no goalscorer'. Reading have deteriorated since then; they haven't scored a goal since March and only Derby have a worse goal difference. If Tottenham don't take all three points at 12/5, I'll be more hurt than when I woke up in Thailand with a worse limp than Heather Mills.
All the warning signs were there with that Thai waitress, she actually warned me that she'd be bringing some nuts up to the room. I thought she meant that I'd enjoy a late night snack - unfortunately, I was correct. I'm definitely right in taking a large slice of the 8/11 for an Arsenal win over Everton.
I'm reminded of my Thai nightmare whenever I see Roy Keane's infamous challenge on Alf-Inge Haaland; that was some tackle. Roy's boys have been priced up at 11/2 against Bolton, that's very, very big.
It was quite ironic that I ended up in a compromising position with a male who looked like a female, as my wife could easily pass for a builder. Aston Villa, Blackburn, Tottenham and Arsenal form a 10/1 accer of which there can be absolutely no ambiguity.
Weekend Betting:
Man Utd v West Ham Saturday 3rd May 12:45 Live on Sky
Man Utd 1/5
Draw 6/1
West Ham 16/1
Get on: Draw
Aston Villa v Wigan Saturday 3rd May 15:00
Aston Villa 4/7
Draw 14/5
Wigan 6/1
Get on: Aston Villa
Blackburn v Derby Saturday 3rd May 15:00
Blackburn 3/10
Draw 9/2
Derby 12/1
Get on: Blackburn
Fulham v Birmingham Saturday 3rd May 15:00
Fulham 5/4
Draw 12/5
Birmingham 23/10
Get on: Fulham
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth Saturday 3rd May 15:00
Middlesbrough 11/10
Draw 5/2
Portsmouth 11/4
Get on: Middlesbrough
Reading v Tottenham Saturday 3rd May 15:00
Reading 5/4
Draw 12/5
Tottenham 12/5
Get on: Tottenham
Bolton v Sunderland Saturday 3rd May 17:15 Live on Setanta
Bolton 4/6
Draw 3/1
Sunderland 11/2
Get on: Sunderland
Arsenal v Everton Sunday 4th May 13:30 Live on Sky
Arsenal 8/11
Draw 11/4
Everton 9/2
Get on: Arsenal
Liverpool v Man City Sunday 4th May 16:00 Live on Sky
Liverpool 8/11
Draw 11/4
Man City 9/2
Get on: Liverpool
Newcastle v Chelsea Monday 5th May 16:00 Live on Sky
Newcastle 5/1
Draw 16/5
Chelsea 8/13
Get on: NewcastleLabels: premier-league-betting
Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 4:21 PM
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