Euro 2012 Betting Guide 3

In our third betting guide, our resident experts talks you through his tips for the quarter-finals…

Cristiano Ronaldo was sensational against the Dutch in Portugal’s final group game. He’s the best European footballer in the world and he always creates chances for himself. His two goals against Holland put him bang in contention to be the tournament’s top goal-scorer.

The team that has impressed me the most so far is Ronaldo’s Portugal. They are extremely dangerous going forward with Ronaldo and Nani on either wing and while Helder Postiga struggles in front of goal, he’s good with his back to the posts.

Defensively, the Portuguese are particularly solid. Despite Pepe being one of the most infuriating players in world football with his minuscule pain threshold, he has been a colossus in this competition.

I expect Ronaldo to score tonight, Portugal to beat the Czechs and eventually win the tournament outright.

Portugal to win Euro 2012 + Ronaldo to be top goal-scorer at 18/1 (Bet365)  

Czech Republic v Portugal

Portugal should despatch the Czech Republic and be on their way to the last four. The Czechs qualified from the worst group in the tournament without looking convincing and the Portuguese should have far too much for them.

Germany v Greece

Can Greece replicate their heroics from 2004 and win the European Championships again this year? No. Germany have the perfect quarter-final draw against a team that, let’s be honest, aren’t very good. The Germans haven’t set my heart racing in this competition, but they have been thoroughly professional, efficient and consistent. They are a very talented, organised and hard-working bunch of players that simply should be too good for the admirable and gritty Greeks.

Spain v France

Spain haven’t impressed me in this competition. While they dominate possession, they haven’t looked particularly incisive and haven’t struck me as playing with the same intensity that they did when winning the World Cup two years ago. I believe this team is missing David Villa enormously. Fernando Torres isn’t quite as quick and intricate as Villa, Fabregas has the technical class but not the pace, and for me, Del Bosque is a little unsure of his best team. Playing without a striker against Italy didn’t really work, as Spain created little and didn’t look overly threatening. Ireland were awful in this tournament and even though Spain thumped them, they lacked intensity. Croatia could have sent the reigning champions packing if their winger had converted the glorious headed chance provided to him after some wizardry from Luka Modric.

Similarly, I’m not mad keen on France. One thing they did prove was how tricky England’s group was, with their defeat against Sweden in the last game. I just don’t see where the goals are going to come from for the French, they struggled desperately in qualifying to hit the back of the net and they don’t create many chances.

I think Spain will win this game, but they won’t reach the final.

England v Italy

What more could you have asked for from Roy Hodgson’s England? They topped the group, have looked incredibly solid at the back and our talisman has returned. This team is continually criticised because they are sloppy in possession and a little frustrating to watch, but it’s a team that’s set up to be extremely difficult to break down.. John Terry, setting aside what you may think of him off the pitch, has been a lion at the back.

Italy have been workmanlike. Their creativity centres around Andrea Pirlo and if England can keep him quiet, they must have a very good chance to progress. Chiellini is out for the Italians, which is a serious blow.

Before the tournament, I believed this could be England’s year. With their defensive strength and now having Rooney back in the team with a goal to his name, they will beat the Italians.

Portugal, Spain, Germany and England fourfold @ 10.88/1 (WilliamHill)