EURO 2012 BETTING PICK - CZECH REPUBLIC V PORTUGAL

Euro 2012

2012-06-21 - Czech Republic vs Portugal

A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps

CZECH REPUBLIC v PORTUGAL
Football : Euro 2012 : Quarter Final
Thursday 21st June - Kickoff 7:45pm

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Czech Republic

Bilek's side were odds against to qualify from Group A at the start of the tournament but after a last game victory over hosts Poland, here they are in the last 8. Up next for them is Portugal and it is no surprise to see them underdogs for this one.

I have been going against this side every game and as you can work out, it's not a great strategy. However, I feel this side is very fortunate to be where they are and I will explain so below.

The Russian's battered the Czechs, a 4-1 win doesn't do it justice. Kerzhakov missed 7 chances at goal whilst Dzagoev also wasted some chances despite his brace.

Up against Greece, Santos's side started very slowly and gifted the Czech's a 2 goal head start within the first 8 minutes. You could argue the Czechs had to put the chances away etc But the defending was farcical and I expect anyone to hold onto a 2-0 lead against the goal shy Greeks.

In the their last game, I do have to give them some credit. To play Poland and beat them on their own patch is impressive. Still the Poles were dreadful and literally could not keep the ball for more than 2 passes and once the counter attack goal from Jireck went in their heads went and the game was over.

The Portuguese won't waste possession and have far greater attacking options than those sides in Group A. The bonus stat for the Czechs is that they have scored in every game these finals despite struggling for goals in qualifying where their left back was the top goal scorer!

Portugal

The Portuguese escaped the "Group of Death" with 6 points despite losing their first game. If memory serves me correctly they did the same thing in 04 where they eventually lost in the final. Up next for a spot in the last four are the Czech Republic.

Bento's Portugal were very unlucky in my eyes to lose to Germany in game 1. They held and frustrated their obviously superior opponents for so long only to concede late and even then they missed chances to equalise at the death.

With their back up against the wall, pretty much 2 wins were required and that's what was delivered. Portugal raced into a 2-0 lead over Denmark only for Ronaldo to miss sitter after sitter and all of a sudden with minutes to go it was 2-2 with the Danes. Then up stepped Varela to thunder home the winner with just minutes remaining to keep their Euro 2012 dream alive.

Finally in their last game against Holland with the Dutch needing to win by 2 to eliminate Bento's side. Portugal went a goal down but once again showed some fantastic character to not only win the game 2-1 but they looked frightening on the counter when doing so.

Ronaldo has put his misses to bed with both goals against the Dutch and is the real threat on Thursday night. He and Nani look in great form and should ask questions all night whilst the back line should find the Czechs more modest than their Group B opponents.

Betting Verdict

I only see the odds on Portugal coming in as the game draws nearer so I want to back them as soon as possible. The Czech's did well to get out of their group but the way the Russian's countered on them in game 1 must be in their minds. Up against Nani and Ronaldo they could really get stretched and if the Portuguese get ahead it's hard to see them coming back.

As I mentioned above the Czechs have scored in all their group games so I have to presume they will get one on Thursday. Portugal have failed to keep any clean sheets but with Germany and Holland getting just 1 against them I will take a chance they concede at most the 1 goal.

With that In mind I still think Portugal can win this well and by a couple of goals. With the Asian line odds against I will bite and hope Ronaldo and Co perform the same attacking display used to beat Holland and win this well. Portugal to advance for me.

Good Luck

The Pick :