Euro 2012
2012-06-27 - Spain vs Portugal
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : Europe : EURO 2012
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012, 7:45PM GMT
PREVIEW
Spain bounced back from the poor performance they put in against Croatia to knock out France in a quite one-sided quarterfinal match. Spain scored early through Alonso and then blanked the French over 90 minutes before delivering a coup de grace late on with another Alonso goal, via the penalty spot. The holders of both the World Cup and the previous Euro now take on Portugal, who sneaked past the Czech Republic 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Ronaldo (who else).
The headlines are now all about Ronaldo, and how his 3 goals have put his side in the semi-finals, where they could cause the shock of the tournament. They say there is no I in team but try telling that to Portugal. Ronaldo scored twice against Holland to come from behind and then of course finally ended the Czech resistance. Portugal were made to wait until almost 10 minutes from time to get their goal, and that leads me to believe that despite all the hype, this Portugal side will do well to score against Spain, who have not conceded since going a goal down to Italy in the opening game of their group. Since then they equalised against Italy, and then beat Ireland 4-0, before topping their group with a 1-0 win over Croatia.
Portugal are going to be missing Postiga for this match, an important absence that is being overlooked what with the spotlight on Ronaldo. On the other side Spain have no such worries, and have a team that is used to playing with other, settled as well as any team can be. Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso are always threats, but they have 2 real dangermen in Torres and Fabregas, whomever starts or finishes. Expect one, or even both, of them to be on the scoresheet tonight.
The last time these two met Portugal beat Spain 4-0. It is important not to read too much into that, because just prior to that match Spain beat Portugal when it mattered, in the World Cup, winning without conceding, 1-0. Before labouring to that 1-0 win over the Czech, Portugal had conceded in their last 4 games. Spain will not be denied.
BETTING VERDICT
There is an outside chance of a 1-1 draw but things would really have to go Portugals way on both sides of the ball. I see this ending 1-0 but there is a chance for 2-0 late on as Portugal chase it. There is a big price available on Spain, in my opinion, so I shall simply take the holders to win and not overcomplicate things.
The Pick :
Spain
