Euro 2008 Semi-Finals Betting
We’re down to the last four now and with results in the competition not always going the way they are expected you can make a case for any of the teams in the semi-finals winning their match.
But with eight of the last twelve semi-final matches in this competition finishing level after 90 minutes it’s worth considering going with the historical evidence and backing both matches to finish all-square.
Germany v Turkey
Germany are hot favourites to beat Turkey but at 5/14 (Bodog) they don’t look that good a bet when you take everything into consideration. Sure Germany played well against Portugal but two of their goals came from poor marking at set-pieces and it’s unlikely that Turkey will give Germany the space in the box they got against Portugal.
As we previously mentioned historically the draw looks a likely outcome and when that’s coupled with the dogged, never say die attitude Turkey have shown in their matches the price for a German win looks a bit skinny.
Due to suspensions and injuries Turkey will only have 13 players to choose from for this match. They have already shown in comeback wins against the Czech Republic and Switzerland the fighting spirit they possess and they might well pull together even more tonight given the circumstances they find themselves in.
We think Turkey are capable of getting the draw 10/3 (Partybets) and taking the match into extra-time. The half-time/full-time result of draw/draw at 6/1 (Coral) looks a decent bet and We also think it’s worth considering the match being decided on penalties and with both teams quoted at 14/1 (VCbet) you could get a nice return.
Turkey are 13/2 (Bodog) to win the match in 90 minutes and if they manage to sneak a goal might be difficult to peg back. But we’re sticking with a draw.
Russia v Spain
The Russian’s have two of the best strikers in the competition in Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko and their defence has improved as the tournament has progressed and we think they will be hard to beat.
Russia are extremely dangerous on the counter–attack and Spain will need to be wary of the pace they possess when their own moves break down. At 3/1 (Skybet) to win the match Russia look good value and if they can keep David Villa and Fernando Torres quiet they must have every chance of winning the match.
Against Italy Spain were slow in their build-up and this gave the Italians plenty of time to organise themselves behind the ball. They may need to move the ball quicker tonight if they are to put the Russian defence under real pressure or they could find themselves shut down quickly in midfield and unable to complete their passes.
The 21/20 (Partybets) for a Spain win will have plenty of takers as will the draw at 12/5 (Coral) given how many previous semi-finals have finished all-square after 90 minutes.
With so many class strikers on show it would be a surprise if there were no goals and Andrei Arshavin to score anytime at 7/2 (Paddy Power) is well worth a bet. The first goalscorer market has Arshavin at 9/1 (Bet365) and strike partner Pavlyuchenko at 15/2 (Skybet). You can get 5/1 (Partybets) on David Villa opening the scoring while Torres is a decent price at 6/1 (Coral) to get the first goal.
We think the half-time/full-time result of Draw/Russia 7/1 (Ladbrokes) is worth taking a chance on. If you think this game will be decided on penalties, both sides are available at 17/2 (PaddyPower) to win the match on penalties.
We’re taking Russia to just edge this match and think Andrei Arvashin is likely to score during the game. We’re going for a correct score of 2-1 to Russia at 14/1 (Skybet).