Monthly Archives: June 2012

Ставки на матч Англия – Италия!

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Футбол. Евро-2012

Англия – Италия. На следующем Евро нам предстоит забыть о таких «вкусных» матчах сразу после групповой стадииGerrard look 1 221x300 Ставки на матч Англия Италия!, так как через четыре года в турнире будут участвовать не 16, а 24 команды. Может конечно это я драматизирую, и организаторы что-то сделают с сеткой проведения турнира? В конце концов, еще в 1988 году на Евро играли всего восемь команд…

Но вернемся в день сегодняшний, а в нем мы уже попрощались с французами, которым не удалось показать ничего в матче с Испанией, подопечные Дель Боске, что называется на классе переиграла своих оппонентов. Забавно получается, что вчера футболисты «Реала» отправили в отпуск Карима Бензема, а теперь постараются сделать тоже самое с Криштиану Роналду.

В матче англичан 2.75 с итальянцами нам предстоит увидеть образчик оборонительной игры, как говорил один мой знакомый на это можно «квартиру ставить»! До такой степени рисковать я вам не советую, но поверить, в то, что мы сегодня увидим  Тотал Больше 2.5, я могу только в самых смелых фантазиях. Возможно, матч будет не столь эффектным, но что же вы хотите на кону выход в полуфинал Чемпионата Европы.

Ну и для тех, кто давно следит за мировыми футбольными форумами не секрет, что рано или поздно в плей-офф наступает матч, который уверенно переходит в дополнительное время. Ну а раз мы планируем, что матч будет крайне закрытый, то и ничьи 3.00 в основное время нам не избежать.

Уэйн Руни заявил, что не испытывает никакого психологического давления со стороны прессы, так как он ее просто не читает. Весьма разумный подход. Да и если учесть, как в Англии относятся к футболу, то там «от любви до ненависти» не то что «шаг», а так и вовсе «поворот головы».

Что от итальянцев 2.75, что от англичан на этом Евро никто ничего сильно не ждет. Выход в полуфинал будет воспринят на родине, как маленькая победа.

Силы команд настолько равны, что судьбу матча решит или высочайшее индивидуальное мастерство в одном отдельном моменте, или случайность…

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  1. Ставки на матч Англия – Украина! Футбол. Евро-2012 Англия – Украина. Как ни прискорбно для украинцев…
  2. Ставки на матчи Евро-2012! Футбол. Евро-2012 Италия – Хорватия. Единственной сборной, которая может первой…
  3. Ставки на матч Испания – Франция! Футбол. Евро-2012 Испания – Франция. Многолетнее соперничество этих двух команд…

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Ставки на матч Испания – Франция!

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Футбол. Евро-2012

Испания – Франция. Многолетнее соперничество этих двух команд продолжится и на этом турнире. В памятиRami scored 1 300x200 Ставки на матч Испания Франция! встает эпизод, когда на Евро-2000 Рауль не забил пенальти Бартезу, и Испания не смогла пройти Францию. Такая же неудача постигла Испанию и на Чемпионате Мира 2006 года. Но все это просто приятные воспоминания из истории французского футбола, а сегодня перед стартом матча «трехцветные» находятся далеко не в положении фаворита.

За прошедшие четыре года ситуация в мировом футболе изменилась коренным образом. Испания 1.75 выиграла все, что только можно и останавливаться не намерена. Да и с чего испанцам останавливаться? «Барселона» и «Реал» хоть и имеют в своем составе большое количество легионеров, но все равно опираются на своих доморощенных воспитанников.

Серхио Рамос заявил, что то поражение в 2006 году было связанно с молодостью испанской команды. Данная проблема, как вы понимаете, нивелировалась сама собой, так как большего победного опыта, чем у сборной Испании нет ни у одной из команд. Плюс, Рамос добавил, что философией сборной Испании является желание побеждать во всех турнирах, в которых она участвует.

Не знаю по какой причине французы так легкомысленно отнеслись к последней встрече со шведами и умудрились проиграть немотивированным скандинавам. Но как итог, они получили одного из самых серьезных соперников на турнире на стадии 1/4. На мой взгляд, игра с Италией была бы значительно легче, но… история не терпит сослагательного наклонения, и французы теперь выйдут играть против Касильяса, Иньесты и Торреса.

Команда Франции 5.00 очень похожа на самих испанцев шестилетней давности. Такая же молодая и очень талантливая команда, но есть один нюанс. В составе команды Лорана Блана есть несколько игроков, которые могут в нужный момент и прикрикнуть на молодых партнеров, и делом помочь. И что самое хорошее «раскиданы» они в три разные игровые линии. Клиши, Рибери и Бензема – вот три человека, которые не имеют права дать слабину сегодня вечером.

Особенно хочу отметить Франка Рибери, который обладает умением хорошо играть именно самые важные игры в сезоне.

Не исключаю сегодня дополнительного времени, а возможно и счета 0:0, так как не бывает больших турниров, в которых бы хоть раз, да и не сыграли 90 минут без забитых мячей.

Related posts:

  1. Ставки на матч Испания – Италия! Футбол. Евро-2012 Испания – Италия. Если бы к Чемпионату Европы…
  2. Ставки на матчи Испания – Хорватия и Италия – Ирландия! Футбол. Евро-2012 Испания – Хорватия. Второй день подряд все только…
  3. Ставки на матчи Евро-2012! Футбол. Евро-2012 Италия – Хорватия. Единственной сборной, которая может первой…

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England eye historic win

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England are bidding to reach the semi-final of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years when they take on Italy in the big Euro 2012 quarter-final on Sunday (England 9/5 draw 2/1 Italy 9/5 – 90 minutes match prices) But can they do it?

In stark contrast to major tournaments in previous years, England travelled to Poland and the Ukraine with low expectations among players, management and supporters.

Thanks to the ‘golden generation’ being on the wane, a raft of injuries decimating the squad, Wayne Rooney’s two-match suspension and boss Roy Hodgson’s late appointment, the Three Lions were considered one of the outsiders for the competition, with qualifying from the group seen as an achievement.

However, England have not only managed to make it to the knock-out stages, but they did so as group winners, avoiding world and European champions Spain in the quarter-finals as a result.

The triumph in Group D was based on defensive solidity and organisation, with their 1-1 opening game draw against France giving them the perfect platform.

But it hasn’t all been about defending; they also showed tremendous spirit to come from behind against Sweden, while their victory over Ukraine was laced with a sprinkling of good luck – all factors required to be successful in a major tournament. It is little wonder, then, that England fans are dreaming again.

Their outright odds have gone in to 8/1 as a result, with many believing the squad is at its most unified in years.

However, to be within a chance of competing for a first European crown England must first do what they haven’t done for 14 years – beat Italy.

Indeed, before we all get too excited it needs to be noted that England have never beaten a major footballing nation in a knock-out game on foreign soil. So Cesare Prandelli’s side – World champions just five years ago – represent a significant challenge.

Their build-up to the tournament was once again tainted by allegations of match-fixing in the domestic game, with police even raiding the team’s training camp.

The last time such scandal engulfed Italian football, the national team went all the way to World Cup glory. There appears to be a similar determination to improve the image of the Italian game among the players this time around (Italy 8/1 Euro 2012 outright).

They were placed in a tough-looking Group C alongside Spain, Croatia and Ireland. A credible 1-1 draw with Spain was followed up with the same scoreline against Croatia before a comfortable 2-0 win against Ireland sealed their progress as group runners-up.

Like England their game is based on being tight defensively, so it is not surprising therefore that the odds for under 2.5 goals is a popular choice at 1/2 while 1 goals or less is temptingly priced at 17/10.

It is believed Hodgson will stick with the same starting XI that began against Ukraine on Tuesday, meaning Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck will start up front.

Rooney made a goalscoring entrance to the competition with the only goal of the game against the co-hosts – his first at a major tournament since 2004 – and he is unsurprisingly 5/1 favourite to score first for England on Sunday.

Skipper Steven Gerrard, who may also be the team’s primary penalty taker (though Rooney may have something to say about that), is also worth considering at 9/1.

For Italy, much of the pre-match hype has surrounded the enigmatic Mario Balotelli. The Manchester City forward can produce the sublime or the ridiculous so he has to be considered at 13/2 to score first.

However, he isn’t guaranteed to start, with Udinese forward Antonio Di Natalie – a less controversial striking option – in contention. The 34-year-old is 6/1 to open the scoring.

The magnificent Andrea Pirlo acts as Italy’s heartbeat in midfield and will need to be watched closely by the England backline. He scored a wonderful free-kick against Croatia in the group stages and is certain to be a danger from set-pieces again – you can get odds of 12/1 on the Juventus man netting first.

With such a huge prize on offer the key to this game could be who manages to hold their nerve. With both sides priding themselves on keeping things tight at the back, goals should be hard to come by here.

If England are to progress, 1-0 priced at 6/1 would be a wise choice, although with talk of a penalty shoot-out, a goalless draw after 90 minutes is also worth considering at 11/2.

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History with the French

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The knockout stages at Euro 2012 are now in full swing with the attention on Saturday turning to the defending champions as Spain take on France in Dontesk, Ukraine, with the kick off at 745pm.

Vicente del Bosque’s men have not quite hit the heights that many expected of them and that is reflected in the betting, as they have now slipped to second favouritism for the tournament outright, priced at 5/2 behind 2/1 market leaders Germany.

Despite their relative troubles against Italy and Croatia it is worth noting that La Roja still qualified as Group C winners, while France had to settle for a runners-up berth in Group D in what looked an easier task on paper.

Spain are not expected to slip up in Donetsk as they are priced as the 4/5 favourites in the match betting, with the draw on offer at 5/2 while Les Bleus can be backed at 4/1 to cause a shock.

Forgetting the Republic of Ireland clash, Del Bosque’s side struggled to a 1-1 draw in their opener against Italy, while Croatia missed two golden chances to open the scoring before Jesus Navas popped up with a late winner.

Laurent Blanc’s team had started the tournament in reasonable fashion, enjoying the better of a 1-1 draw against England before easing past co-hosts Ukraine 2-0.

However, their dismal failure against already-eliminated Sweden in the last group game has perhaps dampened the spirits, particularly given the news of a dressing-room spat which brought back memories of the problems suffered at the World Cup in 2010.

At 4/1 though, France cannot be ruled out of the reckoning – providing the players have put the fallout from the Sweden defeat behind them – as they have never lost to Spain in a competitive fixture.

Les Bleus triumphed in the final of the European Championships in 1984, won again in the quarter-finals in 2000, while they were the last team to eliminate Spain from a major tournament when they triumphed 3-1 in the first knockout stage at the 2006 World Cup.

La Roja have of course gone on to win Euro 2008 and the World Cup since that defeat and have lost just one game in the process – 1-0 against Switzerland in South Africa.

Spain have won 36 of 38 competitive games since that French loss and will undoubtedly be hard to beat, although there appears to be one or two question marks over the current team.

Del Bosque started the tournament with a ‘false nine’ in Cesc Fabregas against Italy and, although he has two goals to his name, Fernando Torres has started the last two games.

Right-back Alvaro Arbeloa has come in for some criticism from the Spanish media with calls for Juanfran to start against France, who have the dangerous Franck Ribery operating down the left-hand side.

Laurent Blanc has his own issues to sort out, with Karim Benzema a constant threat in La Liga last season but yet to hit the target at Euro 2012.

Philippe Mexes is definitely ruled out through suspension meaning the France boss has to alter his defensive plan, although he is boosted by the news Samir Nasri has been passed fit to play.

Spain have won three of the last four encounters between the two, albeit in friendlies, and may find a little more space against the French, who were critical of England’s defensive tactics against them in the opening round of fixtures.

By the same token, the French forwards may find a little more space themselves and can cause the champions’ back four problems, which certainly sets up an intriguing contest.

Added to the mix is the possibility of the teams’ trying to win a psychological edge ahead of the World Cup qualifiers as they have been drawn together in Group I.

Spain are understandable favourites but history is on the side of the French and they look the value at 4/1 to score a shock, in a game that looks to have a good potential for goals (Over 2.5 Goals – 6/4).

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No rescue fund from Germany

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Germany have never lost to Greece in eight previous encounters and Friday’s Euro 2012 quarter-final showdown in Gdansk should hold few fears for the 9/4 outright betting favourites.

Joachim Low has played a straight bat about his side’s hopes of avoiding a Greek tragedy but one suspects the 52-year-old will not lose too much sleep over the 2004 tournament winners.

Greece should be commended for a never-say-die attitude and willingness to dig deep in the trenches. What they lack in style, they make up for in substance and it is this stubbornness which led them to glory in Portugal, where they kept the most clean sheets (three).

This time around they will be missing captain and talisman Giorgios Karagounis, who serves a one-game ban after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Russia, and this has to blunt them as an attacking unit.

The game-plan will be to stifle the Germans in midfield and cut off the supply lines but this is knockout football now and therein lies the problem for the Greeks.

The Germans have taken the lead in all three matches at Euro 2012, plus each of their 10 qualifiers, going on to win all of those games. They have not fallen behind in a competitive game since the third-place play-off against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup and have won their last 14 competitive games.

Low has so many options going forward he should not be concerned about the risk of attacks being cut off at source – nor falling behind against the Greeks, so often the stuff of nightmares against such a resilient bunch.

Mario Gomez has found the form which deserted him at the end of the season for Bayern Munich and has hit three already during Euro 2012, so it is a surprise to see him priced up at 3/1 (First and Last Goalscorer).

Germany have scored two goals or more in 14 of their last 16 games but it may be wise to err against any exotic scorelines at PGE Arena, Gdansk – an angle highlighted by the presence of Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, whose tough austerity measures she has demanded in return for financial aid for the debt-laden Greeks make it unlikely she will be sunning herself on any of the country’s destination hot spots this summer.

Greece are short enough at 4/11 to book a place in the last four, with the draw priced up 4/1 and Greece out as big as 8/1 to complete an upset (90 minutes).

Expect the Germans to come away with a job-done outcome, with focal point Gomez 1-0 (16/1) and 2-0 (14/1) attractive in the Popular Scorecast Selections market.

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Ставки на матч Чехия – Португалия!

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Футбол. Евро-2012

Чехия – Португалия. За это мы любим и ненавидим футбол. Еще почти две недели назад мы все радовалисьRonaldo behind 1 300x221 Ставки на матч Чехия Португалия! победе россиян над чехами со счетом 4:1, но теперь мы будем смотреть, как эти самые чехи будут сражаться против Португалии в 1/4 финала. Изначально букмекеры оценивают шансы Португалии значительно выше чем чешские, но в футболе возможно все и не будем об этом забывать.

Одним из важных факторов, который может повлиять  на игру станет здоровье Томаша Росицки. Капитан сборной Чехии сегодня участвовал в утренней тренировке команды, и не только аккуратно побегал по кругу, но и принял участие в двухсторонней игре. Решение о его участии в игре будет принято сегодня, непосредственно перед игрой.

Правый защитник сборной Чехии Теодор Гебре Селасси считает, что он знает способ остановить Криштиану Роналду, как ему это удастся, мы сегодня и увидим. По его мнению, нужно просто не бросаться на финты португальца.

Вообще этот матч станет прекрасной иллюстрацией на тему сражения обороны и атаки, защиты и нападения. А лучшими представителями этих ипостасей сейчас являются  Петр Чех и Криштиану Роналду, великий вратарь и великий нападающий, что может быть лучше? Во многом от действий этих двух игроков и решится судьба этого матча.

Большинство моих знакомы ждут сенсации именно в этом матче. Причем найти логически доводы в их рассуждениях весьма сложно. В основном уповают на молодой задор чешской команды, но с другой стороны, что выдающегося сделала эта команда на Евро? С треском проиграла сборной России, которая затем показала свой истинный уровень? Обыграли греков, но исключительно благодаря двум быстрым голам, а затем выдающийся матч провел Петр Чех!!! Именно благодаря голкиперу Чехия 5.50 прошла в следующий этап.

Хотя с другой стороны, Криштиану Роналду также показал всем, почему именно он один из двух лучших футболистов на планете, второй просто сейчас не выступает на этом турнире. Два гола голландцам показали, что ни психологических, ни функциональных проблем португалец не испытывает.

В принципе, я считаю, что Португалия 1.67 одержит победу в основное время матча, а Криштиану Роналду продолжит забивать.

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Czechs set to check-out

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The Czech Republic are one of the surprise teams to make the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 and they now meet Portugal in the last eight on Thursday, but can Michal Bilek’s side continue to exceed expectations and go further in the tournament?

The Czechs (9/2 – Match Odds) were long shots to qualify for the knockout stage after a comprehensive 4-1 defeat against Russia on the first day in Poland and Ukraine but, somehow, they recovered from that setback to top Group A.

However, they face tough opponents next and are likely to be heading home after the upcoming showdown in Warsaw.

The suggestion before the competition began was that the Czech Republic were an ageing side, short on quality, who were not expected to make much of an impact this summer.

They have proved some doubters wrong with two narrow wins after the Russia debacle and enter Thursday’s tie with nothing much to lose as everyone is expecting Cristiano Ronaldo (4/1 – Euro 2012 Top Goalscorer) to lead Portugal (8/11 – Match Odds) into the semis.

They proved they could cope in an intimidating final group clash against co-hosts Poland and came out 1-0 winners, with the influential Petr Jiracek on target, and they will need him at his best again if they are to hurt Portugal.

Unfortunately for Bilek’s men, key midfielder Tomas Rosicky is a major injury doubt for the quarter-final and was forced to return to Prague to seek treatment on an Achilles problem this week amid fears he will miss the rest of the tournament.

His replacement Daniel Kolar impressed against Poland but he may find it tough going against the likes of Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso on Thursday if he again has to stand in.

Indeed, the Czechs may find it tough going overall against a Portugal side who appear to be revving into gear and peaking at just the right time.

There was criticism of talisman Ronaldo in the first two group games as the Real Madrid ace missed several good chances in the 1-0 defeat to Germany and the dramatic 3-2 win over Denmark.

But the £80million-man put it all to bed with two goals and an all-round impressive match-winning display over Holland and now some are saying he could lead his country all the way to the final in Kiev on July 1.

Portugal boss Paulo Bento has fielded the same starting XI in all three games in the tournament so far and is expected to keep faith with his players once again in Warsaw, despite ongoing question marks over frontman Helder Postiga.

Nani, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao are all experienced campaigners performing consistently and Portugal remain lively outsiders for the overall crown at Euro 2012, with totesport currently offering odds of 13/2 on them triumphing.

Bento also has good options in reserve with talented players Silvestre Valera, Ricardo Quaresma and Nelson Oliviera, but the side that has served him so well so far is expected to get another chance to impress in the last eight.

It is a side that has plenty of admirers and one likely to have a bit too much for the Czech Republic who face a last-eight exit.

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Ставки на матч Англия – Украина!

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Футбол. Евро-2012

Англия – Украина. Как ни прискорбно для украинцев это прозвучит, но они могут уверенно пойти дорогой россиянShevchenko kick 11 242x300 Ставки на матч Англия Украина! на этом чемпионате. К чести «желто-синих» путь этот по качеству уже не сравним с тем, по которому «потопталась» сборная Аршавина. Но если рассматривать чисто эмоциональную сторону вопроса, то все может оказаться схоже. Сперва триумф в первой встрече, а затем медленный «спуск с горы». Но в отличие от россиян, у хозяев чемпионата есть возможность все исправить.

Правда, у сборной Украины как минимум одна проблема, но лежит она больше в области психологии. Матч пройдет на «Донбасс-Арене», а это не самое счастливое место для подопечных Олега Блохина. Для донецкого «Шахтера» это безусловно прекрасный домашний стадион, а вот сборная фактически не побеждает здесь никогда.

Может быть это все мнительность, может соперники были очень сильны, но факт остается фактом. Например, сборная Франции победили здесь четыре дня назад со счетом 2:0, а год назад эти же французы выиграли в Донецке со счетом 4:1! И это при том, что Анатолий Тимощук тогда открыл счет аж на 53-й минуте, но потом…

Да и если не ошибаюсь, то именно здесь Украина не смогла переиграть греков в борьбе за путевку на Чемпионат Мира 2010. Вот такая неприятная тенденция. Остается только верить в талант Андрея Шевченко, хотя и он уже не так молод, чтобы «вытаскивать» команду в одиночку. Украину 3.90 устроит только победа!

Плохой новостью для Украины станет и возвращения Уйна Руни в состав сборной Англии. Такой форвард добавит мощи любой атакующей линии. Англичане забили три мяча шведам, но наличие Руни в составе только увеличит вариативность.

Уверен, что после последнего матча Рой Ходжсон точно поставит в стартовый состав Тео Уолкота, который, выйдя на замену, смог изменить ход неудачно складывающегося матча, впрочем, даже без моих рассказов статистический показатель 1+1 выглядит более чем весомо!

Вот так неожиданно та сборная Англии 2.00, от которой никто ничего не ждал, может пройти в 1/4 финала Чемпионата Европы. Для этого представителям туманного Альбиона достаточно просто не проиграть этот матч.

Я думаю, они даже перевыполнят задачу минимум и победят хозяев.

Related posts:

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  2. Ставки на матч Россия – Чехия! Футбол. Евро-2012 Россия – Чехия. Ну вот мы и дождались…
  3. Ставки на матч Греция – Россия! Футбол. Евро-2012 Греция – Россия. Вот и настает момент истинны….

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Seleccao have sniff of last four

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Monday’s O Jogo lauded Portugal for a performance roughly translated as “This is Royal” against the Netherlands and expectations are now high for another regal performance when they attempt to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2012 at the expense of Czech Republic on Thursday.

All roads lead to Stadion Narodowy with the Portuguese priced up 8/11 (90 minutes) to turn in the same stellar performance which saw the Dutch end a demoralising stay in Poland and Ukraine on Sunday night in Kharkiv (Czech Republic 4/1 draw 12/5).

Headline-maker Cristiano Ronaldo (4/1 Euro 2012 Top Goalscorer) finally translated his Real Madrid form with a brace but the support cast of team-mates Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho should not be underestimated.

The Santiago Bernabeu favourite should be taken up at 3/1 (First and Last Goalscorer) to frank his form against a Czech Republic side which, despite finishing top of Group A, conceded more goals than scored.

Positive noises about the spirit of the squad at the Opalenica training camp were tangible and in stark contrast to Holland, viewed by many as a collection of square pegs in round holes.

Add to this confidence and momentum and suddenly Portugal look like dangerous opponents heading into the business end of the marquee tournament.

The Czechs never turned up against Russia but creditable wins against Greece and Poland is proof enough that Michal Bílek’s men should not be taken lightly, although a clean sheet against the co-hosts stopped a run of five games conceding in all competitions.

The Portuguese are by no means watertight so a high goals projection seems a fair suggestion but the attacking menace of Ronaldo, Nani, et al gives them the edge.

A Deco-inspired Portugal were comfortable 3-1 winners against Czech Republic in Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, a game in which Ronaldo also found the net, and Seleccao fans will be hoping history repeats itself.

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England to upset their hosts

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England fans might have just recovered from the stress of Friday’s thrilling 3-2 win over Sweden in time for Tuesday’s crunch Group D encounter with co-hosts Ukraine (90 minutes). Roy Hodgson’s men need just a point to go through to the quarter-finals but England fans will know it may not be that simple. Will Roy’s boys make it through or crash and burn?

The permutations of England’s game in Donestk on Tuesday are fairly simple: avoid defeat and reach the quarter-finals, bettering the expectations of some supporters. Loss and come home early with your tails between your legs again.

While the two performances by the Three Lions to date have been far from convincing they have produced the necessary results and that is all that matters at this point.

Whether we will see a return to a cautious approach by England in the last group game is up for debate, Hodgson keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to his plans for Ukraine. The England coach is more than likely going to restore Wayne Rooney to his starting XI for the game, meaning either Danny Welbeck or Andy Carroll will drop to the bench.

Both players performed well against Sweden and Hodgson will have to weigh up whether he wants the physical presence of Carroll or the pace and trickier of Welbeck. Either way, Rooney is likely to play just off whoever starts up front and should make the difference against the co-hosts.

No doubt it will be a hostile atmosphere in Donestk but England came through something similar on Friday when the Swedes outnumbered the English 3-to-1 in Kiev. The Three Lions have the edge in terms of history as well, winning three out of the four meetings. However, they did lose their most recent clash against Ukraine in 2010 in a World Cup qualifier.

The Ukraines are 5/2 to secure the three points they need to make it through to the next round, with a repeat of their 1-0 win over England two years ago priced at 9/1. Hodgsons team are 6/5 and the draw 9/4 (match betting).

The draw seems like the most likely outcome in this one, especially with Ukraine’s main threat Andriy Shevchenko a doubt for the game. Some critics may say England lack strength in depth but the fact the Ukrainians are still relying on 35-year-old Shevchenko to get the goals speaks volumes about the state of their team.

The former Chelsea man has scored all of his nation’s goals in the tournament thus far and without him you struggle to see Ukraine getting more than one, even with England’s issues with set pieces.

Rooney is bound to want to prove a point and as such you’d fancy him to pop up with a goal. The Manchester United striker is 13/8 to score anytime and 9/2 to break the deadlock first. It seems to be inevitable that game will be an ugly contest given the lack of skill both teams possess. However, Rooney could prove to be the one bit of quality England need to edge it.

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