Republic of Ireland grabbed a 4-0 win in Estonia on Friday night to all but guarantee their spot in the Euro 2012 tournament proper, ahead of Tuesday’s second-leg in Dublin (totesport – Euro 2012 coupon).
However, despite the fact the Irish enjoy such a commanding lead boss Giovanni Trapattoni will not be taking Estonia lightly and will be keen for his side to secure a win on Tuesday night. Estonia will need to attack from the off, leaving them vulnerable at the back and with Ireland’s superior strength going forward they could blow their opponents away for a second time. In the half-time/full-time market a Republic of Ireland/Republic of Ireland result is priced at 5/6, which represents better value than the 2/5 on offer for an Ireland victory.
Montenegro slumped to a 2-0 loss in Czech Republic in the first-leg and it looks as if the Czechs will be able to secure a place at Euro 2012. Montenegro offered very little going forward in the first-leg and could struggle again, despite enjoying home advantage. Czech Republic are priced at 7/4 to win the match, while Montenegro are 8/5. Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky produced a fine display in the first-leg but his performance was not rewarded with a goal, the winger is priced at 10/1 to get his name on the score sheet and score first on Tuesday.
The most intriguing tie on Tuesday is Bosnia’s visit to Portugal as the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw. Bosnia will progress if they can secure a score draw in Portugal on Tuesday, which would be a massive achievement. A draw is priced at 10/3, while 1-1 is available at 6/1. Portugal should prove too strong for Bosnia but the visitors should not be dismissed lightly as they have quality amongst their ranks, including Manchester City striker Eden Dzeko. Bosnia are 13/2 to secure the win, while Portugal are 4/9 but the game could well be closer than the odds suggest and in the half-time/full-time market a draw/Portugal result is priced at 10/3.
Croatia host Turkey in a tie that already looks out of the visitors’ reach, thanks to Croatia’s 3-0 win in Turkey in the first-leg. Turkey will be desperate to avenge that defeat and will look to throw everything at Croatia, which will leave them vulnerable on the counter-attack. Croatia are 8/11 to secure the win, the draw is available at 13/5 but a small wager on Turkey at 4/1 could be a bet worth placing as they will be desperate to salvage some pride after their first-leg hammering.
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Colombia will look to pile more pressure on Copa America hosts and Group A rivals Argentina by defeating Bolivia in Santa Fe on Sunday evening and sealing their place in the quarter-finals.
Bristol City (18/1 to win the Championship) have secured a shock summer deal by signing England goalkeeper David James.