Euro 2012 is entering into the final stages of what has been a fascinating competition thus far with the early knockout stages only really providing on shock that would have benefited the bookmakers when Russia were surprisingly knocked out after a defeat against Greece when they were being touted as one of the potential outsiders to actually win the competition.
After the quarter-final stages has also gone as planned as far as the bookmakers are concerned with Spain going past France in a tense encounter in Ukraine which are seen some unsavoury scenes from the departed France side. While Germany made light work of the Greece side scoring four goals in a game which showed how much strength in depth they have with much of the second string squad called upon to give a break to some of the more first team line-up which will benefit them when they come to face England or Italy depending on which of the big nations manages to win that game.
With Spain lining up against Portugal in their semi-final there is a lot of concern about the fitness of the Spanish national side and the lack of recovery time they will have after their game at over 30° against France on Saturday evening which is seen manager Del Bosque come out and say that his players are drained and will suffer from having to less days to prepare for this crunch semi-final as they bid to become the first nation in history to win three major tournaments in a row.
The odds still favour the Spanish here are 7/4 to retain their European championship title alongside a glowing German side that arguably have easier route to the final when they play England or Italy. The stage is set for Spain v Germany final and nobody could argue with this as the sides have played the best football with the most confidence at this stage in the competition with Portugal having a claim as the third best side in terms of what they are shown so far and that 6/1 are the best outside bet to win Euro 2012.
the competition has been a success so far and with four games left to play excluding the play-off games there is every chance it can be remembered as one of the best tournaments in recent history whether that is because Spain make history and win a third title at 7/4 or England or Italy claim the title in a similar fashion to Chelsea by making themselves difficult to beat and relying on one of their big stars to abuse a moment of magic both of these are available at 10/1 and would be betting tip at this stage in the competition. Bet with Paddy Power for Best Moneyback Specials and a £250 Free Bet.
Ormaloon