| Euro 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo looks to dash German dreams |
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| Written by Neil Jordan | |||||||
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Thursday, 19 June 2008
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 Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the Portugal squad are looking to follow up their second-place finish in the 2004 European Championships with a title in UEFA Euro 2008, and they will continue their mission in the quarterfinals when they meet pre-tournament favorites Germany at St. Jakob Park Thursday afternoon. BetOnline.com has Portugal +135 odds, Germany +190 odds with the Draw +200 and the over 2.5 +145 and under 2.5 –195 odds.The Germans captured the second spot in Group B, and they have not been the force they usually are at the European Championships. Strangely, their problems have come on defense where they are usually so efficient, dating back to the days of Franz Beckenbauer. Lukas Podolski scored three of Germany's four goals, while captain Michael Ballack hit the goal that sent Germany through. The Germans will have Bastian Schweinsteiger from suspension, but they will be missing manager Joachim Loew after he was sent from the sideline during their 1-0 win over Austria. Portugal lost their final Group A match, but they still gave a terrific account of themselves for their first matches, which they thoroughly dominated. Cristiano Ronaldo, backing up why most people believe he is the best player in the world right now, scoring a goal and setting up another while being a general nuisance to the opposition. Their defense has been very strong, led by the underrated Ricardo Carvalho. The Portuguese are 140 favorites for Germany vs Portugal to progress to the semifinals, and it will be interesting to see if the German defense can cope with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and his midfield partner, Deco. The Germans have the offense to run with the Portuguese, but that will expose them at the back and the Portuguese will make them pay. Portugal should get the quarterfinals rolling with an entertaining victory over the Germans on Thursday. Germany vs Portugal – 2:45 PM ET – UEFA Euro 2008 Free UEFA Euro 2008 Tip: Portugal For more props and odds on UEFA Euro 2008 as we progress through the tournament, as well as a look at our brand-new and revamped Casino, visit BetOnline.com for the most exciting experience in the football betting industry.                        |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 June 2008 ) | |||||||