Cristiano Ronaldo's impressive performances at Euro 2012 have led some people placing a bet on La Liga to suggest that he is now the undisputed best player in the world.
While he still may be slightly behind Argentinian genius, Lionel Messi, in that category, there can be no argument that Portugal's talisman is gaining ground and, when at his best, is simply unplayable.
The Real Madrid star came into the Poland and Ukraine tournament on the back of another outstanding domestic season, when he scored a staggering 46 goals to help the Spanish giants to the title, and now he is threatening to lead his country to glory at Euro 2012, as well.
The former Manchester United star was actually criticised in some quarters for missing several good chances in Portugal's first two games, and there were a couple of moments early on that suggested that he may end up failing to make his mark on a major tournament, once again.
However, his brilliant double in the crucial 2-1 win over the Netherlands, last weekend, made the critics eat their words, as he virtually single-handedly inspired Paulo Bento's men into the last eight.
Ronaldo then scored a fine header in the 1-0 quarter-final win over the Czech Republic, in what was another superb individual performance from the 27-year-old, who again made the difference when it mattered most.
He could have had more goals in Warsaw, and was only denied by the post in the first half, in what would have been a breath-taking goal; the feeling is that he is getting even better as Euro 2012, and Portugal, progress.
Those who feel Ronaldo is behind Messi in the 'best player in the world' argument have often thrown in his failure to make the required impact at a major tournament as a valid reason why he is second best.
If he keeps up his current form at Euro 2012, however, plenty of live football fans might be forced to change their mind.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Rooney back with a bang
Wayne Rooney announced his first appearance at Euro 2012 by scoring England’s winning goal to secure their place in the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory against co-hosts Ukraine. The result, combined with France’s 2-0 defeat to Sweden, ensures England won Group D, avoiding Spain the quarter-finals and instead drawing Italy in their final-eight clash. This should be considered an achievement in itself for manager Roy Hodgson, as the England Euro 2012 Betting before the tournament began suggested they would struggle to make the knock-out stages at all.
Rooney had been suspended for the opening two games of England’s group campaign, but was back in the side as Roy Hodgson instantly recalled his main striker back into the starting line-up. While the Manchester United star was way short of his best during his first appearance in five weeks, he was on hand to nod home a delicious Steven Gerrard cross in the second half to give England the valuable three points.
With Italy now waiting for Hodgson’s men in the quarter-finals, Rooney has insisted that no team in the tournament will want to take on this England side at the moment. The striker believes all areas of the team are ready to handle whatever opposing sides can bring to the table.
"I think we know our qualities and what we're capable of. We've got together and worked really hard, we've done a lot of tactical play in training and we're difficult to beat.”
"I don't think there is any team that would fancy playing us, we're difficult to break down and we've got the players who can score goals, so it's going well at the minute. We'll get a good rest now and hopefully we'll be back fresh."
Rooney will now be hoping to be sharper when England take on the Italians on Sunday. A match-fit Rooney could be the difference between this England team reaching the final and not.
With Germany looking good yet again, plenty of punters are back Joachim’s Low’s men to go all the way to the final. If you fancy a flutter yourself, don’t forget to head over to the Germany Euro 2012 Betting page at Betfair.
Rooney had been suspended for the opening two games of England’s group campaign, but was back in the side as Roy Hodgson instantly recalled his main striker back into the starting line-up. While the Manchester United star was way short of his best during his first appearance in five weeks, he was on hand to nod home a delicious Steven Gerrard cross in the second half to give England the valuable three points.
With Italy now waiting for Hodgson’s men in the quarter-finals, Rooney has insisted that no team in the tournament will want to take on this England side at the moment. The striker believes all areas of the team are ready to handle whatever opposing sides can bring to the table.
"I think we know our qualities and what we're capable of. We've got together and worked really hard, we've done a lot of tactical play in training and we're difficult to beat.”
"I don't think there is any team that would fancy playing us, we're difficult to break down and we've got the players who can score goals, so it's going well at the minute. We'll get a good rest now and hopefully we'll be back fresh."
Rooney will now be hoping to be sharper when England take on the Italians on Sunday. A match-fit Rooney could be the difference between this England team reaching the final and not.
With Germany looking good yet again, plenty of punters are back Joachim’s Low’s men to go all the way to the final. If you fancy a flutter yourself, don’t forget to head over to the Germany Euro 2012 Betting page at Betfair.
Has Hodgson Found the Key to Euro 2012 Success?
Roy Hodgson now dares to dream that England are genuine contenders to win Euro 2012, and who can blame him?
Now assured of a place in the last eight of the showpiece summer tournament in Poland and Ukraine, courtesy of a 1-0 win against co-hosts Ukraine, thanks to a header from the recalled Wayne Rooney, and the Three Lions have to be taken seriously.
Perversely, a low-key approach from players and fans alike appears to have worked a trick. No longer is every passing car is bedecked with St George flags and the obligatory jingoistic headlines from most red tops have been eased down.
Yet, Hodgson, who has clearly won over the dressing room, also appears to have a plan, whether fans placing online bets like it or not.
England have not dominated one single opponent - nor are they likely to get supporters out of their seats - but it could be Hodgson has found the key to playing tournament football.
A strong spine complemented by honest and hard-working midfielders, all happy to get their socks dirty, and a headline-maker in Rooney, the focal point to the attack, and the balance appears to be right.
Gone are the days of Sven Goran Eriksson playing Paul Scholes, perhaps the most complete central midfielder of his generation, out on the left wing.
Also, mercifully, for most supporters anyway, is the circus that followed former captain and A-List celebrity, David Beckham.
It was left to Hodgson to sum up the mood in the camp perfectly, and in his own inimitable, modest way, when the 64-year-old suggested that he and the players were happy that they did not have to think about their summer holidays just yet.
He said: "The good thing is that we're there and we're not travelling home. There was not one person in our group who wanted to be on that plane tomorrow."
This is very much a different England, now fifth favourite for the Euro 2012 title in the live soccer betting on Bet365.
Roll on Italy.
Now assured of a place in the last eight of the showpiece summer tournament in Poland and Ukraine, courtesy of a 1-0 win against co-hosts Ukraine, thanks to a header from the recalled Wayne Rooney, and the Three Lions have to be taken seriously.
Perversely, a low-key approach from players and fans alike appears to have worked a trick. No longer is every passing car is bedecked with St George flags and the obligatory jingoistic headlines from most red tops have been eased down.
Yet, Hodgson, who has clearly won over the dressing room, also appears to have a plan, whether fans placing online bets like it or not.
England have not dominated one single opponent - nor are they likely to get supporters out of their seats - but it could be Hodgson has found the key to playing tournament football.
A strong spine complemented by honest and hard-working midfielders, all happy to get their socks dirty, and a headline-maker in Rooney, the focal point to the attack, and the balance appears to be right.
Gone are the days of Sven Goran Eriksson playing Paul Scholes, perhaps the most complete central midfielder of his generation, out on the left wing.
Also, mercifully, for most supporters anyway, is the circus that followed former captain and A-List celebrity, David Beckham.
It was left to Hodgson to sum up the mood in the camp perfectly, and in his own inimitable, modest way, when the 64-year-old suggested that he and the players were happy that they did not have to think about their summer holidays just yet.
He said: "The good thing is that we're there and we're not travelling home. There was not one person in our group who wanted to be on that plane tomorrow."
This is very much a different England, now fifth favourite for the Euro 2012 title in the live soccer betting on Bet365.
Roll on Italy.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Gomez Eyes Golden Boot
Mario Gomez is now a very decent bet with Bet Victor to win
the Golden Boot at Euro 2012, after the striker grabbed his second and third
goals of the tournament in Germany’s 2-1 victory against Holland.
Top of their group with maximum points from two games,
Germany will now look to close out Group B with another victory, ensuring that they
would be able to keep their Gdansk base during the quarterfinals.
The Bayern Munich forward, who had previously come in for
criticism for not producing his club form on the international stage, took his
tally to three goals in Germany’s two group games so far, grabbing one of the
most clinical braces that the tournament will see.
Gomez will now go head into the quarterfinals full of
confidence that he can go on and claim the tournament’s Golden Boot, as well as
leading the Germans to the title.
While the striker was the focus of attention, following
Germany’s victory against their bitter rivals, head coach, Joachim Low, was
quick to turn talk to the team finishing the group stage as winners, admitting that
his side had not been at their best, despite winning the game.
"The group winner would be important because we can
stay in Gdansk and that would probably be to our advantage in the
quarter-finals.
"The temperatures were extreme and the game was
competitive and intense. There were times when both teams lacked momentum, but
we were determined to take the step towards the quarter-finals, and I’m pleased
with how we saw the game out.”
The online betting with Bet Victor has Germany pegged as
this year’s overall winners at Euro 2012.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Hodgson admits fatigue concerns
England manager Roy Hodgson admits he may have to shuffle his pack for Friday’s crunch Euro 2012 Group D clash with Sweden in Kiev.
Hodgson is concerned with the impact of a game every four days on ageing midfielders Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker.
The experienced duo were heavily involved in Monday’s 1-1 draw with France, continually breaking up French attacks with energetic displays.
England began the game as outsiders in the soccer betting so will be glad to have taken a valuable point in their question to reach the quarter-finals.
"I will have to assess the freshness of my team and see whether they are able to do that again," said Hodgson.
"Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard are both over 30 and had to work really hard. I'm not the only coach wondering 'can they do it every four days?'"
Hodgson’s main problem is a lack of quality in central midfield outside the starting 11, with pre-tournament injuries to Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard limiting his options.
Jordan Henderson was a late substitute against France, while James Milner could also play in the middle after starting on the right in Donetsk.
While Hodgson conceded he would need to keep an eye on Parker and Gerrard, he said it would be difficult to leave any player out after an encouraging display in the opener.
"My gut feeling, after a good recovery day on Tuesday, a sensible training day on Wednesday and sensible recovery day on Thursday, is that it will be very hard for me to leave people out," added Hodgson.
"If we said 'we're going to give you a rest because it's too much to play two games in four days', some of them would have us up against the wall."
More positive football scores in England’s remaining group games should see them through. A win against Sweden would leave Hodgson’s side on the brink of the last eight ahead of their final group game against co-hosts Ukraine on June 19.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Kranjcar targets semi-final spot
Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar believes his side have the ability to make it through to the final stages of Euro 2012 following their convincing 3-1 win against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
Slaven Bilic’s team produced one of the most impressive performances and football scores of the opening round of fixtures, outclassing Giovanni Trapattoni’s men and after Group C favourites Spain and Italy could only manage a 1-1 draw in their opening game, the Croats currently sit top of their pool.
Croatia face the Azzurri in their next live football game on Thursday and know victory will guarantee their place in the last eight of the championships in Poland and Ukraine.
The Vatreni made it through to the quarter-finals four years ago before going out on penalties to Turkey and despite the quality of their opponents, are understandably confident of earning a place in the knockout rounds.
Kranjcar, who came on as a substitute in the win over the Republic, believes his team are potential outsiders to win the tournament and says they will be disappointed if they don’t make it through to at least the semi-finals.
"We are aiming high. We are a nation that believes, even in a group with Italy and Spain, that we can go through. Not many nations would say that,” he said.
"We believe we are going to prove we are a team that can beat anybody on our day. Hopefully, then, euphoria will take us further, a step closer than four years ago, because we want to reach the semi-finals at least.
"We know that nobody expects us to beat Italy and Spain, except us. But we believe in ourselves, in our quality,” he added.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Betfair Sign Harry Redknapp for Euro 2012
Fans of England will be delighted to note that Harry Redknapp has been given a chance to exercise his tactical muscle, this summer, despite being pipped in the race for the England manager’s chair. He will join the Betfair punditry team for Euro 2012.
The former West Ham and Seattle Sounders midfielder will be the face of Betfair in Poland and the Ukraine, providing fans with the best betting advice, match predictions, and insights into the teams contesting the European Championships.
Redknapp will join forces with former Arsenal and England player, Lee Dixon, a man already valued for his expert opinion on the Premier League. The duo will likely be discussing the England v France betting odds, over the weekend.
Harry will meet the public on Thursday, when he will participate in a live Q&A on Twitter, at midday. Follow @betfairsports, and attach #AskArry to your messages, to ensure that Redknapp receives your query.
Talking to the press earlier this week, Harry Redknapp said: “I’m over the moon to be bringing my views to Betfair customers throughout the tournament. It’s all set to be a terrific tournament, and something I’m sure the whole country will be talking about.”
Betfair’s Head of UK Sports Brand Marketing, Andy Lulham, added: "Harry is without doubt one of the most respected and popular football figures in the game, and we are delighted to be working with him throughout Euro 2012. Once again our punters are going to benefit from the very best in expert insight showing that you don’t settle for less with Betfair.”
The former West Ham and Seattle Sounders midfielder will be the face of Betfair in Poland and the Ukraine, providing fans with the best betting advice, match predictions, and insights into the teams contesting the European Championships.
Redknapp will join forces with former Arsenal and England player, Lee Dixon, a man already valued for his expert opinion on the Premier League. The duo will likely be discussing the England v France betting odds, over the weekend.
Harry will meet the public on Thursday, when he will participate in a live Q&A on Twitter, at midday. Follow @betfairsports, and attach #AskArry to your messages, to ensure that Redknapp receives your query.
Talking to the press earlier this week, Harry Redknapp said: “I’m over the moon to be bringing my views to Betfair customers throughout the tournament. It’s all set to be a terrific tournament, and something I’m sure the whole country will be talking about.”
Betfair’s Head of UK Sports Brand Marketing, Andy Lulham, added: "Harry is without doubt one of the most respected and popular football figures in the game, and we are delighted to be working with him throughout Euro 2012. Once again our punters are going to benefit from the very best in expert insight showing that you don’t settle for less with Betfair.”
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