Euro 2007 U21 Betting Analysis from PinnacleSports.com
60% Better 2007 u21 Euro Championship Betting Odds
With the best of Europe’s young soccer talent on show in the Euro Under 21 Championships in Holland, goals and excitement were anticipated. The opening group games have however been cagey and slightly disappointing, with goals at a premium. This does at least set up some interesting clashes in the final fixtures of the group phase with several of the pre-tournament favourites needing nothing less than victory. Check Pinnaclesports.com for up to 60% better odds on the final round of group games.
Belgium Look to Make Point in Battle of the Lowlands
Two victories for Holland in their opening fixtures have justified tournament favouritism and secured their place in the last 4. Coach, Foppe de Haan, now has the option of resting key players such as left winger, Royston Drenthe, their most influential player, but Haan might not be too concerned about exercising that option preferring to retain continuity. His only concern is the injury to first choice goalkeeper, Boy Waterman, which will keep him out.
The situation is much clearer for the Belgians who know that they need a draw or better to ensure that they progress at the expense of Portugal, against whom they shared a goalless draw in their opening match. They might be tired after playing 72 minutes against Israel with ten men, but it should be to their advantage that the Jong Oranje are already through. Their resilient performance against superior numbers shows that despite their lack of star talent, unbeaten Belgium will be a tough nut to crack. PinnacleSports.com price Belgium 2.02 (0/scratch & +0.5), with Holland 1.909 (0/scratch & -0.5).
Portugal Need Victory Against Deflated Israelis & Favour from Dutch
Portugal must approach their final U21 Euro 2007 Championship group game with the urgency and passion that has been missing in their first two fixtures. Having picked up just one point Jose Couceiro’s side can only qualify for the semi-finals by beating Israel and hoping the Dutch do the same against Belgium. Hopes were high in Portugal that a new ‘Golden Generation’ might be emerging, but the most expensive player at the tournament, Man Utd’s new signing, Nani, has failed to live up to his price tag.
It is often dangerous to disregard a team that has already been eliminated. Israel will want to leave their first major event since 1976 with the pride of having at least scored. They were unlucky not to have registered against Belgium, when Chelsea’s Ben Sahar showed why he is on the fringe of their first team. However, they will undoubtedly be deflated and if they play an open game, could be punished by the Portuguese. PinnacleSports.com price Portugal 1.943 (-1) with Israel 1.980 (+1).
Italians Fate Out of their Hands
Having come into the tournament as one of the favourites, Pierluigi Casiraghi’s side face early exit. Taking just one point from their opening two fixtures Italy must beat the Czech Republic on Sunday in their final group game and hope Serbia avoid defeat against England. Italy lost to Serbia despite dominating the game, then recovered from a two goal deficit against England, to actually end the game disappointed with just a point.
Italy’s problem is that Serbia have already qualified as group winners so cannot be guaranteed to push England in their final game, while victory for their opponents gives them the same opportunity to progress. The Czechs must pick themselves up from the disappointment of a conceding a crucial 93rd minute goal against the Serbs. Ladislav Skorpil’s side must also break their scoring duck to progress, but can take inspiration from 2002 when their predecessors where in a similar position, yet went on to lift the trophy. PinnacleSports.com rate Italy favourites 1.833 (-0.5 & -1) with the Czechs 2.100 (+0.5 & +1).
Victory Will Send Three Lions Through
Having drawn both of their opening U21 Euro 2007 Championship fixtures, England’s fate is in their own hands. Should they beat group leaders, Serbia, on Sunday evening, they will face the winners of Group A in the semi-finals. Coach Stuart Pearce will be hoping that the Serbs rest first choice players and take their foot off the gas, having already wrapped up the group. England looked more dangerous in the 2-2 draw with Italy, where they could have scored but also conceded plenty more goals.
Two hard-fought 1-0 victories have sent Serbia through to the last four, allowing Miroslav Djukic the luxury of shuffling his team around and giving squad players a taste of the big stage. He has promised that they will take a professional attitude to the game against England, and seek a third clean sheet, but there is no escaping the divergence in motivation. Odds at PinnacleSports.com reflect this, pricing England favourites 1.704 (-0.5 & -1) with Serbia 2.320 (+0.5 & +1).
*all odds subject to change
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