Nadal crashes out of Wimbledon in 2nd round

Second-seeded two time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal was taken down at hands of relatively unknown Lukas Rosol after a five set stunner, 6-7 (11-9) 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. 


Nadal could not contain the relentless and brutal ground stroke from the 26 year old Czech on his Wimbledon debut. 

Lukas Rosol, the world number 100, just sent a shocking wave through tennis world

Undeterred after losing the tiebreak in set 1, Rosol immediately bounced back and took the next two sets 6-4, and he managed to get under Nadal's skin in the process. 

Nadal managed a 6-2 win in set 4 but this was the end of it as Rosol took the fifth set to complete a "freak" victory for the world number 100. This was Nadal's earliest exit since he was beaten by Gilles Muller in the second round at Wimbledon 2005. 

"I don't know what to say," Rosol said. "I'm not just surprised but it's like a miracle. I never expected something like this. There are so many emotions - I don't know what to say.

"[Nadal] is a superstar and I'm very sorry for him. I played unbelievably today. I hope I can play another match like this.

"I'm very happy for my support. Before the match I was thinking to play three good sets so I don't lose 3-0.

"I know Nadal is only human. Nadal played a good match but I think I was a little bit better."

So the big question here is this shocking outcome was how much did Nadal lose and how much did Rosol win? More of the latter we would say. Nadal's play was simply ripped off. Rosol came out and hit winner after winner. He thoroughly deserved it. 

David Mercer from BBC stated: ""These great championships have produced huge, huge upsets, but this is one of the greatest in history. How typical of Nadal. At one of his lowest moments, he is still signing autographs. It's a mark of the gentleman he is and the sportsman he is. But he wasn't good enough on the day. And for Lukas Rosol to be ranked 100 in the world is a joke."

11 Grand Slam title holder, Rafael Nadal, exit Wimbledon 2012 in second round

Rosol will now face Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round but how far can his Cinderella journey can go. People even come close to predict Rosol to win the Wimbeldon, but standing on his path are many great players. When the clock will strike midnight for the World 100?

At M88.com you can find the best odds and markets for Wimbledon. Check out at M88 Sports Betting  

Portugal gunned down at penalty, Spain into Final

Spain beat Portugal 4-2 on penalties after the two sides fail to score in 120 minutes. 

After a fairly slow start by their standards, Spain started to pass the ball around well in the first half, but there was more urgency about their play than in earlier games in the tournament.

Portugal had seen more of the ball in the opening few minutes of the game, but with Cristiano Ronaldo not yet involved, by the 15 minute mark, Spain was on top, with Alvaro Arbeloa and Andres Iniesta having shots from distance.

As soon as Ronaldo started to see more of the ball, Portugal side improved. Although Bento's men were not able to create huge numbers of chances, after 25 minutes, they pushed Spain back on their back foot. Alvaro Negredo, Bosque's choice instead of Torres, seemed non-threatening. 

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Iniesta had another sight on goal but his shot was over the bar. A moment later, a Portugal responded with fast break ended in Ronaldo hitting the side net. 

After first half goalless, Portugal were arguably the more impressive side, working hard to close down the Spanish midfield, and trying their best to win the ball quickly. 

Portugal continued their excellent work in the early stages of the second half, pressing high up the pitch and putting Spain under pressure.

Vicente del Bosque sensed trouble and a much needed change was introduced. Cesc Fabregas in and Negredo out, Spain's only striker barely saw the ball during his 52 minutes on the field. 

Less than ten minutes later, with Spain still failing to take control of the game, Navas came in to replace Silva, who under performed as well. 

Slowly, the changes started to make a difference, and Spain's midfield were becoming more threatening. However as the game reached the 70 minute mark, the defending champions had registered just one shot on target.

Ronaldo won a free-kick for Portugal thirty yards from goal, but fired his set-piece narrowly over the bar, and as the game entered the final 15 minutes, it looked increasingly likely that either an individual moment of genius, or an individual error, would settle the game in 90 minutes.

Portugal brought Nelson Oliveira on for Almeida for the final ten minutes as they looked to find a late winner. Ronaldo had another free-kick which he sent over the crossbar.

Spain made their final change with five minutes remaining, with Pedro coming on for Xavi, and Del Bosque deciding to leave Fernando Llorente and Fernando Torres on the bench.

Portugal had a chance to win it in the final minute, with four white shirts breaking forward. But the move ended with Ronaldo once again missing the target, as 90 minutes ended goalless - and with just one shot on target all game.

While the first half was intriguing, the second was disappointing, and it seemed that both teams were already thinking of penalty shoot-out in early stage of extra time. Portugal were tiring quickly, while Spain continued to struggle to create clear chances.

Spain could have finally moved the scoreline just before half-time in extra-time, with Iniesta going close only for Rui Patricio to superbly tip his shot away.

In the second period of extra-time, it was Del Bosque's men who looked more likely to score. Navas, who had looked sharp since being introduced, went close, only for Patricio to save well again.

But although Spain finished strongly, they were unable to find the back of the net, with the game going to penalties after 120 minutes of goalless football. 

Xabi Alonso stepped up to take Spain's first penalty, only for his shot to be saved by Patricio. But Portugal's first spot-kick was also saved, with Iker Casillas denying Moutinho.

Iniesta then stepped up and found the back of the net to put Spain ahead, before Pepe levelled things.

Gerard Pique once again put the Spaniards ahead, then Manchester United winger Nani again levelled the score in the shoot-out.

Sergio Ramos then stepped forward and "did a Pirlo", dinking his spot-kick and beating Patricio. Bruno Alves stepped up next for Portugal, looking less than comfortable, and blasted his spot-kick against the crossbar.

Fabregas then stepped up and converted his spot-kick, sending Spain through to Sunday's final, where they will play either Germany or Italy.

Pre-match Preview: Germany vs Italy

The German revolution after Euro 2000 is approaching the final stage. It is an obvious and logical response to the disastrous performance of 12 years ago, particularly as, since reunification, they have won only one major international trophy, but Germany of all countries could have been excused for keeping the faith in their trademark efficiency. After all, only two years later, long before the revitalised coaching system began to bear fruit, they reached the World Cup final.

Germany continue to tear their opposition apart: they have scored in each of their last 20 games, netting 51 goals in total, and have won 15 competitive games in succession. It is a record to catch, and will Italy be able to stand before the Germans?

Low will surely bring out the best Germany's offense

Italy is a team potentially struggled with injury problems that have just had to endure extra-time and a penalty shootout in a quarter-final against England. Reports suggest Daniele De Rossi, who has excelled at the tournament, might be fit to start, while Ignazio Abate and Giorgio Chiellini should also be available. However it seems that fatigue is creeping down Italy.  

Germany, conversely, have a wealth of options that allow them to rest players at will. Joachim changed his entire front three for the 4-2 victory over Greece, and any significant concern over Bastian Schweinsteiger’s fitness could be resolved by bringing in his Bayern Munich team-mate Toni Kroos. Mario Gotze, one of the three players in the squad that Rafael van der Vaart acknowledged as being of genuine class, has not yet managed to make it onto the field this summer. They are in prime position and they know it. “I believe we are the team you have to beat if you want to win this tournament,” Low said after easing through their quarter-final.

Yet while the recent evidence makes Low’s men clear favourites, history favours the Azzurri: Italy have never lost to Germany in a competitive game, and have claimed two wins and a draw against them in their friendly matches in the last decade. The last competitive meeting was Italy’s 2-0 win in the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup on Germany's home ground. But it seems that tradition or history does not stand a chance at EURO 2012 as we see how France fell short to Spain despite their favorable head to head record. 

“It's the time to break that series,” forward Lukas Podolski told Bild in the build-up to the game. “Since 2006 we have improved enormously. Today we have a whole different philosophy and a different team. The Italians also know that. One thing is clear – we want to be in the final, so we have to beat the Italians.”

To do so they will have to break another series: under Cesare Prandelli, Italy have not yet lost a competitive game.

Key battle: Bastian Schweinsteiger v Andrea Pirlo.

Schweinsteiger was far from his best in the 4-2 victory over Greece and has recently suffered from injury problems, but he has declared himself fit to face Italy and, given his undoubted quality and ability to lead, it would be a significant surprise if he were not in the starting line-up. He will come up against Pirlo, who has a phenomenal ability for controlling the game. Ahead of the tournament, Spain legend Luis Suarez had suggested he was a finer player than Xavi, and his magisterial showing against England, capped with a Panenka penalty in the shootout, showed what's he capable of. If Germany can shut down Pirlo, they should win the game. 

Stats: Italy have scored only four goals at Euro 2012 – the least of any semi-finalist since the tournament was expanded to include a quarter-final stage at Euro 96.

Prediction: Germany is clearly the favorite to win EURO 2012, let alone this match. Schweinsteiger at hist best will be able to somehow nullify Pirlo, and do not forget that Germany has a very powerful midfield rather than Schweinsteiger. Fatigue could pose a threat to Italy's ability to withstand Germans attack. Our prediction for this match: 1-0 for Germany. 

Betting Tips: Germany (-) 0.5 Asian Handicap will be the pick of the day. Check out other odds and markets at M88 Sports Betting 

Pre-match Analysis: Spain and Portugal clash

 Spain Preview: 

The Spaniards took a comfortable ride through to the semi finals of Euro 2012, as they eased their way past France in the quarters. Vicente del Bosque’s men were probably surprised by how comfortable they were, because France had the ability to cause problems. But once again, as we have seen so many times over the past four years, the Spanish possession game is just so hard to break when it comes to the big, high pressure matches. Spain simply keep their foot on the ball and they will eventually carve out chances. It is a style which tires out opponents quickly and of course, perhaps the biggest thing which gets over looked about it, is that it is a great form of defence. Spain are on an eight match competitive streak without conceding a goal, and that simply speaks for their ability to control the mid. Even with their slightly unorthodox approach of not relying on a recognised striker, Spain still looks strong enough to defend the title this year. 

Spain's midfield with 6 skilled players is really formidable

In 20 of their last 21 competitive tournament matches, Spain have had over 50% possession, and that is their greatest strength. No-one can dominate possession like them, and it should be enough to keep Portugal back on their foots. The last time that Spain came up against Portugal in a competitive match was in the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup, Spain won that 1-0 through a David Silva goal, and Spain won all of their knock-out matches 1-0 in that tournament. So they are unlikely to go and score freely, but they generally don’t need to. Spain hold a 15-9 head to head record against their Iberian neighbours, and edge things at the bookmakers by starting as favourites. They just have the keys to unlock even the most stubborn and resilient of sides.

Portugal Preview: 

Stubborn and resilient is just what Portugal are. But they are able to accent that with the bursts of genius from Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal tend to play a more cautious game, but Paulo Bento’s men have come out their shell a bit at Euro 2012, and with good effect. When they have pressed the issue, highlighted in their group win over the Netherlands, Portugal have looked a pretty decent side. The core of their midfield looks stable enough, and the organisation at the back good enough to be able to release the likes of Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo in pacey breaks forward. A goal from Cristiano Ronaldo was enough to see off a very disappointing Czech Republic in the quarter finals, but the lack of ability to kill off the Czech’s effectively and efficiently, may be an area of concern. Spain know that they have to watch Ronaldo closely, but take him out of the game and Portugal, while looking solid, will lose their big spark of inspiration and it will be a matter of them holding on. They will be made to work hard in the middle of the park, and the question is, whether or not they will be able to execute on the break, because their possession will be limited.

Portugal is relying on Ronaldo

After failing to win any of their first four matches of 2012, Portugal have now strung together three wins in a row. They don’t look like world beaters, a long way from that, but there is an organised potential there. They will remember back to November of 2010 when they inflicted a 4-0 defeat on La Roja, Spain’s biggest defeat since 1968. The disappointment of losing the Euro 2004 final against Greece may also drive them on, and having been dumped out of the 2010 World Cup by their neighbours. They have lost the services of striker Helder Postiga, who missed out through injury and that will be the first chance to a starting line up, that Paulo Bento has made to Portugal’s starting eleven for the last six competitive matches. So Portugal are a very settled side, and the hard ground they cover in being able to set up Ronaldo looks pretty good. Portugal have struck the woodwork six times at Euro 2012 already (Ronaldo four of those) so they have been pressing hard. They will need to be organised at the back in this pressure cooker of a situation, and this will be their biggest task of trying to do something with the ball when they actually manage to get it, at the tournament yet.

Verdict: 

Spain is having the edge over Portugal with their formidable midfield. Taking a lot of ball possession means less opportunities for Ronaldo to shine. We will go ahead with our prediction of a close 2-1 win for Spain. With this in mind, you can actually put down some money for Spain (-) 0.5 Asian Handicap at M88 Sports Betting, our recommended bookie. 

Hodgson positive in EURO exit

Roy Hodgson, England's coach, felt nervousness and tension played a big part in England's defeat resulting in their crash out of EURO 2012. 


England has been haunted by penalty shoot-out as they already lost 6 times at this stage in knock-out stage. They couldn't overcome the jinx last night, as once again Italy got the better of Three Lions on penalties. 

“I’ve watched all these players smashing in penalties during training but you can’t reproduce the occasion, the tension and the nervousness," Hodgson said. “No amount of coaching can reproduce the cool calculated way Andrea Pirlo chipped the keeper.

“We had five great penalty takers but unfortunately for us two of them missed. We saw Cole scoring a penalty in the Champions League final for Chelsea and Young has converted many for his club sides."

England carried little by way of a threat going forward, but Hodgson will look to take the positives away from the tournament.

"We are going out of this tournament unbeaten in normal time," Hodgson said. "We’re going home because we can’t win a penalty shootout.

“Whether we did enough or were good enough is a matter of opinion but we certainly tried to win it in 90 minutes. There was never any question of playing for penalties.

Hodgson is positive in EURO exit

“The players gave their all but we have to accept that we weren’t quite good enough to win it in 120 minutes and, when it went to penalties, we went down the same route as so many times before.

“Our defending was very resolute and we did very well to resist the strong pressure we came under in the second half.

“I wouldn’t begrudge Italy their victory but there were chances missed at both ends and it was an interesting tactical battle.

“For all Italy’s possession they didn’t get behind our defence too often. But we didn’t do as well with the ball as we could have.”

Italy dominated for long spells and Hodgson felt fatigue played a part as the match progressed.

He said:“It’s been a fantastic tournament for us but we were unlucky that we lost the powerhouse of our team from midway in the second half.

“Scott Parker was feeling his Achilles and Steven Gerrard had cramp in his hip and his calf.”

Steven Gerrard feels proud by hearbroken

Captain Steven Gerrard insisted England's heartbroken players had done the country proud after their 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2012 quarter-final.

Roy Hodgson's dogged side rode their luck on several occasions but managed to hold on to a goalless draw at the end of 90 and then 120 minutes after extra-time.

And when Riccardo Montolivo missed from the spot during the shootout, England had the upper hand. But both Ashley Young and Ashley Cole missed to allow substitute Alessandro Diamanti to seal a semi-final berth against Germany.

Yet Gerrard paid tribute to England's battling players, who withstood heavy pressure throughout the match, and had to survive 36 shots on their goal.

England's players disappointed with the result

"The players have given eveything. I thought we might have the luck in the penalty shootout this time but it wasn't to be," he told the BBC. "When you get your nose in front during a shootout, you just hope you can hang on but credit to Italy, they got the luck in the shootout.

"The lads at the back were fantastic, we have done the country proud but we go home heartbroken and that is hard to take."

Goalkeeper Joe Hart bemoaned his inability to stop any Italian penalties in the shootout - especially from team-mate Balotelli, who beat him with the first penalty of the game's final act.

"I went in confident we would win the game, I was required to step-up and didn't make the saves. They were superior in regards to chances, but we were very resolute and gave everything when defending.

"I face penalties against Mario Balotelli on the training ground and I felt confident, but he took a good penalty. Of course I expect to make saves, I feel like no-one can beat me.

"I'll take away the great way we qualified, we've lost at the end of the day, but I don't think anyone has let the country down and we have adapted well to the manager."

“We have done the country proud but we go home heartbroken and that is hard to take”

Steven Gerrard

Wayne Rooney had a limited impact on the game and never quite looked match sharp but he said he was at a loss to explain why England can;t seem to triumph in a penalty shootout.

"We're gutted about it, people weren't expecting much this tournament but we've shown we are a good team," he said

"This experience will help the young players. I don't know why we can't win penalty shootouts, it's a hard way to go out and it's happened too many times now.

"There weren't that many chances in the game, apart from Balotelli at the start maybe, we defended well and hoped for a chance on the break."

Winger Theo Walcott insisted the tournament had demonstrated England had hope for the future as their attention now turns to their World Cup qualification campaign.

He added: "The Italians play great football and frustrated us going forward. It just wasn't meant to be and it's a cruel way to go out. The lads can be proud we got this far.

"Bring on the World Cup qualifiers now. We'll be much stronger next year. We couldn't get the goal at the start and Buffon made some world-class saves. We've had some luck, at times, but tonight, it didn't go our way.

"We didn't create that many chances. We always believed we could have gone further, we have to learn from this. It's such a shame we couldn't maintain that 20 minutes, but that's football.

"They are very strong characters and the lads will be with them if needed. Cole and Young will bounce back as even stronger players and we won't have to worry about them in the future."

England out, Italy faces Germany in Semi

England's penalty shoot-out misery continues in Kiev. Roy Hogson and the squad say goodbye to EURO 2012 while Italy progressed to semi final to face Germany. 

The Three Lions were truly dejected after the penalty shoot-out, it has been something that has haunted England team for a long time. Six times now they lost in such fashion, the last 4 on this very stage of the competition.

Ashley Young and Ashley Cole last night joined the list of those who failed to deliver when it matters. However, it was undeniable that Italy deserved to advance, as they were pretty much dominating the game.

Italy has what it takes when it comes down penalty shoot-out  

England verdict

Roy Hodgson's men started the game with quite a spirit, created number of chances. But as the game went on, they slowly allowed Italy to take control. Mario Balotelli had number of chances and on several occasions beat the off-side trap by English defense. It seems that Hodgson's squad lack the physical strength needed for a 120 minutes game and the nerve for the penalty shoot out. Steven Gerrad was tied up too much  with defensive duties.


Italy verdict

Azzurri deserved the win. They took control of the match after a sloppy early defending which gave England umber of chances. Mario Balotelli made the English annoyed, as his run created a lot of space for Pirlo to work on. Italy's passing was deadly last night, however that was not the case with their finishing. Chances after chances have been squandered by Italian striker, which begged the question for the match-up with Germany in semi-final. Pirlo once again showed that he was the soul of Italy's game and his "tricky" penalty was a big hit on Hart's confidence.

So this is it, Spain vs Portugal and Italy vs Germany in semi-finals. Watch out for our updates. Meanwhile, check out the latest EURO 2012 odds and markets at M88 Sports Betting

Preview: England vs Italy, EURO 2012 quarterfinal

England and Italy meet for the first time in ten years to compete for a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2012, the winner will face the mighty Germany. However, for now the focus is on Kiev's Olympic Stadium and a game of splitting hairs.

It has been a decade since Italy fought back from a Robbie Fowler opener to defeat England 2-1 at Elland Road. The only survivor from that team: goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Funny though that Three Lions have taken on Azzurri tendencies under their relatively new manager Roy Hodgson, who has overseen four wins and one draw since his appointment in May. Having previously managed Udinese and Inter Milan, that comes with no surprise.

Already England have exceeded expectations after their 1-0 scalp of co-hosts Ukraine, thanks to Wayne Rooney's goal on his return, clinched top spot in Group D following a France collapse. First place meant they avoided ball-hoggers Spain, yet it would be foolhardy to breathe a sigh of relief at the thought of playing Italy.

With new coach, Roy Hodgson, England already exceeded expectations

In Cesare Prandelli, the Italians have a coach unafraid to be tactically flexible, as demonstrated by the switch to a 3-5-2 system for the opening 1-1 draw with world and European champions Spain. 

Regarding team news, Thiago Motta, who is struggling with a tweaked hamstring, might not able to play. Riccardo Montolivo could be Brazil-born midfielder's replacement, according to Italian press. The defender Giorgio Chiellini is certainly absent, meaning Leonardo Bonucci is set to replace him.

For England, all 23 players of their squad trained on Saturday. It is anticipated Hodgson will field the same side that overcame Ukraine, although their coach is no stranger to a surprise selection, with Ashley Young's place in the XI perhaps most at threat after three underwhelming displays.

England player to watch: Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard has been England's best player at Euro 2012. At 32 years of age, it is possible the steely determination with which he is playing is in part down to an awareness that this could be his last major tournament - certainly as a regular starter. In each of his nation's matches he has recorded an assist, via the means of whipped balls from the right channel. Reduce this supply and Italy just might reduce England's attacking threat. His battle with Daniele De Rossi will be one worth keeping an eye on, the latter saying of the former: "Gerrard has been my idol for ten years and is one of the best players in the world. He is the example of what all midfield players aspire to."

Italy player to watch: Mario Balotelli.

An obvious choice indeed, but it would have been scandalous to not mention Mario. Even more attention than usual is being directed the forward's way, such are his Premier League links. With his Manchester City team-mates Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and James Milner all expected to start, it has been proposed they will know which buttons to push, so as to release the red mist, and, hence, a red card. Prandelli will be wishing his player keeps a lid on the ugly side of his game, letting the beauty - as demonstrated via the goal against the Irish - instead make the headlines. "He will be very difficult to play against," warned England coach Gary Neville.

Key battle: Joe Hart v Gianluigi Buffon.

With so little to choose between the two sides there is a growing feeling the game could be destined for penalties, when the goalkeepers will take centre stage. The legendary Buffon, though, has said the following: "Careful, Italy, let's avoid penalties - it would be better for everyone’s coronary arteries." There is a mutual respect between Buffon and Hart, who are separated by nine years. "Joe Hart can become the best goalkeeper in the world," commented the world's most expensive shot-stopper.

Odds: England Asian Handicap 0 would be a safe bet for this match. Check out odds and markets atM88 Sports Betting.

Prediction: A game of many goals this will likely not be. A cagey encounter is expected, won via an individual error, or, as mentioned, the holding of one's nerve on penalties. England to pinch in!

Germany was too strong for Greece

The second quarterfinal last night turned out to be a good fight of Germany and Greece. Loew's men were just too strong for Greece, although there were time when Santos' squad had hope, especially after their equalizer in the second half. Here are some beautiful moments Germany's fan last night. Germany's PM, Angela Merkel also showed her happiness

Germany vs Greece, an uneven quarterfinal?

Germany takes on Greece tonight in the second quarterfinal of EURO 2012. Despite Loew's cautious word before the match, it looks like Germany will cruise through to the semi. 

1. Greece

On the on-set, Greece looked weak after the draw with Poland and the loss against Czech. However, they once again proved that diligent and hard work will eventually pay. But will they be able to stand against Germany is another question. 

Another miracle for Greece?

Group A was considered the easiest group, even though so far it's proven to have more dramas than the rest plus together. Therefore, no team is considered the "upper class" and real test to Greece's strength. They still have the resilience, grinding down opponent and stealing wins like what they did in EURO 2004. But it seems that their tactic will not work against big team anymore, when their midfielder will not be able to cope, and their attack are feeble after falling behind one goal. 

Greece has only been to one quarterfinal, which was EURO 2004, then won the title. But miracle is not likely going to happen again tonight. Standing before Greece was another diligent and organized team, they are just much better. 

2. Germany 

Germany has been the best performing team so far. They won all three matches in the so-called "Group of death" in a manner of big team with upper hand. 

Germany has never lost to Greece before, and the last they met was World Cup 2002's qualifiers and Germany won both matches. They have a very solid and disciplined defense in EURO 2012, the area where there were concerns about prior to the tournament. People often say that Spain has the best mid-field, but Germany can make a run for it. In terms of power, they are even stronger then Spain's mid. The two strong engines Schwinsteiger and Khedira are able to take tremendous amount of pressure and provide the stability for the whole team. 

Germany had the perfect group stage

If Mario Gomez had one of worst performance during World Cup 2012, he's now on top of scoring chart. And even if he's not scoring, Germany has many other alternative to have goals. As a whole, Germany has the strongest package in the last eight. 

3. Verdict

It looks like that Germany will dominate the match, and the question is how long can Greece stand before being overpowered. 

Our take is that Germany will be in the semi and this match's score is 2-0. With this in mind, if you want to put down money for this game, go for Germany Asian Handicap (-) 1.50. Watch out for the team that scores first, because Gomez looks deadly in front of the goal. 

For more odds and offers, visit M88 Sports Betting

Portuguese sexies on the stand!

It seems that Portugal was winning on the field and on the stand too. Their beautiful fans were making the match hotter than ever. Who agrees?

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Ronaldo is confident of Portugal's chance after beating Czech

Ronaldo is confident of Portugal's chance to reach the final and ultimately crown the EURO 2012. Lat night, Portugal saw off Czech 1-0 in Warsaw with a header by Real Madrid's star.

Before sealing the victory for Portugal, Ronaldo hit the woodwork twice and on other occasions Chelsea's goalkeeper, Cech, was just too good.

The performance last night once again proved that Portugal has what it takes to go far in EURO 2012. Started on the wrong foot on a rather unfortunate loss against Germany, Portugal improved as games went by. Attacking and creating many chances but unable to convert to the scoreline, Portuguese players did not show any frustration, and it paid off. They played beautiful football last night and deserved to win.

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Ronaldo netted the winner to seal 1-0 win for Portugal

Speaking after the win, Ronaldo said: "We created many chances and hit the post, but it is brilliant for us to have passed into the semi-finals. We know it is going to be difficult, but we are ready, we are confident. We are very mature, so we are ready for the fight."

Portugal coach Paulo Bento felt his side grew into the game and deserved their place in the semi-finals.

"We did not start the match well in attack for the first 25 minutes, then we showed a great response in the second half, a great capacity to respond to the Czechs and that is why we really deserved this victory,'' Bento told a press conference. "We had prepared ourselves in the best possible way for their strategy.

"We knew they would try to defend very deeply and would press against us on the counter-attack, because they have very quick players who are good technically.

"As the game went on we controlled the match, we played better and had more chances to create our own game.''

Despite Ronaldo grabbing the headlines, Bento was reluctant to single out any individual performances.

"All the players have tasks on the pitch, and Ronaldo played to our tactical system,'' the Portugal coach said. "He has the capacity to play in the penalty area, but also a little deeper.''

Bento maintains his side will be ready for whomever they face in Donetsk next Wednesday night.

"In the semi-finals of a tournament like this, there are always great teams with different characteristics who are well organised with players of great quality,'' he said. "We do not prefer [to play] anybody. It has been a lot of work by us to reach the semi-finals and we will try to recover to reach the pitch in the best condition.

"We will show the response which is necessary. Our aim will be to win against France or Spain. There cannot be any other goal for us.''

EURO 2012 Quarterfinal: Czech Republic vs Portugal

In couple of hours, the first quarterfinal of EURO 2012 will kick off. At knock-out stage, all the teams need to bring their A game or face elimination. There's no room for mistake. Lets dive in a take a look at Czech Republic vs Portugal

1. Czech Republic

Against all odds, Bilek's men were able to join the last eight of EURO 2012. Up against Portugal, it's no surprise that they are the underdogs.

Czech got demolished in the game against Russia. And 1-4 did not do any justice as Dzagoev and Kerzhakov wasted many chances for Russia. In the second game with Greece, Santos' side started off too slowly and gifted Czech 2 goals within the first 8 minutes. They held on to their advantage and conceded only 1 goal to seal the win. The last game was possibly their best game when putting enormous pressure at Warsaw. However the co-host Poland did not perform particularly well to decide their own faith.

Anything can happen in a knock-out stage, but Czech really needs a miracle to go to semi-final. They do not possess players like Nedved, Poborsky or Smicer like in EURO 1996 when they beat Portugal 3-1 in quarterfinal. Their defense will be put in real test this time, and it looks all shaky right now. We saw how easy Russia broke Czech's defense.

2. Portugal 

Receiving a lot of criticism in their first loss against Germany for being too defensive instead of playing to their strength, Portugal showed that they are real contestant for the title in the last two games. In all fairness, the first game was a bit unlucky for them to lose to Germany, a draw would have been a fairer result. But all in all, it worked out well for Portugal, as their best hope Ronaldo is ready to fire.

It seems that Portugal is getting better by every match. Their last game was the best performance in their group stage, and probably one of the best performances of Ronaldo for his country team.

They look really sharp in their offense especially with Ronaldo and Nani in the wings, where Czech fans worry about the most. Pepe and Alves should not have much trouble as Czech's offense have never looked deadly. Milan Baros has passed his peak, and is rather harmless in front of the goal.

3. Verdict

I will be rooting for Portugal after their performance in the group stage. And they should have a easy match against Czech. Ronaldo will be the player to look out for and our prediction for the game is 2 goals to nil for Portugal. With this score, put money down for the Portugal Asian Handicap (-) 1 at M88 Sportsbook. I will be betting on Portugal to score first, as I believe this is another game for Ronaldo.

Hottest WAGs: England vs Ukraine

Rooney's winner sealed the 1-0 victory for England in the match against Ukraine last night, however there was another battle, which are very even, of the hottest WAGs of England and Ukraine players

Alex Curran, the other half of Gerrard

Coleen's presence in the stand is Rooney's motivation

Kimberley Crew  belong to goalkeeper Joe Hart

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Melaine Slade, Theo Walcott's fiancee

Beautiful wife of striker Yevhen Seleznyov

Olesya Gusev, wife of Oleg Gusev

Viktoriya Konoplyanka, the other half of Yevhen Konoplyanka

 

Sweden leaves EURO 2012 with heads held high

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sebastian Larsson scored last night to provide a rousing send-off for already-eliminated Sweden.

Laurent Blanc's men were second best in group D as they blew their chance to emerge as group winner and in the end had to thank England for winning Ukraine and keeping them in the competition.

Ibrahimovic smashed home a volley, one of the best goal so far at EURO 2012

Ibrahimovic nets a wonder strike at 54 minute, so sensational that it could easily be the best goal of EURO 2012 so far, and maybe even throughout the whole tournament. Larsson lashed home the second in the injury time to seal the 2-0 victory for Sweden. France now will face the reigning champion Spain in the last eight, and the Swedes can leave EURO 2012 with their heads held high.

This was a lethargic and disappointing performance for the French. They never got into their stride going forward, passing too much and always ended up with going-wide efforts from range. None of the France's players got any flair, meanwhile their defenders couldn't handle pressure from Sweden. Up against Spain, France will likely to have a hard time to seize control of the match and prevent the tiki-taka.