Euro 2008: Tonight's betting preview - Portugal vs Croatia
Published 12:32 11/06/08 By By Mirror.o.uk
Cristiano Ronaldo is 9/2 favourite with Betfred to score the opening goal in Portugal's clash with Croatia tonight.
The Manchester United star, who hit the woodwork with a trade mark free kick before his side's 2-0 stroll over Turkey in the opening game, heads the betting ahead of team mate Nuno Gomes (11/2).
"Betting on the first goalscorer has been one-way traffic, with every man and his dog wanting to back Ronaldo," said Betfred spokesman Dave Metcalf.
"He was very unlucky not to grab the opener against Turkey, and punters have once again placed their faith in him turning on the style and hitting the back of the net first.
"He is also proving popular in the scorecast market, where we have seen good money on him scoring and Portugal going on to secure a 2-0 victory at a tasty 28/1."
Fellow United star Nani is a 12/1 shot with Betfred in the first goalscorer market, whilst ex-Liverpool striker Milan Baros is the shortest priced of the Czech's on 7/1.
The Portuguese go in to tonight's game as odds on favourites (10/11), with the Czech Republic 3/1 to cause an upset and the draw trading at 9-4.
But it is in the double result market where punters have been hunting out the value.
"With the Czech's looking fortunate to get a victory over Switzerland, punters are expecting Portugal to prove a different class and are steaming in to them at 2-1 to be leading at half-time before going on to comfortably win the match," said Dave.
Best Bets - Czech Republic v Portugal (kick off 5pm):
First goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo 9/2
Double result: Portugal half time/full time 2/1
Scorecast: Ronaldo and Portugal to win 2-0 28/1
