Live on ITV1: Sun 19.45: The Netherlands, at 13/8 via Skybet can beat Portugal in Kharkiv but will it be enough to keep them in Euro 2012?
Infighting is a problem often attributed to Netherlands squads but the Dutch seemed to have put all that behind them as they plotted a path to the 2010 World Cup final. However, the tradition has returned with a vengeance at Euro 2012, with Wesley Sneijder lambasting the ‘pathetic egos’ in the camp and some players allegedly unhappy with manager Bert van Marwijk. Results haven’t helped of course, and with two defeats from two, the Netherlands have now left themselves a mountain to climb if they are to emerge from Group B.
Stan James make the Oranje 6/1 to qualify for the knockout stages but they will need to defeat Portugal by two in Kharkiv and hope that Germany can do them a favour by beating Denmark in Lviv.
Skybet price van Marwijk’s charges at 13/8 to keep up their side of the bargain to an extent by at least picking up a win while the Portuguese are 9/5 with Paddy Power to inflict a third defeat on the Dutch and it’s 5/2 via Ladbrokes to finish all square in the Metalist Stadium, where Coral’s 6/1 marked against a 1-1 scoreline is sure to be popular given what is at stake.
However, Paulo Bento’s men haven’t exactly looked water tight themselves thus far having relinquished a two-goal against the Danes before grabbing a late winner and the Netherlands are good enough to expose any defensive vulnerability. A narrow Dutch triumph could be on the cards then and bet365 price them at an enticing 7/2 to come out on top by a one-goal margin, which wouldn’t quite be enough to see them through.
More specifically, Betfred quote odds of 9/1 for the Oranje to sneak it 2-1, William Hill offer odds of 11/2 for the Netherlands to card a victory on the back of a drawn first period and for the cautious, Boylesports chalk van Marwijk’s under-fire troops up at 4/5 in the ‘Draw No Bet’ market.
Robin van Persie meanwhile, finally found the net against Germany having wasted a host of chances in his first two tournament outings and with that strike likely to provide the Arsenal man with a timely confidence boost, he’s decent value at 13/2 (BetVictor) to break the deadlock, despite the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is Coral’s 6/1 first goal favourite.
Recommended Bets:
Robin van Persie to score first – 13/2 (BetVictor)
See all our cashback specials and moneyback offers for this game on our Euro2012 Refunds page.
Compare all Euro 2012 odds and bet at the best price.
