Portugal Euro 2008 Sports Betting Preview

Portugal fell at the final hurdle four years ago on home soil and Euro 2008 odds would suggest that they will be in the shake-up in 2008 also.

After so much emphasis on the Golden Generation of Figo and Rui Costa, Portugal arrives at Euro 2008 with as formidable a title challenge as they’ve had since the 1966 World Cup and their odds to win Euro 2008 reflect their strength. But it has more to do with a Golden Child than a golden generation this time.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is one of the contenders for the best player in the world today. He scored eight goals for Portugal in their qualification campaign and his wizardry, either on the wing or playing as a striker, was one of the chief reasons behind Manchester United’s Premiership win of 2007/8. He has won the award as the Players’ Player of the year two years in a row in England, for 2007 and 2008, and surely sees Euro 2008 as a stage worthy of his immense talents.

Ronaldo shone for Portugal in Euro 2004 and the last World Cup but his maturity (despite the occasional petulant outburst) over the past two years at Manchester United means that he is now ready to step into his kingdom. He has Barcelona’s Deco behind him a midfield playmaker, and Chelsea’s imperious Ricardo Carvalho marshalling the defence. Portugal were shocked by Greece on home soil in the final of Euro 2004 – they’ll have something to prove in Austria and Switzerland this summer.