A great Euro 2008 final could be in the cards on Sunday as Spain takes on Germany. Spain has been playing superbly, unbeaten in their last 21 matches in all competitions while Germany has the big game experience. Spain could be without David Villa who is the leading goal scorer in the tournament but they have a lot of depth and Cesc Fabregas is a nice replacement.

Spain is -.5 goal (+135) with a total of 2.5 under (-150) at SBG Global
Three-way line – Spain +135, Germany +210, Draw +210

The matchups are interesting all across the field in Euro 2008. Germany’s Philip Lahm against Spain’s Sergio Ramos should be interesting and the matchup in goal could decide the game. Spain’s Iker Casillas has been excellent while Germany’s Jens Lehmann has been somewhat shaky. The midfield battle will be fascinating to watch with Germany’s Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger having to deal with offensive talents like Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso. “I don’t think there’s a clear favorite,” Alonso said.

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The only rematch in the Soccer Betting Euro 2008 so far will take place in Thursday’s semifinal as Russia takes on Spain.

The two teams met in group play when Spain routed Russia by a score of 4-1. Since that loss the Russians have turned it on with victories against Greece, Sweden and the Netherlands. One of the biggest reasons for the improved play for Russia has been the return of Andrei Arshavin, who missed the first two games due to suspension.

Spain is -.5 goal (Even) with a total of 2.5 under (-150) at SBG Global
Three-way line – Spain even, Russia +235, Draw +235

Spain has a high powered attack that has outscored teams in Euro 2008 but Russia doesn’t seem fazed by the offense. Russia didn’t back down from the high scoring Netherlands and doesn’t expect to slow down against Spain. “Russia will play their normal way. We don’t play defensive football, we like to attack. But it doesn’t all depend on us. Let’s see how the Spaniards do.” Arshavin said, “Maybe it makes it harder for us that we play such an open kind of football…

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Germany subdues Turkey 3-2 in their semifinal match of the Euro 2008 at St. Jakob-Park Basel.

Turkey, who came from behind to beat Switzerland and the Czech Republic in the group stage and Croatia in the quarter-finals, appeared to have pulled off another remarkable comeback, but with seconds of normal time remaining left-back Philipp Lahm exchanged passes with Thomas Hitzlsperger before curling the ball past Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber to send Germany into raptures and into the Euro 2008 finals.

“It unleashed all that joy. It was my most important goal,” said Philip Lahm, especially with it coming immediately after a major error. “In the moments leading up to 2-2, I certainly looked bad. It happens to me, too.”

With two goals in the final five minutes, the match could have gone either way, but after three stunning comeback victories in a row for Turkey, it was Germany’s day. The changes were all in midfield or attack. Yet Turkey, so sterile for so long against Croatia, started briskly and dangerously.

Read more on Germany’s Philipp Lahm hit the game winning goal for Germany and into the 2008 Euro finals

If Turkey is able to win against Germany in the Soccer Betting semifinals of Euro 2008 it will be considered a monumental accomplishment.

Turkey will be without six players and possibly more in Wednesday’s football match. “Of course having lots of injured players is hard but the players who fill their places will give their utmost,” Turkey forward Semih Senturk said. Turkey will be without goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, who was given a red card at the end of Turkey’s win over the Czech Republic and is serving the second game of his two-game suspension. Defender Emre Asik is out and midfielders Tuncay Sanli and Arda Turan are also suspended after picking up two yellow cards each.

In addition to the suspensions, Turkey will be without forward Nihat Kahveci who is out with a thigh injury. He scored twice in the win over the Czechs. Emre Gungor is also out with an injury and Servet Cetin and Tumer Metin are doubtful. The only positive is that captain Emre Belozoglu might have a chance to play but that decision won’t be made until just before the match begins.

Germany is -1.5 goals (+115) with a total of 2.5 under at SBG Global
Three-way line: Germany -300, Turkey +750, Draw +325

Germany is in great shape on the other side. Coach Joachim Loew has everyone at his disposal for Wednesday’s match.

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In the first quarter final outing Germany beat Portugal by 2-3 then Turkey stunned Croatia by 3-1 in penalty shootout. The second quarter final game team Russia beat Holland 3-1 in extra time and Spain beat 2006 FIFA World Cup champion Italy in penalties by 4-2.

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Russia and Spain are two teams leading in the shooting rankings with Spain hitting the target most times, 28, and Russia missing it the most, 44.

Russia has scored in every game of the Euro 2008 so far while Spain could not break down the Italian defense in their last game. Their clean sheet against Italy was Spain’s first while Russia kept two in the Group Stage.

Russia has never been involved in a penalty shoot-out in a major tournament while Spain finally won a penalty shoot out on the 22nd of June: after losing against Belgium in 1986, England in 1996 and South Korea in 2002 in this very same day, “La Roja” have qualified for the semi-final of a major tournament for the first time since 1984.

Read more on The Euro 2008 has reached the semi final stage after the exciting and thrilling quarter finals

Two high profile soccer teams meet in the Soccer Betting Euro 2008 quarterfinals on Sunday as Italy takes on Spain. Italy will not be at full strength on Sunday as Andrea Barzagli is out with a knee injury while midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso are suspended due to accumulated cards. “That neither of them are there is the best news for Spain,” Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas said. Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is also out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.

Spain is -.5 goal (+140) with a total of 2 over (-120) at SBG Global
Three-way line – Spain +140, Italy +200, Draw +200

“We’re going to do it. We’re going to win,” Spain’s Fabregas said, “We have to do it however we can. If we have to play ugly, we’ll do so.” The Italian injuries could be a problem considering Spain has scored eight goals in its three games. Forward David Villa leads the tournament with four goals. Italy may have to score some goals on Sunday to keep up. Forward Luca Toni has not scored yet in Euro 2008 and the Italians will need his offense on Sunday. “I’m sure Toni will break out soon,” Italy’s Massimo Ambrosini said. “He’s had his chances.”

Spain coach Luis Aragones has said his team is fully healthy for Sunday’s match. Carles Puyol and David Silva have returned from injuries. “I hope that the best team wins. And that the best will be Spain,” Aragones said.

Read more on Euro 2008 Quarterfinal Betting Preview: Italy vs Spain

The Netherlands have become the favorite in the Soccer Betting Euro 2008 as they were one of only three unbeaten teams in group play. They are heavily favored to continue their run as they face Russia in the European quarterfinals on Saturday to advance to the semifinals of the European Championship.

The Netherlands have scored a total of 9 goals in their 3 group matches and that equals the record set by France in 1984. France went on to win the title that year.

Netherlands is a -.5 goal favorite (-140) with a total of 2.5 at SBG Global
Three-way line – Netherlands -140, Russia +375, Draw +265

“We’ve sent out a message,” the Netherlands Robin Van Persie said, “But this is just part of the dream, not the end. We have to win three more times to lift the trophy. With this squad I really have the feeling that we are unbeatable, though we have to take it step by step. That is why I want to be part of the team as it feels like something beautiful is happening.” Netherlands head coach Marco van Basten has used every player except his third string goalkeeper in the tournament. All the players will be well rested for Saturday.

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The two darkhorses in the Soccer Betting Euro 2008 quarterfinals will battle on Friday as Croatia faces Turkey.

Croatia was one of only three teams that came through the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record. “We are the better team,” said coach Slaven Bilic.

Croatia will have some lineup changes as Ivan Rakitic and Dario Srna are ready to go for Friday but defender Dario Knezevic and striker Igor Budan are out. “I do not have sleepless nights over them. I have plenty of options and have a good choice.” Bilic said. “We will do everything to beat Turkey. We have the strength and the quality to do it,” Billic added.

Croatia is -.5 (-120) with a total of 2 over (-140) at SBG Global
Three-way line – Croatia -120, Turkey +335, Draw +235

The last time Croatia reached the quarterfinals of a major tournament was in the 1998 World Cup when they beat Germany and ended up finishing third. They seem very confident for Friday’s matchup against Turkey. “The euphoria amongst fans and players is huge, but we have to concentrate on the game against Turkey,” said Mladen Petric.

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Two of the top teams remaining in Euro 2008 meet on Thursday in the quarterfinals as Portugal takes on Germany. Portugal is a slight favorite in the game, mainly because they have the world’s top player in Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal is a -155 favorite with a total of 2 at SBG Global
Three-way line – Portugal +130, Germany +185, Draw +210

The Germans will not have coach Joachim Loew on the bench because he was suspended by the UEFA for his actions in Germany’s win over Austria. “It really hurts him, because it’s a special game, the biggest game so far in his career,” team manager Oliver Bierhoff said, “He won’t be able to use his intuition on the bench.” The problem for Germany will be containing Ronaldo. “We have a special plan to stop him, but I won’t tell you,” Bierhoff said. “He is the best player in the world; you can’t stop him for 90 minutes. And he is not alone. We have to stay solid as a group, confronting them one-on-one won’t be enough.”

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A spot in the Euro 2008 quarterfinals will be on the line when Russia faces Sweden on Wednesday. Spain has already advanced from Group D while Greece has been eliminated. Russia needs a win to advance to the quarterfinals while Sweden can advance with a win or a draw.

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Russia will be getting Andrei Arshavin back on Wednesday as he returns from suspension. He is considered the best player for Russia and has missed the first two matches in Euro 2008. He has not played since early this month and could start the game on the bench and enter as a second half substitute. He led Russia in qualifying with three goals. Arshavin is hoping to be in the starting lineup on Wednesday. “Choosing a lineup is the exclusive right of the coach,” he said. “Everything is possible, but to be honest I am preparing for the match and I hope to play from the start.” Russia is the youngest team in the Soccer Betting Euro 2008 while Sweden is the oldest. The experience factor could come into play on Wednesday. “It won’t be an easy game against Sweden. They are tough and experienced,” said Russia coach Guus Hiddink. “But knowing both teams, it will be a good clash. If you see the rankings we are still outsiders. We have less experience but outsiders can do a good job.”

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