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Euro Cup 2012 Free Picks Czech Republic vs. Portugal Preview Lines + Predictions

Czech Republic vs Portugal Euro Cup 2012 Betting Picks + Odds

With Tomas Rosicky’s injury being more severe than first thought, the Czech’s chances have fallen off quite a bit. On the other hand, most didn’t really didn’t think that they would get to this point anyways, so it is like playing with the house’s money at this point.

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When: Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 2:45 PM EST
Where: Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw, Poland
TV: ESPN
Line: Czech Republic (+440), Portugal (-142), Draw (+250)

After being throttled by the Russians in their first outing of the tournament, many thought that the Russians were a lock for this slot, but that turned out to be wrong, when the Ruskies were sent packig by the tournament’s Cinderella – Greece. Mix in a couple of wins from the Czechs, and here we are.

Meanwhile, an off-kilter Portugal side took an eerily similar route to the quarterfinals. Losing their first outing to the Germans, followed up with wins over Denmark and the heavily favored Netherlands, to take second place in the “Group of Death.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero to send them through against the Dutch. He took a Euro 2012 record 12 shots, sending two into the back of the net to give Portugal a 2-1 win.[ad-3678122]

As far as this match goes, Portugal is an easy favorite. Aside from the fact that they are probably just flat out better and the Czechs are without their best field player. The main thing is that Ronaldo may have finally found his club form. That could be scary for the rest of the world, starting with the Czechs.

Players to Watch:

Czech Republic – Petr Jiracek 2 Goals in Euro 2012

The man that scored a third minute goal against Greece and then the group winner against Poland is an obvious choice here. If the Republic is to make a run in this one, Jiracek will be heavily involved.

Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo 2 Goals in Euro 2012

Another obvious choice here. After scoring twice in his last outing, many will be expecting him to score again. I would not put it past him to throw a couple into the back of the net.

Matt’s Free Pick– Portugal– With flimsy defense and subpar play by goalkeeper Petr Cech, it’s hard to see how the Czechs could hold off a wicked Ronaldo attack.

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