The defending champions Spain take on Ireland on Thursday, with both sides looking for their first win in the tournament. Ireland came badly unstuck against a clinical and classy Croatia in their first match, losing 3-1 and being heavily out-classed. The Spaniards also failed to record a win in their opening fixture too, as an equalising goal from former Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas mustered up a spoil of the points with Italy in a 1-1 draw. Spain are still one of the tournament favourites to be tasting glory on July 1st, and because they are struggling to find a world class striker to fill the void that David Villa’s injury has left behind, they will look to the inspiration of Andres Iniesta.
The Barcelona man is one of the greats, not only with the ball at his feet, dribbling past players, but also in bringing others into the game with his wide range of vision. He is one of the true greats of this Golden Generation of Spanish football, and a lot is resting on his shoulders at the moment. Coach Vicente del Bosque has singled him out as one of the players that Spain need to rely on if they are going to successfully become the first ever nation to defend a European Championship title. With Spain opting not to play a recognised striker against Italy, and with the coach suggesting that he may go the same away again to start against Ireland, the Spaniards need Iniesta’s class.
So, it is time to head to online bookmaker William Hill, who are offering enhanced odds on Ireland v Spain. William Hill are offering a price of 6/1 for Andres Iniesta to score at any time during the game and for Spain to win. Not bad options at all, because in match betting, Spain are in as short as ¼ with the online bookmaker to win the match. So clearly there is going to be a lot of value in this, and with Spain looking to their creative forces of Iniesta and Fabregas to make up for a striker, there’s a strong possibility of this coming off. This price has been enhanced from 10/3.
Ireland v Spain Euro 2012 odds at William Hill
Spain ¼, Draw 9/2, Ireland 11/1
William Hill are also offering an enhanced odds option of a price of 6/1 for Antonio Cassano to score and Italy to win. Italy face a very good looking Croatia side, as they look to make up ground in the chase for a quarter final spot from Group C. Italy are a dangerous side but they need one of their strikers to really perform in order to push on through the tournament as a dangerous threat. Will it be Cassano? This price has been enhanced from 16/5.
Italy v Croatia Euro 2012 odds at William Hill
Italy 6/1, Draw 11/5, Croatia 12/5
