posted June 20, 2008 at 13:57 in Soccer Articles

To say no one in the online soccer betting community expected to have to speculate on this matchup in the quarterfinal of Euro Cup 2008 is no understatement. Not because of Croatia since their first-place finish in Group B was hardly a surprise. Pre-championship speculators tipped the Croatians as perhaps the biggest surprise of the finals. However, huge underdogs Turkey were not given much of a chance against Czech Republic, but their sensational comeback from behind win in the last Group A encounter was all it took for them to enter the final eight. Croatia are the huge favourites in this matchup, but the question online sports bettors need to consider when betting on this quarterfinal encounter is whether they can deliver in this role. Turkey has shown it has heart and passion can they go one better in today’s quarterfinal?

Soccer Betting Line:

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time Friday June 20, 2008

Croatia -½ -140 -140 Over 2½ +125 Over 1½ +105 Under 1½ -135

Turkey +½ +120 +370 Under 2½ -145 Under ½ +130 Over ½ -160

Draw +240

Analysis:Coach Bilic does not underestimate the Turkish side, instead they are preparing for an exhaustive fight. Courted by European Clubs for a coaching position, Bilic (who will remain Croatia’s national coach for another two years) knows what his side is capable of. He took a chance on young players who have shown no fear against big European teams throughout the competition. They have huge potential and perhaps we have not seen the best of them yet.

There is a huge lesson in Turkey’s match against the Czech Republic. They will battle to the very end. The match is not lost until the very last whistle blows. However, coach Terim is in a bit of a pickle with his defence seriously altered by the suspension of keeper Volkan Demirel. Nothing short of a huge blow indeed. Brazilian born Mehmet Aurelio also has some cards to his name and with injuries to Emre Berezoglu and Turner Metin there will be changes in the midfield as well.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Most bettors will favour Croatia for the victory. They are technically superior and individually stronger. A deeply talented squad they will be Turkey’s toughest challenge yet. Though who thought Portugal would succumb to Germany. Anyone? Portugal was favoured for the victory – heck for the championship title even at the start of the finals. Yet yesterday a 3:2 victory for Germany, with coach Low watching from a far (in a private box as he earned a suspension and could not coach his team from the sidelines), was all it took for the favoured Portugal to succumb to another disappointing turnout in Euro Cup. If there is a lesson in the 2008 Euro Cup championships to be learned – it is that anything can happen. In many respects, this year has been the story of the underdog. So should one discount the Cinderella team?

Soccer Free Picks: Odds on Croatia to win are not outrageous and offer value at -140 on the money line. Definitely worth the risk, especially if you are a fan of Croatia. However, for myself I like Turkey. They were sensational against the Czech Republic. Of course the odds are great as well. At +340, a Turkish victory would pay out huge. If risking money on Turkey seems far-fetched then take the over/under odds. The Over 2.5 goals at +125.

For More EURO 2008 Betting Information Click Here!