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posted June 6, 2008 at 18:53 in Soccer Articles

As the much-anticipated 2008 UEFA Euro Cup kicks off on Saturday, June 7 with Group A soccer betting action, the online soccer betting hamlet at BetUS Sportsbook has two stellar matchups to look forward to betting on the inaugural day of the championships. Group A Portugal, favoured to emerge from the group stages, open against Group A underdogs, Turkey; while co-host Switzerland open against the Czech Republic. With these two stellar cards on the first day of the prestigious European championships, here is a betting analysis of the former sports betting matchup to get you football bettors wagering on this event.

Group A: Portugal vs. Turkey

Match Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time Saturday, June 7, 2008

Venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland

Soccer Betting Lines:

Team: Portugal -½ -135

Money Line: -135

Total Points: Over 2 -135

Team: Turkey +½ +115

Money Line: +385

Total Points: Under 2 +115

Draw +240

Spread Odds:

Portugal -1 +160

Turkey +1 -180

Analysis: Portugal is one of the bookies favourites to win the European championship crown. Starting their ascent to the top against Turkey, considered to be the weakest in the Group and one of the least favoured sides of the whole championships, Portugal is expected to get off to a flying start. One look at the odds in this matchup and the agreement is clear. Clearly favoured at -135 on the money line, betting on this matchup should not be a mystery for most soccer bettors. That being said, Turkey is not a team that should be underestimated. Portugal will need to be careful of Turkey’s ability to outrun the midfield. Portugal’s game suits Terim’s side better than for example the Czech or the Swiss teams, so if Turkey can resist Portugal on the attack and keep patient, they may capitalize with a goal or two. They certainly have flashy offensive-minded midfielders that can rise to the occasion. Difficult to imagine but not impossible. Remember the last Euro Cup championships when Portugal lost their opening match against Greece.

Betting Verdict: Once again, the odds suggest this matchup is straightforward for the hefty favourites Portugal. A win for Portugal will allow the team to relax and avoid having to chase the result against home crowd favourites Switzerland – something that may prove to be a disaster for their highly anticipated campaign. Turkey enters with nothing to lose and as the underdogs they have a great opportunity to comprise the pre-championship favourites. Portugal will have to attack at some point, but this is the first match so another cautious start by a European powerhouse is expected.

Soccer Free Picks: So in terms of a wager on this match, I would suggest betting on Portugal for the win at -135 odds. However, if you are wary of Portugal suffering the same fate it did four years ago against Greece with shock loss in its opener then take the spread or the total/under odds. Portugal to cover the spread at -1 +160 or Turkey Under 2 +115.

 

UEFA EURO 2008 betting at BetUS online sportsbook the premiere destination for the worldwide soccer betting community find the latest soccer betting odds and lines along with unique sports betting tips and online betting articles.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.