Tuesday sees four games of massive importance on the international scene with the deciding legs of the playoff qualifiers for Euro 2012, 3 sides already hold distinct advantage from good wins in the 1st legs & that could impact on the way games play out, we're concentrating on the Portugal v Bosnia game that still hangs in the balance & the all but through Republic of Ireland who now host Estonia.
(Ronaldo can get the scoring going for Portugal v Bosnia)
The 1st leg of Portugal against Bosnia-Herzegovina tie was an excruciating affair on a very poor pitch, not helped by an unecessarily strict referee, the Bosnia coach's promise to attack was patently untrue & although Portugal will have been disappointed to have not got an away goal (it ended 0-0) they will feel they have the players to get this put away at home. Portugal always used to be held up along with Spain as a side that have perennially underachieved but now that Spain have well & truly put that behind them Portugal are now along with England the biggest European countries to continue to falter. When you look at the individuals in Portugal's lineup they are clearly a threat to anyone with some top defenders in Pepe, Fábio Coentrão & Bruno Alves & brilliant creative talent in Raul Meireles, Nani & the man who has a legitimate claim to be the best in the world - Cristiano Ronaldo (even over the much lauded Lionel Messi). Ronaldo really can take a game by the scruff of the neck & is continuing in irresistible form for Real Madrid this year with 13 goals in 11 games, 13/5 may seem short for him to score first but he really is that good & can come through when it counts. Bosnia hold a genuine attacking threat through their star player Edin Dzeko & vice captain & record capped midfielder Zvjezdan Misimović, they're pretty tough all round & did well to run France close in their qualifying group. That group wasn't the strongest though & they should be overmatched against Portugal who will want to win this by a clear margin to avoid potentially going out on away goals, backing Portugal with -1 goals on the handicap at 6/5 looks the way to go in this one.
(Top winger Aidan McGeady can help Ireland impress in front of their home fans)
The Republic of Ireland are virtually in the finals after their superb 4-0 win away in Tallinn against Estonia & they will be feeling great for this one & will want to put on a show for the home fans. Estonia must know in their heart of hearts that this tie is done but if they are foolish enough to try to attack in this one they will find out how ruthless Ireland can be. Robbie Keane has turned down a request from L.A. Galaxy to sit out this game so that he can be more prepared for their MLS final & that shows that Ireland are taking this game seriously. They are strong at the back with the outstanding Shay Given protected by his Villa team mate Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly & the ever improving Sean St. Ledger, Damian Duff & £9.5m winger Aidan McGeady offer Keane great support going forwards & with Estonia deflated after the weekend defeat they will want to put a vfew past them to sign off this qualifying campaign in style. Ireland's superiority to Estonia seems to have been underestimated here & the 2/5 for them to win looks as sure a bet as you'll get.
Selections:
Portugal to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina with -1 goals on the handicap at 6/5 (various)
Cristiano Ronaldo to score 1st goal at 13/5 (Paddy Power)
Republic of Ireland to beat Estonia at 2/5 (general)
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