Czech Republic v Portugal: First Goalscorer Tip

Normally I’m looking to oppose the favourite in the first goalscorer betting, but for the first quarter-final of Euro 2012 there really is only one outstanding candidate. Cristiano Ronaldo can justify best odds of 19/5 with StanJames as the statistics will bare out.

The Real Madrid star has had more attempts on target (13) than any other player in the tournament up till now. Throw in his eight wayward efforts and we have a total of 21 attempts in three matches. To put that into context, that’s more efforts than quarter-finalists Greece (19) have managed as an entire team!

We certainly shouldn’t be surprised by how willing Ronaldo is to ‘have a pop’ as he also led the continent for attempts on goal in qualifying; 23 of his 41 efforts hit the target with seven finding the net.

These figures should put to bed the notion that the 27-year-old doesn’t get the service he requires for Portugal. Against a Czech Republic side who shipped four goals to Russia in Group A, he will surely have a great chance of breaking the deadlock.

Ronaldo’s 2-goal display against Netherlands was the best individual performance of the competition to date. His confidence, never lacking, will be sky-high heading into this clash.

* Note the alternative option of taking the 7/2 with Ladbrokes. They will refund a losing first goalscorer bet if Nani scores first or last, up to £100, as a free bet.