All bets are off

My betting slip is about to be torn up (my final four: Russia, Spain, France…. and Holland!). The Dutch have had good success in the Euro’s – finalists and semi-finalists four times in the last six competitions, yet, unless the stars align dramatically for them on Sunday, they will be on the KLM flight back to Amsterdam.

The Germans comprehensively beat their old rivals yesterday in the ‘Spider Arena’ in Kharkiv. The Dutch only rallied when belatedly RVP (who on my 2nd betting slip is down as top scorer!) finally managed to unlock his obvious talent. The Dutch now have to rely on the Germans, which is sure to grate, to comprehensively beat Denmark, whilst they will have to raise their game to beat the Portuguese.

Portugal overcame a stubborn Denmark 3-2, it was an entertaining game and I thought the Portuguese were fortunate despite Ronaldo missing about as many goals as he scored in this season’s La Liga. It is often said that great players only become the greatest on a tournament stage and the litle self-obsessed Ronaldo failed to live up to his reputation again and then let himself down when he had the hump at the press conference.

The Premier League manager merry-go-round continued yesterday after Harry Redknapp was shown the door at Spurs. Redknapp’s stock has fallen as spectacularly as Facebook. The best English manager, a shoe-in for the national job just a few months ago, he is now back in his Poole retreat working on another tax form with his dog.

Interestingly I had a bet on Redknapp being the next Chelsea manager, at least I got a bit closer on that one!

The 65-year old will bounce back with the help of his media darlings and other Premier League managers will be twitchy as will Dave Whelan as Roberto Martinez suits both the job and Daniel Levy, especially if David Moyes decides to bide his time until the Old Trafford hot seat finally becomes available.

I find it hard to imagine that without even more significant investment, that Spurs can push themselves much higher. For all the years we were in the Premiership they were never even a bridesmaid, let alone a bride. Redknapp was well liked by his players and post the Euros the new manager might find it challenging to keep the core side together.

I wonder what odds Pardew is? Fortunately I am not much of a betting man!