Torres slashed for Boot after Spain romp
SPAIN were trimmed to 5-2 to win Euro 2012 after they cruised to a 4-0 victory over Ireland on Thursday to send the Boys in Green crashing out.
The tournament has been a huge disappointment for Giovanni Trapattoni’s side and Ladbrokes reacted to their elimination by making them 3-1 to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
Spain have not yet qualified from Group C, but a 2-2 draw (or any draw with more than two goals apiece) in their final group game against Croatia will see both sides progress to the knockout stages.
Betting on that scoreline was suspended after being cut to 11-2, while the draw was in to 7-4.
Italy are 14-1 for glory after they drew 1-1 with Croatia.
The Italians took control of the game through Andrea Pirlo’s classy free-kick but Croatia looked a threat throughout and they were 25-1 to win the tournament after Mario Mandzukic’s strike salvaged a point.
It was Mandzukic’s third goal of the competition – he notched twice against Ireland – and he was promptly cut to a best-priced 9-1 with Boylesports to win the Golden Boot. Fernando Torres bagged a brace for Spain and was cut to 5-1 to be top scorer.
Betfred said Torres was the best-backed first goalscorer of Euro 2012 so far and had to pay out punters at double the odds (8-1) because he scored twice.
