The fourth and final quarterfinal of this year’s 2008 European Cup will take place on Sunday June, 22nd.  It should be very entertaining to watch as it is going to bring two former winners together.  Spain is going to take on Italy as both of them are bidding to add to their already impressive resumes.  For Spain is it going to be a chance to make the final four for the first time since 1984, while Italy are looking for their second straight semi final berth in three Euro 2008 tournaments. Currently the Euro 2008 betting odds at Sportsbook.com have Spain as a +150 heading into Sunday’s Euro 2008 matchup.

Spain began their Euro Cup determined to make up for past disappointments.  They rammed 4 goals past Russia in Innsbruck as David Villa scored a hat trick.  He became the first player since 2000 to score a hat trick at the Euro Cup.  The Valencia striker also set up Spain’s fourth goal as they won 4-1.  Villa worked his magic again in the next match by scoring the game winner in extra time against Sweden.  Spain won this game 2-1 and it guaranteed them a spot in the quarterfinals.  For their third and final game they played defending champions Greece.  They rested most of their players, but still managed to win the game 2-1.  This made them undefeated and gave them momentum for their match against Italy.  Currently Euro 2008 betting odds at Sportsbook.com have Spain as a +150 favorite heading into Sunday’s game.

Italy started off this year’s Euro Cup with a scare, as they lost to the Netherlands 3-0.  In their next match against Romania the Azzuri were lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw as Romania missed a late penalty kick which would have eliminated Italy.  This meant that Italy went into their final game in group C needing a win against France and they had to hope that Romania didn’t beat the Dutch.  They got an early penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead and didn’t look back, as they went on to win 2-0 and advance to the next stage.  Both countries hold a fairly even record against each other in head to head competeition.  In a total of 29 games dating back to September 1920, Spain have won 10, Italy 9 and there have been 10 draws.  Look for Sunday’s match to be another tight one as either team can go on and win.

Euro 2008 at Sportsbook.com

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