Israel Incentive to beat Russia
14th November, 2007
The bookmaker Fred Done has offered a major incentive to the Israeli football team to beat Russia in Tel Aviv, in an attempt to keep England’s slim Euro 2008 qualification hopes alive. Done’s bookmaker, Betfred, is the official bookmaker of Wembley, so there is added incentive for him wanting a packed stadium for all of England’s upcoming fixtures. Should England’s hopes not be realised, support would no doubt dwindle.
If Israel beat Guus Hiddink’s Russia on Saturday, putting Englands qualification hopes back in their own hands, Done has promoised to buy the scorer of Israel’s winning goal a £50,000 top-spec Mercedes. There have already been reports in the media that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has promised £100,000 to each player in the Russian team should they qualify.
Done said: "I'm an Englishman through and through and I can't imagine a European Championship without England. I couldn't just sit there and let that happen. Although I may not have Roman's wealth I can do my little bit to see England through to the finals."
Taking the best odds from our odds comparison service, England are 7/4 to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals, surprisingly shorter odds than Scotland (who just need to beat Italy), at 5/2 with Bet 365.
