No, we couldn't believe it either
Belgium are the best ranked team in Europe. They have stars from the Premier League, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 littered throughout their squad. But there’s one thing they don’t have. And that is Joe Allen.
Yes, the biggest upset of Euro 2016 so far cost Paddy Power a lot of money. A Gloucester punter would strike it lucky on a sensational scorecast via the Paddy Power app.
Nainggolan to score first and Wales to win 3-1 was 600/1 last night and the lucky customer had put £40 on it – thus forcing Paddy to pay out £24,040 as well as hear endless jokes about sheep.
46% of Paddy’s punters had backed the Welsh to shock the world – well, the European world anyway – and win but they would’ve been feeling fairly glum when Nainggolan rocketed in the opener after 13 minutes. But somewhere in a Gloucester pub there was one man with a massive grin on his face.
A grin which would’ve spread the length of the Severn as Ashley Williams bulleted home the equalizer half an hour in. At this stage, there was a chance it could happen. When Hal Robson-Kanu turned into the footballing Jesus and put the Welsh ahead after 55, the customer (and Paddy) would’ve been sweating. Would Wales sit back or go for the third and potentially make this lad rich?
He got his answer as Belgium plunged forward searching for an equalizer and (like they so often did in the qualification games) Wales caught them out on the counter. Sam Vokes was the toast of Gloucester, and was added to Paddy’s list of enemies as the 600/1 shot came up in the sweetest fashion with his header five minutes from time.
Can the Welsh go all the way now? Well, we’ve set odds of for them to do a Greece. If they do, Gareth Bale is sure to be Player of the Tournament – even if he hasn’t scored in the knockout phase yet. Paddy Power are in for a huge loss if Wales do manage to take the trophy. We don’t think our lad from Gloucester will be bothered much.
- Either way, this legendary punter rightfully takes his place in the Punting Hall of Fame. Fancy joining him? Our latest odds on all sports are right here.