Plenty of Irish fans will have a glint in their eye this morning - and this one will have Paddy's cash in his pocket
Euro 2016 Punting Hall of Fame
It’s being dubbed as one of the ‘worst defeats in England’s history’. The Three Lions suffered an almighty shock in the Euro 2016 round of 16, losing 2-1 to Iceland in Nice. The performance was met with a shower of boos from the travelling support, while manager Roy Hodgson stepped down almost immediately after the final whistle.
Yet, while many Ireland fans will have enjoyed seeing their near neighbours embarrassed on the big stage – one Dublin man in particualr will be happier than most this morning, as he wakes up with €2,500 in his pocket.
His €10 punt on Wayne Rooney to score first and Iceland to win 2-1 at 250/1 got off to the perfect start inside four minutes as Icelandic goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson wiped out Raheem Sterling and set up England’s record goalscorer from 12 yards. Rooney made no mistake from the spot and bagged his 53rd goal for the national side.
Little more than 60 seconds later and Iceland were level courtesy of a cannonball long throw and some defending from England that wouldn’t look out of place on a Sunday league pitch. The flick on was volleyed in by Ragnar Sigurdsson as the Three Lions’ collapsed quicker than the Labour party.
And Iceland were ahead before the 20 minute mark as Joe Hart once again left a horrible stain on his Euro 2016 campaign. Having already allowed a Gareth Bale free-kick to squirm from his grasp, the Manchester City shot-stopper made a complete balls of Kolbeinn Sigthorsson’s effort from the edge of the box, and the ball trickled over the line.
The 250/1 shot was on – and this Irishman had just 70 minutes of squeaky bum action to survive. Luckily for him England never really created a golden opportunity, and Iceland defended comfortably to keep Roy’s boys at bay.
All in there were 16 online Paddy Power punters who clicked the 250/1 scorecast last night, but there may not be one happier than the Dub who’s scooped €2.5k.