Tweet
England's historic victory against Germany in the Euro 2000 Championships has left bookmakers with a £1 million headache.
Patriotic punters who backed England to beat their old rivals were celebrating after last night's 1-0 win in the Belgian town of Charleroi.
Bookmakers, who said the result will cost the industry £1 million, fear worse to come if England progress in the tournament.
"Punters stayed loyal to England in a big way and bets of up to £10,000 were placed on England to win the match - industry-wide the victory will have cost a million," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.
"But if Kevin Keegan can now inspire his players to go on to win the tournament we'll be looking at a £10 million payout."
The victory meant Kevin Keegan's side need only a draw against Romania in Charleroi on Tuesday in their final Euro 2000 Group A game to qualify for the quarter finals on June 24.
William Hill have now slashed England's tournament odds from 12/1 to 13/2
fourth favourites behind France at 9/4; Holland 11/4 and England's probable Quarter Final opponents Italy at 5/1.
Last night's result left at least one German celebrating with England fans - a punter from Bad Lauterberg who has staked £5,000 on Keegan's side at odds of 14/1 to win Euro 2000.
The mystery better is on course for a £75,000 payout.
England are now quoted at 8/11 by William Hill to beat Romania and at 1/5 to
qualify from their Group.
Patriotic punters who backed England to beat their old rivals were celebrating after last night's 1-0 win in the Belgian town of Charleroi.
Bookmakers, who said the result will cost the industry £1 million, fear worse to come if England progress in the tournament.
"Punters stayed loyal to England in a big way and bets of up to £10,000 were placed on England to win the match - industry-wide the victory will have cost a million," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.
"But if Kevin Keegan can now inspire his players to go on to win the tournament we'll be looking at a £10 million payout."
The victory meant Kevin Keegan's side need only a draw against Romania in Charleroi on Tuesday in their final Euro 2000 Group A game to qualify for the quarter finals on June 24.
William Hill have now slashed England's tournament odds from 12/1 to 13/2
fourth favourites behind France at 9/4; Holland 11/4 and England's probable Quarter Final opponents Italy at 5/1.
Last night's result left at least one German celebrating with England fans - a punter from Bad Lauterberg who has staked £5,000 on Keegan's side at odds of 14/1 to win Euro 2000.
The mystery better is on course for a £75,000 payout.
England are now quoted at 8/11 by William Hill to beat Romania and at 1/5 to
qualify from their Group.
Comment