In London, England Now Second Favourite

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31119, 23 July 1966, Page 17

In London, England Now Second Favourite

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright) LONDON. England, second favourite at 7 to 2, is plagued with injuries before its World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina today.

Four players were hurt in the match against France, and the most serious casualty is the inside-forward, J. Greaves, England’s all-time top-scorer with 43 goals. Greaves had three stitches inserted in a gashed left leg and is doubtful to play against Argentina. The goal-keeper, G. Banks, the centre-half, J. Charlton, and the full-back, G. Cohen, have minor injuries and should be fit The favourite, at 5 to 2, Portugal, is also worried by injuries, to its linkman, J. Graca, the centre-forward, J. Torres, and the winger, A. Simoes. Graca, the mid-field driving force of the Portuguese team, is causing most concern with an ankle injury. The Hungarians have four men on the injured list and have sent home for an extra defender. Their opponents,

Russia, is hopeful that its goal-keeper, L. Yashin, will be fit.

North Korea. Argentina, Uruguay, and West Germany were all reported free from serious injuries. Today’s quarter - final matches are: England v. Argentina, West Germany v. Uruguay, Portugal v. North Korea, Russia v. Hungary. The latest odds are: 5-2, Hungary: 9-2, West Germany; 8-1, Argentina; 9-1, Russia; 20-1, Uruguay; 100-1, North Korea.