LADBROKES go 7/4 that both of tonight's (Wednesday) semi final managers will not be in their present jobs after the world cup.

The firm's spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: "After France's indifferent start to the tournament it was looking like au revoir for Domenech. But he's undergone a revolution in fortunes and if he emerges with Les Bleus' second world cup, his position will surely be secure.

"But the big question will be whether he can deliver the goods. If the French fail to win the tournament it will be regarded as a failure and the former under 21 boss will be facing an uncertain future.

"Big Phil has proven very hard to second guess, as the FA can testify. He's yet to sign an extension to his Portugese contract and may feel that he's taken the Iberians as far as he can."

Both sides have enjoyed notable penalty success against England, the French winning with a last minute penalty against the Three Lions in Euro 2004 and Portugal having knocked out Eriksson's men in the last two major tournaments, via spot kicks.

Ladbrokes are 8/1 about both sides' chances should the tie go to penalties. And bookies are also 2/1 about a penalty being scored in normal time and go 7/1 that a spot kick will be missed in 90 minutes.

Weinberg added: "As the tournament reaches the latter stages it becomes harder to separate the sides. It could be that spot kicks are called on again to produce a winner."

Despite England crashing out, the premiership will be well represented in the semi final clash. And bookies are 6/4 about a premiership player scoring.

France midfielder Zinedine Zidane is 8/1 to score first and 10/1 to notch from outside the penalty area. The Real Madrid man is 66/1 to write yet another fairytale chapter in his career by scoring a hat trick.

The three times world footballer of the year, famed for his short temper in his early career, is 14/1 to recieve the game's first card.

France are evens favourites to win in 90 minutes and 4/9 to progress to the final.



LATEST BETTING

Domenech to be in charge of France for their first game after the conclusion of the world cup 4/7
Scolari to be in charge of Portugal for their first game after the conclusion of the world cup 3/1

Both not to be in charge 7/4

Zidane specials

To score from outside the penalty area 10/1
To recieve the games first card 14/1
To score a hat trick 66/1

A penalty to be scored in normal time 2/1
A penalty to be missed in normal time 7/1

To win on penalties
France 8/1
Portugal 8/1

Premiership player to score 6/4

90 minutes

France evens
Draw 9/5
Portugal 11/4

To qualify

France 4/9
Portugal 13/8