Who Will Win Euro 2008 ?
We’re going to have a close look at the sixteen teams competing in Euro 2008 and see if there are any form pointers that can help you back the likely winners.
Here in part one of our two part article we look at the eight top teams in the betting.
Germany
The bookmakers favourites have won this tournament three times previously in 1972, 1980 and in 1996. Germany are always a big threat in tournaments and have the mentality to get results even when they are not playing well. They’ve disappointed in the last two Euro Championships going out in the first round, but they are a better side than the aging team who competed in the last tournament. However many of the player’s in the squad are not playing regularly at club level and their form has to be taken on trust.
Still a hard side to beat, they could make it to the Final.
Current odds - 4/1 (Bodog)
Spain
Spain have reached the ¼ Final stages in two of their last three European Championships, but they have been a disappointment given the quality they have in their side. They are an exciting attacking side who like to pass the ball around and in Fernando Torres they have a striker who looks capable of scoring plenty of goals. Their defence does look vulnerable however and this could cost them dearly.
Likely to reach the Semi-Final stages.
Current odds- 6/1 (Skybet)
Italy
Italy have shed their defensive shackles under manager Roberto Donadoni and play a much more attacking game than they did when they became World Champions. They haven’t won this competition for 40 years, but that could all change here. Look certain to give a good account of themselves here and are our idea of the likely winners.
Current odds- 36/5 (Betfair)
Portugal
They are in what appears to be the easiest group and should qualify with ease into the later stages. Finalist back in 2004 they will have a real chance if Ronaldo can emulate the form he’s shown at club level with Manchester United. Tipped by many to do well, but the lack of a world class striker to convert the chances created on the flanks by Ronaldo and Nani could well be their undoing.
We think the Semi-Finals could be as far as they go.
Current odds- 15/2 (Bet365)
France
They were in the same group as Italy in qualifying and now find themselves facing the Italians again here in the group stages. Twice winners of the tournament they will be looking to reach the Final at least, given the talented squad they have. A very offensive side, they can let their heads go down if they have trouble breaking sides down (As Scotland proved in the qualifying group)
Talented, but need things to go their own way and that’s not likely to happen here. We reckon Quarter Finals at best.
Current odds- 9/1 (Partybets)
Czech Republic
Unbeaten in their qualifying campaign including a 3-0 win over Germany in Munich they could be the dark horses of the tournament. Reached the Semi-Finals in 2004 where strikers Koller and Baros caused panic in opposition defences. This strike partnership teams up again and could be worth backing at attractive odds.
Current odds- 16/1 (Bodog)
Croatia
Conquerors of England in qualifying they are dangerous opponents and can match anyone on their day. With star striker Eduardo missing the tournament through injury they may have to forego their usual attacking approach if they are to have any chance. Good going forward but often vulnerable in defence. If they can repeat their qualifying form they have to be respected, but may leak too many goals.
Could make Quarter-Finals
Current odds- 12/1 (PaddyPower)
Holland
Holland have a good record in this competition winning in 1988 and reaching the Semi-Finals in the last two tournaments. In a tough group with Italy and France and may struggle against these two sides and look likely to be going home early.
Current odds- 14/1 (PaddyPower)
Read part two of the Guide to who will win Euro 2008