Euro 2008 Final Matches Group C and D
Austria v Germany
Germany could go out of the tournament today if they were to lose to Austria and given how they performed against Croatia the 5/17 (Bodog) for a win looks too short to be taken with any great confidence.
Austria are 10/1 (Ladbrokes) to win the match against their arch-rivals and could be worth a small stake at this price given the circumstances. Firstly it could be argued that Austria are in better form than the Germans. Austria definitely ran Croatia closer than Germany did, they played well and created numerous chances against Poland, plus they will have no fear going into tonight’s match as they have already exceeded all expectations in the tournament. Germany on the other hand were poor against Croatia and never looked likely to win the game. They looked lethargic and showed very little going forward. They will also go into tonight’s match a little fearful knowing a poor result would see them fail to qualify from a group that looked relatively easy on paper.
A draw for Germany tonight 7/2 (Bet365) would probably be enough to see them go through and we think this could be a decent bet. Germany are likely to be a lot more cautious in their approach tonight and we don’t think there will be a lot between the two sides. The German defence has looked suspect in their games so far and if Austria could convert some of the chances they have made in previous games a win may not be beyond them.
Germany also look better in attack and so we think both teams could score tonight. We’re going for a 1-1 draw 9/1 (Betfair) and think first goalscorer options worth considering are Miroslav Klose 4/1 (Coral) and Ivica Vastic 18/1 (Bet365).
We must admit the 35/1 (Betfair) for a 1-0 win to Austria looks severely tempting and if you think there could be an upset then you should get on at these odds.
Poland v Croatia
Croatia are 19/10 (Partybets) to win this game and even although they don’t have anything to play for as they’ve already qualified, we think these odds are tremendous value. Croatia are likely to make a lot of changes for this game and even with Poland likely to be going all out for the win that could see them qualify, we think Croatia will be too good for Poland.
Poland must be a little dis-spirited after their draw with Austria, given how late the equalising goal came. They played reasonably well against Austria, but they were carved open numerous times by Austria and only some great goalkeeping by Artur Boruc kept them in the game. We can’t see really see why Poland are only 13/10 (Skybet) to win tonight and even the 13/5 (Bodog) for the draw looks to be beyond them to be honest. They haven’t shown anything their first two games to lead us to believe they can beat Croatia tonight even if the Croatian side is under strength.
We’re going for a Croatia win and think the 3-1 correct score 33/1 (Skybet) is great value as is the 2-0 14/1 (Paddypower) and are going to cover both bets.
France v Italy
Well who would have thought that the two favourites to go through from the group (and many punter’s picks to win the tournament) would find themselves having to win their last game to have any chance of progressing in the tournament? But that’s the scenario for this match and even if France or Italy do win they still may not go through if Holland lose to Romania.
On the basis of performances in their first two matches there’s not a lot to choose between these two sides. They were both comprehensively beaten by Holland and neither could overcome the defensive formation of the Romania.
France have looked out of sorts and have lacked width in their games so far. They huffed and puffed against Romania without really creating too many chances and their defence was left exposed against Holland when they went looking to get back into the game. Judged on their form in the two previous matches they look to be a better betting proposition to win the match 7/4 (Partybets.com) than Italy
Italy looked poor defensively in both games and made uncharacteristic mistakes at the back. France could capitalise on these mistakes if they happen again and if Italy are to win this match they will need to show a lot more than they have in their previous two matches. At 11/8 (Coral) to win the match they’re a fair price, but we can’t see them beating France.
At 13/5 (Partybets) the draw is no good to either side and although the price may tempt a few punters, it’s not the bet for us.
We’re taking France to win 2-1 10/1 (Ladbrokes) and think Frank Ribery 10/1 (VCbet) to be the first goalscorer is worth a small stake.
Netherlands v Romania
Romania are favourites to win this game and qualify along with Netherlands. They are 23/20 (Bodog) to beat Holland and certain factors point to this being possible. Holland have already qualified and are resting a lot of their first choice players as well as avoiding picking any players who are on yellow cards, and will be under strength. Romania will be fielding their strongest possible team to get the points to see them go through and may just have the edge.
Holland are 23/10 (Skybet) to win tonight and with nothing but pride to play for may well be worth taking on at this price. A draw is a possibility and the 3/1 (Betfair) looks decent value.
We’re taking a chance on Romania to win the match and are taking the 2-1 correct score 6/1 (Partybets) as the likely outcome. First goalscorers we like the look of are Dica Nicolae 14/1 (Ladbrokes) and Venegoor of Hesselink at 9/1 (Bet365)