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Euro 2008 Group Preview
Euro 2008 Group Preview - June 3rd 2008
Group A
The Czech Republic are a great team to watch but could well struggle to match the achievements of previous tournaments. Jan Koller still leads the line upfront despite looking 75 years old and a lot will depend on how youngster Martin Fenin adapts to his first tournament.
The merits of Portugal are discussed in our main tournament write up and whilst we cannot go against the team we’ve tipped to win the tournament, they might not have it all their own way in Group A. We expect co-hosts Switzerland to run them close and odds of 7/2 are generous for them topping the group. Home advantage should spur them on and it’s worth a small stake on the Swiss to sneak Group A.
Turkey qualified via one of the weakest groups and have a number of injuries to key players, the wooden spoon is all they can hope to win in 2008.
Recommendation: Switzerland to win Group A 1pt @ 7/2 with Ladbrokes or Betfred
Group B
Since 1980, only one host nation has failed to qualify for the knockout stages - Belgium in 2000. Austria are more than likely to join the Belgians with that dubious honour.
Poland could spring a surprise but the winner of Group B should contested by Germany and Croatia. Germany are solid favourites at 4/6 with Croatia available at 13/5, the winner of their fixture on June 12 is very likely to be the group decider. Overall, the odds for Group B seem to reflect the likely chance each country has of winning the group.
Recommendation: No Bet
Group C
The betting for the ‘group of death’ suggests it will be a 3 horse race between France, Holland and Italy but the bookmakers may have underestimated Romania’s chances. Romania won their qualifying group, finishing ahead of Holland; and with Adrian Mutu and Ciprian Marica upfront, they won’t struggle for goals. Romania are priced at 12/1 to win Group C and could spring a surprise.
Holland are a team that are crying out to be opposed in Euro 2008. Their recent form has been poor, squad unity is lacking and they’re managed by the weak Van Basten. The fact that Van Basten has already signed a contract to manage Ajax next season is another reason to oppose the Dutch.
Realistically the group should be won by either France or Italy but at the prices available it is Romania who are worth a punt.
Recommendation: Romania to win Group C 1pt at 12/1 with bet365 or Skybet
Holland to finish bottom of Group C 2pts @ 7/2 with Coral
Group D
The chances of holders Greece have barely been given a mention in the run up to the tournament, perhaps it’s because the pundits are hoping that lightening won’t strike twice! The Greeks are dull but well organised and should run Spain close in Group D. This group should be a stroll in the park for Spain though as Torres and Co run riot – it won’t be until the knock out stages that they feel the pressure and wilt! Russia should just pip Greece for 2nd place, Sweden will struggle.
Recommendation: No Bet
Posted: Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 @ 10:06 pm by Big Tips Admin
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