In just a few weeks coaches of the 16 teams qualified for the 2008 UEFA European Championships will start naming their final squads for the event starting June 6th. This gives an indication of just how close football punters are to three weeks of top Euro 2008 soccer betting action. Leading online sportsbook, PinnacleSports.com, have for some time posted outright Euro 2008 betting odds and prices for the winners of each Group, as well Asian Handicap betting and total goals markets for the opening fixtures, priced to just 102% - which is 60% better than traditional bookmakers.
Group A – Weak Section is Portugal’s For the Taking
Portugal lead the Group A winner’s betting market at PinnacleSports.com priced 2.350 to top the pool phase, ahead of the Czech Republic 3.260*, co-hosts Switzerland 4.810* and Turkey 8.430*. The Portuguese possess an enviable pair of wing wizards in Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani, but cannot match that quality in the striker department. Though the Portuguese lost just once during Group A qualification, they finished second, having drawn six of their 14 games. Ronaldo was their top-scorer with eight goals, but an unhealthy amount of expectation rests on his young shoulders, and if the opposition can neutralize his threat, coach, Felipe Scolari may struggle with a plan B.
Group B – German’s Fancied to Cruise Into Knock-out Phase
Having approached the 2006 World Cup as unfancied hosts, Germany surpassed expectations reaching the semi-finals, and winning over a sceptical public. That momentum continued into Euro 2008 qualification under Joachim Low, and a little-changed squad who at 1.662* top the Euro 2008 Group B betting at PinnacleSports.com. The Germans qualified with the highest goals tally, but were beaten to the top of Group D by the Czech Republic, who inflicted their only defeat – though qualification was by then already assured. The national team recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with a 4-0 win over co-hosts Switzerland, where three goals from the strike-pairing of Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose underlined the duo’s potency.
Group C – Who Will Survive the Group of Death?
Ever since the draw was made back in December, Euro 2008’s Group of Death has been the subject of lengthy debate as to who will emerge from among France, Italy, Holland and Romania. The Euro 2008 betting at PinnacleSports.com has Italy as 2.700* favourites ahead of France 3.040* and Holland 3.740*, with Romania considered outsiders at 12.080*. Without a crystal, ball the best bettors can do is take the 60% better Euro 2008 betting odds available at PinnacleSports.com, then wait for the first Group C games on June 9th. The Azzurri have experienced a transitionary phase since winning the 2006 World Cup, as have Les Bleus’ ageing squad, while the Dutch have flattered to deceive once too often to be relied on. Romania shouldn’t be forgotten in all this, especially with Fiorentina’s form striker, Adrian Mutu; they showed in a recent 3-0 win over Russia that they are a dark horse that could easily sneak up the rails.
Group D – Defending Champions Handed Favourable Draw
Defending UEFA European Champions, Greece, have been given a reasonably realistic challenge to defend their title past the group stage. They line up alongside Spain, Sweden and Russia in Group D, all of whom will feel capable of progressing from the section. The Greeks are still coached by Otto Rehhagel, who guided them to an unlikely success in Portugal. Though failure to make the World Cup was a blow, Greece, were impressive during qualification, finishing seven points ahead of Turkey. Spain are however, priced 1.935* favourites, ahead of Greece, priced 5.360*, on PinnacleSports.com’s Group D betting market, despite remaining one of the biggest under-achievers in World football. Premiership football will have toughened up the likes Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso, but Spain aren’t a team to be trusted implicitly. The hopes of Sweden, priced 5.220*, may rest on the form of Zlatan Ibrahimovich, who has struggled this year with Inter Milan, while Russia 6.260*, may have benefited from England’s failure, but will provide a stern challenge under the guidance of the vastly experienced Guus Hiddink.
*All odds subject changeBest Euro 2008 Odds at PinnacleSports.com!1.96/1.96 style Asian Handicap pricing (c.102%) & live-betting on the major European football tournaments gives gamblers up to 60% better Euro 2008 betting odds.PinnacleSports.com offers commission-free fixed odds betting with exchange style pricing, as well as the web’s highest guaranteed liquidity and fastest payouts.Get a 10% sign-up bonus, 7% cash back on US horse bets and the best odds on all major sports.Find the Smarter Way To Bet at PinnacleSports.com. Visit Pinnacle Sports