Euro 2008- Four teams to bet on

So Euro 2008 is nearly upon us and the questions on everyone’s lips are did Andy Abraham really deserve to finish in  last last place? And should GB boycott the competition ?? Oh sorry that was Eurovision the ‘music contest’ and not Euro 2008 the football tournament…silly me.   The real questions everyone are asking are, who’s going to win the cup? Who should we be betting on? And please please please can England take part?(well maybe only England fans)

The bookie’s three betting favourites to win the tournament this year are Germany, Italy and Spain(check Betfair).  But Banter will be looking at the possible alternatives and outsiders that could bring some betting profit.  Four countries have been picked out (well then I’ve got 4 chances of being right) : Holland, Croatia, Sweden and Russia.

Holland are currently at odds of 14.5 on Betfairto win the tournament.  The Dutch are in group C with Italy, France and Romania, also known as the group of death.  The two times European cup winners have always had players that have been fantastic to watch and this squad is no different. With players like Robben, van der Vaart and the goal machine Ruud van Nistelrooy, Marco van Basten will be hoping he emulate the success he had as a player and win the tournament.  It always seems like the Dutch go the way of England at big tournaments and shoot themselves in the foot, hopefully there will be no in fighting as there has been in the past, if they can focus on just football, then they can surely be a match for the likes of Italy and France. 

Croatia have improved greatly since we last saw them play their traditional 3-5-2 formation at the World Cup, Bilic has firstly got them playing 4-4-2 and are very well organised, making it very hard for any team to break them down.  Add to that players like Niko Kranjcar who finds it second nature to keep the ball and who can create the necessary openings.  Unfortunately for Croatia their key striker Eduardo won’t be taking part so Bilic will have to decide who will be partnering Petric up front.  At odds of 17 on Betfair, I can see them giving Germany a match in their second game and they have a great chance of qualifying from their group, if they can avoid defeat to them.

Sweden- I’ve only picked out Sweden due to the massive odds of 50.0 on Betfairand of course because of my love for all things Volvo!!  Sweden have Larsson back for one last hurrah, but they don’t look to be the team they once were a few years back.  Lyon’s Kim Kallstrom is one player I would like to see in the Premiership and who I’ll be watching out for in the Swedish midfield.

Russia- Well 2008 seems to be everything Russia….hosting the Champions League Final, Zenit St Petersburg winning the UEFA cup and of course Russia winning the Eurovision song contest!!!  At odds of 27.0, I say why not(Terry Wogan may disagree though)?  Hiddink has the experience at this level to get Russia to the  group stages and most importantly for any team, they have a system.  Spain are favourites to emerge from group D, so if this holds true, Russia should have a chance against Sweden and Greece for the second qualifying spot.  Striker Andrei Arshavin looked very sharp and a handful when playing for Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA cup this season, a clear danger-man to look out for. 

There are a few FREE betting offers from Betfair and William Hill, check out the banners on the right to get your free bets for the tournament.  Good Luck!!