Euro 2012 Betting Tips and Preview

The major European football competitions have now been decided following dramatic scenes across the continent over the last few weeks and, while the Scandinavian and South American competitions provide interest for many football fans and bettors at this time of year, there is no doubt that most are eagerly awaiting the start of Euro 2012.  Here’s a look at the favoured teams in Euro 2012...

Spain (available @ 3.75) are favourites, and rightly so given their achievements in recent years.  The existing European and World champions play an exciting brand of football which truly defines the beautiful game.  However, Euro 2012 is yet another leg of what has been a hectic schedule for a team which have not had a summer off since winning Euro 2008 having been dragged across the globe playing various exhibition matches as well as the Confederations Cup in 2009.  Compounding this, they go into this tournament missing key players in Puyol and Villa who are out injured, not that Spain are short of talent of course.  The Euros are notoriously tough competitions with very few easy games to be had and Euro 2012 may prove a tournament too far for Spain on this occasion.  It is also worth highlighting that no European Champion has gone on to successfully defend the title.

[Qualifying record: W8 D0 L0 GD+20]

The other stand out candidate for success is Germany (@ 4.0).   The Germans have built on an impressive world cup two years ago by sailing through qualification and must be considered as serious candidates this time around.  The core of their squad has been playing at the highest level in club football with a number of starlets gaining big game experience which will serve them well this summer.  With so much individual talent available to compliment their inherent belief to deliver in the big tournaments, they are my outright pick for Euro 2012.

[Qualifying record: W10 D0 L0 GD+27]

As for the best of the rest, the Netherlands (@ 8.5) must be given serious consideration having impressed in qualifying as well as being the world cup runners up.  They set up to be solid defensively while having an attacking threat to be feared; top class goal scorers in Van Persie and Huntelaar, match winners and a strength in depth to change things if it’s not going their way.  The Netherlands are very worthy of an each way bet.

[Qualifying record: W9 D0 L1 GD+29]

France (@ 13.0) offer an exciting blend of experience and up and coming talent; they have steel, the ability to unlock a tight game and a goal scorer full of confidence in Benzema.  While qualification wasn’t impressive Les Bleus have steadily gained in confidence since Laurent Blancs tenure began and they will fancy their chances having gone 18 games unbeaten (including a victory over the Germans).  Following their implosion in the 2010 World Cup France will be keen to leave a more positive impression on the tournament and they are my each way pick.

[Qualifying record: W6 D3 L1 GD+11]

England (@ 13.0) go into a major tournament for the first time (in my lifetime anyway) without the expectation from home soil of a triumphant return.  Qualification was far from convincing while Roy Hodgson’s recent appointment as manager has surprised many along with his squad choice which has sparked serious debate.  Roy Hodgson has international experience and he has proved to be skilled in the art of delivering beyond expectation most notably leading Fulham to the Europa League Final in 2010.  However, it may take an effort (and fortune) comparable with Chelsea in the Champions League to win the trophy on this occasion.

[Qualifying record: W5 D3 L0 GD+12]

Italy (@ 15.0) are a force defensively but they do not have the strength in depth of other nations.  Despite comfortably topping the group in qualifying there are concerns about their consistency.  However, it is always dangerous to write off the 4 time world champions.

[Qualifying record: W8 D2 L0 GD+18]

The toughness of Portugal’s group is verified by the odds at which they enter Euro 2012 (@ 21.0).  Their squad includes a number of players who have long been spoken about for their potential but without ever delivering to the heights expected; I don’t see that changing this time around despite being able to boast, as believed in some quarters, the best player in the world, Christiano Ronaldo.

[Qualifying record: W5 D1 L2 GD+9]

iFootball Betting TIPS selections for Euro 2012 are Germany (outright winners), the Netherlands and France (each way).   Good luck if you decide to follow these selections.

All the best

Ronnie.