The Sports Bookie Blog

Euro 2008 Betting – Group B Opening Fixtures (June 8)

June 6th, 2008

The wait is almost over, and the serious business of Euro 2008 betting is about to begin. Co-hosts Austria kicks off their Euro 2008 on Sunday at 6pm (GMT) against Dark Horses, Croatia.

Austrians Need Boost from Host Status

As co-hosts of Euro 2008 Austria should be expected to produce a better showing than their basic form suggests. The Austrians are ranked a lowly 101 on FIFA’s World table of soccer nations, below such luminaries as Syria, Ethiopia and Bahrain, while their opening opponents – Croatia – are rated 88 places higher by FIFA as the World’s 13th best side. That would suggest a serious mis-match in the opening game, but the Euro 2008 betting at top Handicap sportsbook, PinnacleSports.com, suggests a much closer game.

PinnacleSports.com make Croatia marginal favourites on the Euro 2008 Asian Handicap priced 1.980 (-0.5)* with Austria 1.943 (+0.5)* – a Euro 2008 betting market priced to less than 102%. The recent records of major international tournaments emphatically demonstrates that hosts punch above their weight. Germany surprised many by reaching the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup; Portugal made the Euro 2004 Final, while one of the biggest shocks was Korea reaching a World Cup semi-final in 2002. The Austrians would however, cause something of a shock were to win their section priced 18.840* in the Euro 2008 Group A betting at PinnacleSports.com.

Germans Kick-off as Tournament Favourites Against Poland

Germany carry the burden of expectation as Euro 2008 betting favourites going into their opening game of the tournament on Sunday night (8.45pm GMT) against Poland. PinnacleSports.com price the Germans 5.110* favourites in an outright market priced to less than 105%, but their first game will be a real test. The history of these neighbouring countries will forever be linked with WWII, while several of the German side are originally from Poland i.e. Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski, Tim Borowski and Piotr Trochowski. The sides met in the group stages of the 2006 World Cup when the German hosts left it until the 91st minute to score the only goal of the game.

Poland’s eccentric goal-keeper, Artur Boruc, was almost unbeatable, and he will again be needed on his best form to keep out a German side boasting Miroslav Klose, Golden Boot winner at the last two World Cups. Poland were impressive in qualification winning their eight team section ahead of Portugal and Serbia. Since gaining their place at Euro 2008 however, Leo Beenkakker’s side have produced some indifferent results. The Poles lost 3-0 at home to the USA, then drew with Macedonia and Denmark, in between beating Alabania 1-0. Performances usually change in the competitive environment of the tournament, but Poland’s confidence might not be particularly high ahead of their opening game. PinnacleSports.com price Germany favourites 1.893 (-1)* with Poland 2.040 (+1)* – an Asian Handicap giving 60% better odds than traditional bookmakers.

 

 

*All odds subject change so check out the latest across the op rated sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com >> Live Euro2008 Odds.

Entry Filed under: Bookie News & Bonuses,European Football,Sports Betting