The first round of Euro 2012 group matches have been played and Spain remain favourites with the bookmakers to win back-to-back European Championships, despite only managing a 1-1 draw with Italy in their opening game.
We’ve enjoyed eight matches at Euro 2012, with Russia, Denmark, Germany, Croatia and Ukraine all claiming victories which puts them firmly on course for a place in the quarter finals.
However, a lot can change very quickly in a major tournament and Tuesday 12 June marks the start of the second round of group games, with Russia looking to cement their place in the last eight with a win against co-hosts Poland.
Dick Advocaat’s men were the big market movers of the first few days after beating Czech Republic 4-1 and they are now a best price 12/1 with
Stan James, having previously been 25/1 before the tournament started.
There is lots to like about the Russians going forward and they should comfortably qualify for a last eight match against Denmark or Portugal.
Spain remain favourites with most firms although you can still get 3/1 (
Paddy Power) about Vicente del Bosque’s team claiming a third consecutive major title and they did look vulnerable against a vibrant Italian side.
Speaking of Italy, the Azzurri have shortened from 20/1 to 12/1 following that 1-1 draw against the Spanish and will now look to claim maximum hauls against Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.
However, it won’t be easy against Slaven Bilic’s team who comfortably beat Ireland 3-1 in their opening match and the Croatians are now a best price 33/1 with Blue Square to go all the way.
Germany are available at 10/3 with
Stan James and looked pretty strong against Portugal despite being nullified for 71 minutes, while France are available at 9/1 with
Hills after a 1-1 draw with England which didn’t see Les Bleus carve out many scoring chances.
England are a 12/1 poke to win Euro 2012 but that looks shabby value based on their defensive style of play and a better bet could yet be the Netherlands who have lots of good attacking players in their team although progress depends on getting something against the Germans.
Euro 2012 Full Match schedule
Tuesday 12 June 2012
Wednesday 13 June 2012
Denmark v Portugal
Netherlands v Germany
Thursday 14 June 2012
Italy v Croatia
Spain v Republic of Ireland
Friday 15 June 2012
Sweden v England
Ukraine v France
Saturday 16 June 2012
Czech Republic v Poland
Greece v Russia
Sunday 17 June 2012
Portugal v Netherlands
Denmark v Germany
Monday 18 June 2012
Croatia v Spain
Italy v Republic of Ireland
Tuesday 19 June 2012
England v Ukraine
Sweden v France
QUARTER FINALS
Thursday 21 June 2012
Quarter Final 1
Friday 22 June 2012
Quarter Final 2
Saturday 23 June 2012
Quarter Final 3
Sunday 24 June 2012
Quarter Final 3
SEMI-FINALS
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Semi Final 1
Thursday 28 June 2012
Semi Final 2
FINAL
Sunday 1 July 2012
Final
