Euro 2016 is the first of its kind with 24 teams. With more teams able to progress from the group stage, the final round of matches will give headaches to those calculating what the best outcome would be in order to secure the best passage in the knockout phase. Compared to previous editions, the favourites of each group should be guaranteed progression, as they are no longer paired with another big nation, which was evident in 2012 when Germany, Portugal and Holland were grouped together.
Group A – France, for good reason, are clear favourites to win the group – 1.33 on Bet365. Switzerland have far more quality than Albania and for that reason the forecast of France to finish first and the Swiss in second is the most likely outcome, at 2.37. For what Albania lack in quality, they go some way to make up for that in tactical nous. They have beaten France and Portugal in the last two years and they should overcome Romania to finish third and potential grab the final qualifying spot from their group. Priced at 2.75 to qualify, Albania presents the best odds in Group A.
Group B – Despite previous major tournament embarrassments, England should actually win the group here. Priced at 1.83, they are odds that should be grabbed. To be honest, this whole group can be classed underdogs, with Wales to finish second behind England in a combined forecast priced up at 5.00. Russia are still the underperforming inconsistent team we have become accustomed to and they could actually finish bottom (4.50 on Bet365) below a well organised Slovakia outfit that will come into the tournament high on confidence having thrashed Germany 3-1 in their preparations.
Group C – Germany may not have performed well since winning the World Cup in 2014 but they have a knack of turning up when it counts in recent years, which is evident in how they have progressed from the group stages of recent European tournaments. Their group is not straightforward but they should have enough to top the group, as projected by the odds of 1.40. Poland following them into the knockout stages is priced at 2.00 and it could come down to whoever secures a bigger win over group minnows Northern Ireland. Martin O’Neil’s men come into Euro on the longest current unbeaten streak of any nation (12). Ukraine need to watch out, they are 3.75 to finish bottom.
Group D – Spain are favourites to top the group of death – 1.57 on Bet365. You have to feel for Croatia, they have the side to really threaten in this Euros but have been handed a cruel draw and could encounter Belgium straight out of the group. Spain to finish first and Croatia second is at 3.25. Then again, you have to consider Turkey, who could be about to dawn on a golden generation, and a Czech Republic side that has Euro experience.
Group E – There are very high odds on Belgium topping this group and when you consider this is the worst Italy squad from the worst Italian football generation ever, they should be more than capable than the 2.10 odds suggest. Italy are now entirely dependent on Antonio Conte’s tactics and Juventus’ old guard at the back, and following Belgium into the next phase as runners-up is forecasted at 3.75. The Ibrahimovic factor explains why Sweden are favourites to finish third ahead of Ireland, who are 2.20 to finish last.
Group F – Portugal have been presented with the ideal group to manage while Cristiano Ronaldo returns to full fitness. There isn’t much to split Iceland, Austria and Hungary for the remaining spots. Tactics could prove pivotal in the fight to qualify and a 6.00 forecast bet on Portugal 1st and Iceland 2nd is eye catching.
