| The European Championship finals 2008, Group C betting guide |
Already billed as the “Group of Death”, Group C has three of the biggest names in European football battling it out for the two qualifying positions. Italy, Holland and France will not be relishing having to face each other. Forth Group member Romania will possibly be wondering if they have any chance of not ending up with the wooden spoon.
Italy are the narrow favourites to win the Group, but France and Holland aren't too far behind in the betting stakes. Romania's have been counted out before the tournament has even started. As current World Cup holders, Italy will be many peoples choice to secure a quarter final place. However, since that dramatic penalty shoot out victory over group rivals France in Germany two years ago, the Azzurri have a new coach in Roberto Donadoni and a squad of aging players. There defense is particularly fragile, which has always been their strength in previous successes. With no guarantee that defensive lynch pin, Fabio Cannavaro will be fit, they are not as solid as they should be.
France had a rocky start to the World Cup finals in 2006, almost missing out on qualification. But once they got going it was hard to stop them - finishing eventual runners up in that tournament. They will be looking to the big tournament experience of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele to pull them through to the later stages.
Out of the big three in Group C, the bookmakers fancy Holland the least to qualify. The Dutch have a talented squad which includes the likes of Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Man Utd target Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and if they perform well they have every chance of getting through this tough group.Romania makes up the forth and final place in the group, but will be expected to finish bottom. They are a decent side in their own rights, but lack the quality to pose any real threat to the other three teams.
With three European heavy-weights in Group C it is tough to call which of Italy, France and Holland will end up topping the group after the round-robbin games. However, given the potential weaknesses in Italy's aging defense, it may be worth opting for a surprise exit for the current World Cup holders in the group stage with France and Holland going through.
Other Euro 2008 betting guides
The European Championship finals 2008, Group A betting guide
The European Championship finals 2008, Group B betting guide
The European Championship finals 2008, Group D betting guide
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