Euro 2008 Plays

Well the lines for the first games are released at 5dimes. Some of them surprised me a bit.

Group A

Portugal -137
Turkey +427
Draw +243

Czech Republic +172
Switzerland +172
Draw +208

Group B

Croatia -104
Austria +320
Draw +220

Poland +582
Germany -182
Draw +280

Group C

France -126
Romania +364
Draw +250

Italy +149
Netherlands +206
Draw +206

Group D

Russia +392
Spain -134
Draw +254

Sweden +156
Greece +196
Draw +206

Right now I am leaning with Portugal pk, Germany pk,  Romania +1 (whenever those lines come out), Sweden pk, Spain pk, and Czech/Switz draw. Those are just leans though, still a couple days to do some research.

I have put in these future bets though.

Pending plays
Portugal to win Group A (+140) 5 units
Czech Republic to win Group A (+260) 5 units
Germany to win Group B (-155) 4 units
Spain to win Group D (-114) 3 units
Germany to win Euro 2008 (+410) 4 units
Spain to win Euro 2008 (+580) 4 units
Portugal to win Euro 2008 (+760) 3 units
France to win Euro 2008 (+885) 3 units

I don't see anyone outside of the above four winning the title. I know Italy is a favorite, but I can't see them winning both the World Cup and the Euro Cup.

If anyone has any thoughts on the first matchups please share, it would be greatly appreciated. I follow soccer, but living in Canada I probably wouldn't know as much or have the access to all the information Europeans might have.

Also anyone that knows a book that offers "to advance past group stage" could you let me know. I want to place bets on Poland, Romania and Sweden to advance past the group stage, but can only find "to win group" options, which I don't think any will.

Thanks.

chase looks good... I really think your selling the Italians short... They really want the EURO title after getting eliminated on PK's to hated rivals France in the last euro...

your card looks real good.

I really like Italia +149 in the first game. They need to win this one, becuase then they get Romania, and then the French.

France EASILY should handle Romania which is why I'll be making a huge play on italia.

Also look into Who will score the most goals

I have nice futures on Fernando Torres, Miroslav Klose, and small ones on Lucas Podolski and David Villa

I also love the Czech in Game one at +172

Sweden against Greece as well looks real good

Watched the Greece/Armenia tie this arvo.  Greece looked rubbish and Armenia had most of the quality chances.  Greece had trouble getting the ball out of their own half many times.

Sweden should be licking their chops if the Greeks come to play like that...

Poland is MUCH BETTER than most people give them crdit for and definitely improved from the WC.  Too bad for them they get Germany and Czech in their group, but they will fight hard.  I can see them advancing out of their group.

France will take care of Romania and the line is priced nicely as well.

Good luck!

Watch out for some of these teams that showed horribly in their last friendlies. Alot of these teams are not showing any kind of system that they will be running during the cup matches, and many are using players that may not even dress.

The Greeks hit their stride in the final run to qualification, but the lack of intensity and creativity was certainly not unexpected. Look at France and Germany. Their recent qualifiers had anemic showings... and these teams are offered at decent value. 

The Greeks, with Rehagel at the helm, are not a side to be taken lightly. They have experience, still play well in crucial games, and Sweden is definitely not Germany or France.

Spain and Portugal have historically shown skill and creativity second to none in Europe. Their talent is phenomenal.... But, unselfishness and discipline has proven erratic; and thats why we see some early suprising exits. It would not shock me to see one/or both of these teams going 3 and out.

Germany and France are worth the Juice and cup winner plays.

The Czechs at +172 (seems like a bargain) they've been strong in competitions for as far back as most of us can remember; but they're a little long in the tooth in some key spots and, against top competition, their performance is on the wane. The books got it at +172 for good reason. (I will not be taking Swiss... but certainly no play on Czechs) A small play on the draw is definitely worth considering.

The Turks are scrappy. Just the type of team that can frustrate Portugal, especially if they dont get an early Goal. The Portugese at -137 are pricey. 

The Russians are well disciplined and will be a hard nut to crack. Ditto lines 2 & 3 from Portugal argument above. If the book makers believed in highly probable victories by Spain and Portugal, the lines would/should be -150 to -170.  

Except for game 1, The Austrians are fade material. Likely Game 1 too (because the Croats are pretty solid); but emotion and a home field may be enough to steal a point if the Croats arent on their A game.

Lots of thoughts there in your thread Chase. Hope you dont mind the contrary arguments on some of your early leans.  Personally, I like to gather perspectives, and I look forward to yours and many others.

 Good luck bro & brethren.  to a profitable and enjoyable Euro-Cup.

Now lets beat some  out of our books!!

 

sorry guys...2nd paragraph should read Germany and France recent "friendlies" not qualifiers. Im fckin simple.