BetUK Blog

The build up is over - the games begin today.

You can wager on all the Euro 2008 action at BetUK.com

Injuries have taken center stage as the build up to the Euro 2008 reaches a peak. Cristiano Ronaldo has many Portugese fans feeling uneasy after he left practice early to have his ankle bandaged. However, it does appear he will be ready to go in the tournament opener tomorrow vs. Turkey. 

Other players who have had some recent bumps and bruises include the Netherlands’ star Sneijder, who required X-rays after a collision in training and Spain had two key members, David Villa and Fernando Torres, helped off the field after collisions during training. 

Both the Italians and the French side can be excused for feeling a bit of trepidation as the opening round of Euro 2008 looms. Not only are the two matched up in the same group (Group C, along with the Netherlands and Romania) but each is dealing with key injuries.

Italy is without their captain and anchor on defense, Fabio Cannavaro, who has been sidelined due to torn ankle ligaments. France will not have the services of midfielder Patrick Vieira for their first match vs. Romania and he could miss more action than that.

It will not be an easy path for either side. Currently the Italians are 7.50 to win it all (behind Germany and Spain), while France is 9.00.

Poor Romania. They have been slotted into Group C at this year’s Euro tournament, a group that is being referred to as the “Group Of Death”. With the very capable Dutch side a member and perennial powers France and Italy rounding out the foursome, it has made the road for Romania near impossible.

Italy is currently the favorite to win the group, with odds of 2.60, followed closely by France at 2.875.

The Dutch are 3.40, with Romania a big underdog at 11.00.

This is one group to watch closely in the early going, as it appears to be the best bet to produce some of the most entertaining, competitive matches to start to the tournament off. 

We’re only a couple of days away from the kick-off to a three-week extravaganza that will attract an estimated audience of close to eight billion viewers.

Saturday’s opening matchups will be heavily wagered on events, as will the entire Euro 2008 tournament. Bookmakers, such as BetUK.com, are expecting big volume (obviously not as big as it would be with a showing from the England side, but alas….).

Look for the co-hosts Switzerland and Austria to make an early exit, while the heavyweights (Italy, France, Germany, Spain and Portugal) will be there until at least the quarter-finals.
But the Czechs and Poland look good to make a real run at the Championship, with each enjoying an attractive draw. 

Get your bets in and enjoy the tournament.