So the tournament kicks off in Warsaw shortly as hosts Poland entertain Greece and I've just finished putting on my final ante-post bets for the tournament.
A couple of special bets were of interest, firstly Group C as the lowest scoring group. Group A heads the betting at 6/4 and contains Poland, Russia, Czech Republic and Greece in what looks a closely matched group, but the value could be in backing Group C at 11/4 as the Spanish, without Villa, could net fewer than expected and the Irish, although unfancied, set up around a solid defence and pinching games by the odd goal. The fate of the bet will probably depend on just how attack-minded the new look Italians are and how leaky the Croatia defence is, but at 11/4 I think a small wager can be justifed.
Group C to be lowest scoring group 11/4 Ladbrokes, 0.5 pt win
Related to the last bet with regards to Group goals, Group B looks value at 9/5 with Ladbrokes to be the highest scoring group. Groups A and C look tight and in Group D England and France are likely to have solid defences. In contrast, both Portugal and Denmark have the potential to leak goals in Group B against the free scoring Dutch and Germans, who, themselves, lack the defensive solidarity of Spain.
Group B to be the highest scoring Group 9/5 Ladbrokes, 1 pt win
Holland and Portugal are the two teams I've backed for the tournament outright and, given the player of the tournament has traditionally been attached to the winning team, it makes sense to look amongst these teams for a potential winner in this market. Past winners have been Sammer, Zidane, Zagorakis and Xavi, so there is potential value in looking beyond the likely top scorers for the winning team.
Robben and Sneijder both make plenty of appeal for the Dutch, as if their team is to win this competition, they are likely to be the supply line for Van Persie or Huntelaar.
Portugal's main driving force would likely be Ronaldo, although at 100/1, Nani may also be worth a speculative punt, as he has plenty of international experience and is also likely to be a big player in Portgual's bid, since they possess no outstanding goalscorer.
Robben to be named player of the tournament 25/1 Bet 365, 0.15 pt win
Sneijder to be named player of the tournament 25/1 Stan James, 0.15 pt win
Ronaldo to be named player of the tournament 20/1 Ladbrokes, 0.1 pt win
Nani to be named player of the tournament 100/1 Bet Victor, 0.1 pt win
