Early Euro 2008 Odds Are Out

The qualifiers have been over for less than a week (technically), and the qualifying draw isn’t even until this weekend, but that hasn’t stopped the bookmakers of the universe for sending out the early odds for the championships in Swissaustria. (Hey, wherever there’s a buck, euro or pound to be made.) One site, which compiles betting odds from various betting sites, gives a pretty good indication as to who the favorites are. And despite being in the first seeding group, along with the defending champions and the two hosts, and thus the number 1 rated team - it’s not the Netherlands. Though everyone is firmly on board together with their chances of winning the whole thing.

Of the 5 sites polled, these are your (rough) Euro 2008 odds (subject to change - maybe):

Germany - 9/2
Italia - 5/1
Spain - 13/2
France - 7/1
Netherlands - 9/1
Portugal - 10/1
Czech Republic - 14/1
Croatia - 14/1
Switzerland - 21/1
Romania - 24/1

The other teams - Russia, Greece, Sweden, Turkey, Poland and Austria - are just below, and you can find more extensive odds here.

As far as the odds go, it’s hard to argue between Germany and Italia being 1a. and 1b. favorites at the moment. Although, I’m sure certain Azzurri fans would contend that the team has very little chance of winning anything with Robert Donadoni at the helm. Nevertheless, you heard it here first: On June 29th in Vienna, Germany and Italia will have a rematch of the classic in Dortmund.