2013 Women’s European Championship football betting is the next big deal on the cards for the summer. This year’s edition is hosted by Sweden, and the 12 qualified nations will be heading there to try and get their hands on Europe’s top prize.
The date of the tournament runs from July 10th through July 28th, and from the 2017 edition onwards, the tournament will grow to a sixteen team competition. So it is definitely a tournament which is gaining in profile, stature and popularity.
The seven Group Winners from qualification all booked a spot at the European Championships, alongside the hosts Sweden. Joining Denmark, England, Finland, France, Norway, Germany and Italy are Netherlands, who were the best runner-up in qualifications, and play-off winners Iceland, Russia and Spain. The first stage of the 2013 Women’s European Championships is three groups of four, with the top two from each going through to the knockout as well as the two best third placed teams from the groups, to make up the quarter final line up. It is a straightforward knockout from then.
Outright Favourites – Germany at 11/8 with Ladbrokes
There is a high expectancy and favouritism riding on the backs of the German women’s side. Not surprising really as they are the reigning champions after blowing everyone out of the water four years ago. The Germans took a win in the final against England, with a thumping 6-2 scoreline in Helsinki. They are one of the most powerful and talented side in the world, and they will be keen to make amends for a disappointing 2011 World Cup. They are the frontrunners for the title and ran up nine wins and a draw from their qualification with a +61 goal difference in their ten matches. Big match winners in their ranks like Alexandra Popp and Celia Okoyino da Mbabi.
The Challengers: France and Sweden at 4/1 with Ladbrokes
Sweden are one of the most established women’s sides in the world game and they are always difficult to play against, and always carry a threat. Physically fit and very strong ,they will have the extra backing of home support in this one, and therefore will be a major danger for the rest of the eleven nations. France are very technically gifted and the third ranked side at the 2013 Women’s European Championships betting. They hit the semi finals of the 20111 World Cup and have grown since then, definitely ones to watch. Both potentially should be very strong candidates for a place in the semi finals.
The Chasing Pack: England, Netherlands and Norway
While Norway are steadily growing as a force in the world’s game, bookmakers are really undecided about the Netherlands, in as much as 14/1 in places and as far out as 20/1 at other bookies. It means they are unpredictable, but perhaps talented enough to have a decent crack of things. As for England, they have been close, losing in the 2011 final, and they could actually make one of the best dark horse bets for the tournament. However, Hope Powell’s squad suffered a major injury crisis ahead of 2013 Women’s European Championships betting, with Captain Casey Stoney, record scorer Kelly Smith, Steph Houghton, Karen Carney and Rachel Brown-Finnis all picking up injuries. So England may have to go without some of their key, experienced players, which will naturally hurt their chances.
However, an encouraging draw against World Champions Japan in a tournament warm up match will have given them good hard. England’s case hasn’t been made much easier as they have to battle with France and Spain in their group. France have already been mentioned as one of the front-runners to win the tournament and Spain, while the lowest ranked side in the tournament, have a pretty good, quick and technically gifted attack. England open against Spain, then play Russia and finish up their group matches against favourites France.
2013 Women’s European Championships Betting Odds at Ladbrokes
Germany Women 11/8, France Women 4/1, Sweden Women 4/1, England Women 6/1, Norway Women 12/1, Denmark Women 20/1, Ital Women 25/1, Spain Women 25/1
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