The 2016 European Championships are set to be a betting extravaganza. We’re now firmly in the age of smartphones, betting apps and live In-Play betting, with bookmakers more accessible than ever before. The new twenty-four team format at Euro 2016 means that we will get thirty-six group matches being played before the last sixteen stage, with plenty of punting opportunities available to customers.
We have taken a look at the opening round of Euro 2016 group games (looking further beyond this invites ridicule) and feel as though we can make the following recommendations for the best Euro 2016 Group Stage Bets.
France v Romania, 10 June
The opening match of the tournament could be a cagey one. Romania only conceded twice during qualifying and they will adopt a defensive approach for this clash against the hosts and favourites to win Euro 2016. Therefore, a French win at 2/5 doesn’t make huge appeal although Les Bleus winning to nil at even money (Paddy Power) could be a fantastic way of doubling your cash. It’s unlikely that the Romanians will fashion many chances.
Poland v Northern Ireland, 11 June
If you saw West Ham priced at 10/11 to beat Preston North End, you might consider that outstanding value. That reflects the gulf in quality between a Poland side who can boast the menacing Robert Lewandowski in attack and a Northern Irish side who are largely cobbled from lower league teams. The Poles will regard this match as must-win ahead of clashes against Germany and Ukraine, with their opponents set to be the whipping boys of the section after coming through an easy qualifying group.
Spain v Czech Republic, 13 June
La Roja are traditionally slow starters in recent major tournaments. They have failed to beat the Netherlands, Italy and Switzerland in their last three openers. While the Czechs are a modest European side, they have plenty of armoury to trouble Spain and it would seem pointless trying to be over-defensive considering that their strength lies in attack. Therefore, we like the idea of Spain winning the game but both teams scoring at 13/5 with bet365.
Austria v Hungary, 14 June
Marcel Koller’s side were one of the surprise packages of the Euro 2016 qualifying phase, remarkably winning nine of their ten matches and drawing the other one.
| TOP 3 Bookmakers | ||
|---|---|---|
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Bet365 | £200 bonus |
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William Hill | £20 free bet |
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Ladbrokes | £50 free bet |
Austria were able to score twenty-two goals while only conceding five and a 4-1 humbling of Sweden in Solna was a particular highlight for a side who have been starved of any success in this competition. Marc Janko led the line superbly, scoring seven times, while Bayern Munich’s David Alaba is the jewel in the crown and this side should have too much for a Hungary side who are among the weakest in this tournament. he Magyars only managed four wins during qualifying and they are unlikely to progress beyond the group stage at Euro 2016. Worth taking Austria at 4/5 (bet365) to claim an opening win.
