Following the group stage draw there bookmakers have not hesitated in drawing up the markets for the group stages and we take a look at the early prices.
Group A looks the most uninspiring on paper with joint hosts Poland joined by Russia, Greece and the Czech Republic. Russia are favourites to win the group at 6/4 with Sky Bet, followed by Poland at 7/2 (Betfred), Czech Republic, 4/1 with Stan James and finally the Euro 2004 winners Greece at 9/2 with William Hill.
The top two teams in the group qualify and Russia are the 1/2 favourites to make it to the last eight with Sportingbet. Poland are a 21/20 shot with Ladbrokes (odds on with every other firm) while Czech Republic are 6/5 with William Hill and Greece are 7/4 with the same firm.
Russia
Russia are currently unbeaten in ten matches and went through the qualification process with just one defeat in ten matches. That defeat came against Slovakia back in September 09 and they won seven of their ten Euro 2012 qualifying games. Their squad for next summer will boast the likes of Andrey Arshavin, Alexander Kerzhakov and Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Poland
Poland will look to use their home advantage to overcome their apparent inferiority to Russia and arguably the other two sides as well. The Poles haven’t played a competitive International for over two years and that may be a concern for their players. It is difficult to asses their chances looking purely at friendly matches but a recent win against Hungary and away win at Belarus will build confidence. Sandwiched in between that was a 2-0 defeat to Italy. Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski will be their main goal threat and he could be the difference between success and failure.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic should be happy with their group and on past form they have a real chance of progression. They qualified for Euro 2012 as runners up to Spain in their qualification group sent them to the play-offs, where they beat Montenegro home and away. Those results prove the Czech Republic have the staying power to go well in the tournament but some of their younger players will have to step up to support the likes of Milan Baros, Tomas Rosicky and Jaroslav Plasil.
Greece
Shock winners in 2004 Greece have certainly not come on from that success and even though this is one of the weaker groups Greece could of found themselves in, they will still struggle to progress. Having said that, their qualifying campaign was impressive and they managed to win their group ahead of Croatia. Recent defeat to Romania can be excused but they will need to start well against Czech Republic to stand a realistic chance of progression.
Group A Betting Tips
Russia are worthy favourites to qualify and to win the group but the unknown quantity of the group are hosts Poland, as seen in past tournaments home advantage usually is a major plus and if Robert Lewandowski comes into the tournament in form Poland could surprise a few people. Czech Republic will be baring down on the front two in the betting and the clashes with Greece could decide the group. Poland face Greece first and three points there will pile the pressure on the loser between Russia and Czech Republic. If Czech Republic can avoid defeat against Russia in their first match they have to be fancied to progress with the ‘easier’ clashes with Poland and Greece to come and we fancy them to qualify.
Back Russia to win the group at 6/4 with Sky Bet and Czech Republic to qualify at 6/4 with William Hill.
Russia – Czech Republic straight forecast is 57/20 with Betfair.
