It’s been one of the most entertaining yet unpredictable European Championships in recent memory, but Euro 2016 is now about to reach its climax. Following the departure of pre-tournament favourites Italy, Belgium and England, Europe’s top tournament is now just four teams away from a finale.
Naturally, with the field down to a manageable size and the form books giving us an insight into the likely winners and losers, the odds makers have been busy crunching the numbers over the last few days. Looking forward to not only the final but the overall winners, the likes of Coral and Winner Sport have set their final Euro 2016 odds early.
Will Wales Upset the Odds?
Undoubtedly the surprise package in this year’s tournament has been Wales. Despite a slip against England in the group stages, Gareth Bale and the boys have played far beyond expectations. However, while a win against Belgium was certainly one for the record books, the Welsh dragons will need to breathe some fire against Portugal if they’re going to make it into the final.
Although Ronaldo and co have been far from their best, there’s no doubting the quality in the side. Indeed, Bale will know all about the threat Ronaldo poses from their time together at Real Madrid and if Wales can’t contain the tempestuous talent, it could be a rough night in Lyon on July 6.
According to the odds makers at Coral, Portugal are currently the second favourites for the Euro 2016 title at 10/3, while Wales are out at 8/1. Of course, with pre-tournament title odds in excess of 30/1, Wales have already proved they’re capable of upsetting the odds, so a punt at 8/1 could certainly offer some value.
However, if there’s one remaining team that appears to offer the most in terms of value it’s France. Despite having the tougher of the two semi-finals, France were mightily impressive against Iceland in the quarters. Trouncing the mighty minnows 5-2, France looked as comfortable in front of their home crowd as they have all tournament.
With the nerves apparently settled and the goals flowing, 2/1 championship odds with Coral can’t be ignored. Indeed, even if you accept that Germany at 13/8 are the most likely to hoist the winner’s trophy, a lacklustre performance against Italy (Germany scraped through on penalties) will give France a lot of confidence heading into the July 7 showdown.
Don’t Discount Any Outcome
While the fans, pundits and bookmakers are currently sizing up the champions elect, there’s also money to be made in the finalists betting markets. Winner Sports currently has Portugal as the 1/2 favourites to make it Saint-Denis on July 10, while France and Germany are pick’em bets at 4/5 and 10/11 respectively.
Naturally, the old cliché that “football is a funny old game” is one that can’t be ignored this summer. Thanks to upsets from the likes of Iceland and Wales, fans around the world have been shown that literally anything can happen in this tournament and, more importantly, it still could.
Will Wales win? Can France use their home advantage to, well, their advantage? Or will a Germany/Portugal final be the most likely outcome? Whether you’re an odds lover or you like to rely on your instincts, there’s a lot of Euro 2016 value to be had when you visit our recommended sports-books.
