My (near) certainty to make the final is Germany. Their last three tournaments, as well as the 2002 World Cup, have given Germany the tag of 'bridesmaids but never the bride'. Final disappointment is something Germany and even their clubs have had to experience far too much over the recent years. Take Bayern Munich, Germany's biggest club, this season they lost two cup finals this season, whilst narrowly missing out on the Bundesliga title.
Germany like the 2010 World Cup have a young and exciting side, and are best priced at 8/5 with Ladbrokes to make the final.
France to repay their fans for two previous failures
Laurent Blanc has revitalised the French who embarrassed themselves at the 2010 World Cup. 20 matches unbeaten and in one of the weaker groups at the competition, much is expected from them. Top spot is more then achievable for the Les Bleus which would result in a favourable looking quarter final against either Italy, Croatia or Ireland (providing Spain top the group).
If the French are with it, they are a real favourite for me, and like Germany I reckon they could make the final. They are a best priced 5/1 to make the final, with numerous bookies offering these odds.
Continuing the French theme
It's fair to say Karim Benzema had his best season to date at club level, edging out Gonzalo Higuain for the number one centre forward birth at Real Madrid. Like I touched upon earlier, the French are in a nice group and in form, a nice combination to have on the eve of a huge tournament.
Benzema is third favourite with most bookies to top the scoring charts and the best offer is 12's.
Some each way top scorers
Robert Lewandoski has had a fine season at Dortmund and like Benzema finds himself in a favourable group. Back him at 11/2 (orginally 22/1) with Coral and Betfair on an each way bet. (Each way bet with top scorers bets means the player only has to finish in the top four goalscorers, with those odds divided by four)
Aleksandr Kerzhakov like Lewandoski is in the weakest group and if anyone is going to score the goals for Russia it is likely to be him. Back the Zenit man each way at 40's with Bwin.
Other good shouts (odds are for top scorer): Jan Klass Huntelaar 20/1; Nikica Jelavic 50/1
Other bets
Lowest scoring team - Greece 8/1 with Paddy Power
Player of the tournament - Mesut Ozil (Germany) 14/1 with Sportingbet
To make the Semi-Final - Russia 3/1 with bet365
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