Introduction / Feizal Rahman / 06 June 2008 / 1 Comments

Feizal Rahman has reservations about Italy winning the tournament but sees France as a value bet. Both will definitely progress, he says, meaning it will be Holland and Romania who get left behind in the "Group of Death".

At the draw last December, it took a matter of seconds for the words 'group of death' to be coined as France, Italy, Holland and Romania were pulled out of the hat and thrown into this assemblage. The French must be sick of the sight of the Italians having finished second to them in qualification for this, following on from their bitter World Cup final defeat 2 years ago. But will lightning strike for a third time against 'Les Bleus'?

Like Germany, world champions Italy border the two host nations and can be sure to have significant support joining them northwards. Roberto Donadoni's men have been typically resolute on route to Austria and Switzerland, losing just once away to France. With the once dominant Serie A in serious decline for the past two seasons following the match-fixing scandal, the national team has remained unaffected, possibly even bolstering itself as a result. Captain Fabio Cannavaro picked up an unfortunate training injury in the lead up to the tournament that rules him out, though the esteemed Alessandro Del Piero remains in attack. Meanwhile, the decorated AC Milan midfield pairing of Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso continue to function as the heartbeat of the side, along with Roma's highly-rated Alberto Aquilani. Forward Francesco Totti is another absent through injury but Bayern Munich's Luca Toni - with 39 goals this season - will provide a perilous goal threat. However, Udinese's Antonio Di Natale has matched Toni's strike-rate in his last 8 international appearances and offers better value to finish top Italy goalscorer at [5.5].

Overall though, the Azzurri have the oldest squad at Euro 2008 and their World Cup victory may have seen them hit their peak, at what was generally regarded as a disappointing event. Many still hold that the Italians win in Germany owed much to kind fortune rather than merit and their disastrous efforts in Portugal 4 years ago - crashing out humiliatingly in the first round - should not be forgotten. Only two countries have previously gone on to consecutive World Cup and European Championship wins (in either order) - Germany in 1972-74 and France in 1998-2000 - and as such, the odds of Italy joining them at [8.0] look untempting.

France's only major qualifying blip came via startling defeats to Scotland home and away. That aside, they were throughly imposing, scoring more and conceding fewer than Italy. Written off as has-beens before the last World Cup, France defied the critics and proved their class dismissing Spain, Brazil and Portugal before succumbing to a harsh defeat via penalties, their talisman Zinidine Zidane sent off beforehand for an eruptive headbutt to Italian defender Marco Materazzi. With Zizou's magical feet now in much-deserved retirement, there has been no apparent break in the momentum of this present Gallic ensemble. Former Arsenal frontman Thierry Henry has taken over the mantle and with the street-smart security of Patrick Vieira, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram behind him, the lifeblood of the team that conquered all in 1998 and 2000 continues to flow.

In addition, the seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of French endowment has also provided coach Raymond Domenech with a necessary injection of energy, flair and incisiveness with the likes of Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri in midfield and Karim Benzema in attack. With Arsenal's William Gallas marshalling a defence including Manchester United's Patrice Evra, it soon becomes evident that the French have the overall qualities and crucial team balance to see them triumph once again. It will surely be the international swan song for Makelele, Thuram, Vieira and possibly even Henry, so having seen the regretful way that Zidane bowed out in Germany, there is no better incentive than to pass the torch over to the new generation by winning a trophy named, after all, in honour of the Frenchman who created this tournament.

Thierry Henry had a unspectacular first season at Barcelona, unaided by the Catalans poor collective effort. Nonetheless, he netted 19 times in all competitions for the Blaugrana - more than Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi - and also chalked up 6 in qualifying for France. Looking to end a disappointing season on a high, Henry offers great value to be top tournament goalscorer at [23.0]. Of all the favourites at Euro 2008, France look the best equipped to deliver and their price of [10.0] to add a third European Championship title to their collection is far too big to resist. A France/Henry winning double is also backable at a chunky [42.0].

Netherlands coach Marco Van Basten will retain fond memories of this tournament, his stunning performances at Euro 1988 not only leading his country to victory but himself to superstardom. Sadly, the striker's career was cut short by injury so the former AC Milan legend may feel there is unfinished business left for him in his already fine footballing legacy. This however, is unlikely to be achieved with his present Dutch squad. Many people's favourite 'other' team at international tournaments, the colour and vibrancy brought by players and fans alike has seldom resulted in success. The Dutch could be said to suffer from an inferiority complex, invariably capitulating to the genuine big hitters of international football. Never short of world class individuals, rarely is their a sustained world class team performance. Frequently affected by numerous big egos, the problem with the 'Oranjemen' seems to be they are blessed with too much creative talent and not enough in other keys areas.

A study of Van Basten's squad would back this up, the presence in the forward line of Robin Van Persie, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Klass Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt, Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder impressing. However, where is the top quality defensive midfielder and back line? Do Wilfred Bouma, Mario Melchiot or Giovani Van Brockhorst make the grade? 37-year-old goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar has enjoyed silverware with Manchester United this season but has been culpable for several errors. The likelihood is that a team fighting as 11 individuals is not going to beat 11 individuals fighting as a team and, frustratingly for the Dutch, this is where they usually slip up. At [1.88] to progress from Group C, the Netherlands are a lay.

In any other group, Romania would be in contention but fate has been cruel to the eastern europeans. Propped up by Holland in the final qualification standings, Romania's form was noteworthy, with a win at home to the Dutch a highlight marred only by defeat to neighbours Bulgaria. Yet, with no Gheorghe Hagi to reprise their feats at the 1994 World Cup, there is scant hope for the Romanians emerging from this contingent, particularly given their appalling record on the grand stage. While nothing should be taken for granted in this group, the [1.83] on offer for Romania to finish rock bottom is generous considering the company.

Tags: Euro 2008 bets, Fabio Cannavaro, Francesco Totti, Group C betting