UEFA Euro 2012 odds and betting - Group A - part 1

The UEFA euro 2012 betting will be fast and fierce. Early UEFA euro 2012 odds indicate a very hard fought competition with several magnificent teams giving their all in the quest for glory. The UEFA Euro 2012 is being fought out in Poland and Ukraine. Sixteen teams are divided into four groups. As the headline suggest; we will focus on the UEFA euro 2012 betting side of things. In this article series we count down to the big event by presenting team by team, and comment on the odds available.

UEFA Euro 2012 betting - Group A

The group is scheduled to play in Poland. It kicks off on June 8^th at 1800 CET (GMT+2). Group A consist of the following teams:

• Poland
• Greece
• Russia
• Czech Republic

UEFA Euro 2012 betting – General

The bookmakers seem to favor Russia as the best team in this group. It is difficult to blame them as Russian football is making giant improvements season after season as money is poured into the sport over there. Greece of course has a decent league at home and got good player material. Poland has quite a few bright young stars and some solid Dortmund players in the squad. The Czech Republic seems to have gotten on with their generational shift needed. From now on we should see them improve.

The two best teams from this group will progress to the quarter finals where they will meet the two best teams of Group B (The Group of death).

UEFA Euro 2012 odds – Group A

Looking at the UEFA Euro 2012 odds for winning the whole thing: Russia is currently priced at 17/1 up to 24/1 (18 up to 25) Poland, the Czech Republic and Greece are found around 50/1 all the way up to 90/1 (51-91). We don’t see much value in these odds as of now. Remember any progressing team from this group will have to face the better teams of Group B that consists of nothing but world class. We will await more special bets and match odds before getting tempted to bet.

UEFA Euro 2012 betting – Poland

A host nation with limited success in UEFA Euro looking at history, but two third places in World Cups in the glory years and an Olympic football gold and silver between 1972 and 1986 indicate that football is big in Poland. The most famous players of the Polish hey-day were Lato, Lubanski,  and Boniek. They were all world class, and several others were of great talent as well. Polish football has been a bit up and down recent years, but these days world class talent isn’t hard to find. Keepers Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski of Arsenal, top scorer Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund are all young stars with a bright future ahead of them.

Jakub Błaszczykowski of Borussia Dortmund is captain of this Polish team. Still only 26 there are 4-6 more good years in him, and he is pure quality. Another Dortmund player in this squad is right back Łukasz Piszczek. Around these players there are plenty of players of caliber that will be spurred on by the home fans.

Expectations for Poland in UEFA Euro 2012

Obviously the group they got must be considered an advantage in our opinion. They could have fared so much worse. Playing at home they will have the backing of their fans although Russian and Czech fans will be plentiful when they play Russia and the Czech Republic.

Polish Euro 2012 team sheet

Looking at the Polish team sheet we must say that their Dortmund spine of Piszczek, Błaszczykowski and Lewandowski will be important for them going into the battle. Especially Lewandowski and his goals will be important as their other offensive options aren’t all that impressive. If he has a great tournament this team definitely should have good chances to reach a quarter final where most likely Portugal, Germany or Holland will be waiting. Obviously, it’s odds-on that would lead to an exit, but bigger miracles have happened in football so let’s wait and see.

Polish defense for the Euro 2012

As the Poles didn’t need to play qualification matches it is hard to say how they are strength wise, but in their last 15 matches they only let in 11 goals, and only in 2 out of 15 matches did they let in more than one. This isn’t very surprising as they have plenty of reputable, experienced defenders to choose from. Dariusz Dudka of Auxerre usually takes on the defensive midfield work. Perhaps will the Poles try out two holding midfielders. If they do Eugen Polanski or Adam Matuszczyk might be played next to Dudka. Duka himself can also take part in central defence without that part of the team losing any strength should so be it. Marcin Wasilewski of Anderlecht is a solid defender who should be mentioned. He must be considered one of the top headers in the game. Mark this guy on corners, or else is the message we send.

The keepers they send are exciting. Both Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski of Arsenal are great stoppers. Szczesny has been brilliant as of late, and looks set to get the nod.

Polish Offence for the Euro 2012

Their offensive play looks like it will be dominated by play from the right. Captain Błaszczykowski with his pace and trickery looks set to be deployed on the right wing, or a central role a bit to the right. Having Piszczek behind him and Lewandowski in front makes this a very interesting setup.  Lewandowski deserves special attention.  He is a raw talent, praised by most and a target for Europe’ elite clubs.

On the left there are question marks. They can definitely deploy Maciej Rybus or Kamil Grosicki, young guys in their early twenties who keep on impressing. Experienced Ireneusz Jelen can also do the job. Sebastian Mila may also be used (on either flank). He has had a troublesome career, but looks stronger than before after trading some miserable spells abroad in Austria and Norway to his native Poland.

The more central roles will easily by covered by several aforementioned players, but Ludovic Obraniak and Adrian Mierzejewski should also be talked about. Obraniak is kicking the ball around for Bordeaux while Mierzejewski is enjoying playing time in Turkish Trabzonspor. Both are good attacking minded players who can link up with one or two attackers or take on wide positions as well. Obraniak, born in France recently went from Lille where he didn’t get much playing time towards the end to Bordeaux. Obviously, with the attacking talent at Lille a regular berth is not an easy grasp. So far he has gotten off to a good start for Bordeaux so don’t rule this guy out. Mierzejewski is a typical playmaker who at the time he was sold from the Ekstraklasa league was the most expensive export ever. The guy surely knows how to play ball.

Our conclusion on Poland

Poland has a strong spine, with players who know each other well. Poland has a solid defense and a bit more unbalanced offence. They rely heavily on some key offensive players. If these players have a great tournament the home fans will have much to cheer for. Home ground advantage is of course also a major plus to take into consideration.

When it comes to the UEFA Euro 2012 odds we are awaiting juicy group winner odds and odds to qualify from Group A. If they meet our criteria we might get out our wallets and bet.