Euro 2020: The Shocks, Odds, & Predictions
With the group stages of the tournament now put to bed it would be fair to suggest that we have already been witness to some shocks and memorable performances.
The Group Stages
Group A went true to form with Italy topping the group with 3 solid yet uninspiring performances which safely saw them achieve maximum points. Second favourites in Group A, Wales, also qualified along with third place finisher Switzerland with both sides finishing on 4 points.
Another widely anticipated group was of course Group F, which was coined as the ‘Group of Death’ which the media like to pick out, suggesting the teams within the group are all strong, with the chance of a big name side crashing out of the tournament as a result. Consisting of France, Germany, Portugal and Hungary the games were competitive and ultimately saw all but Hungary advance through to the last 16 of the tournament when elation turned to heartbreak for Hungary when Germany scored a last gasp equaliser in the 84th minute sending them through and extinguishing Hungary’s hopes of qualifying.
Other qualifiers groups B through E were; Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Austria, Ukraine, England, Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden & Spain.
The Last of 16 Knockout Round
The round of the last 16 immediately followed the group stages with the tournament reverting to a straight knock-out phase. Incredibly, this would see huge names & even the pre-tournament favourites crash out of the tournament in spectacular fashion, treating viewers to some incredible comebacks, periods of extra time, and penalty shoot-outs.
France found themselves stunned after the Swiss gallantly fought back from 3-1 down to take the game to extra time and eventually penalties. The Swiss held their nerve finding the net with all five of their penalties; and were rewarded when Mbappe tamely shot at goal for France’s 5th, and found his shot palmed away by keeper Yann Sommer.
In another thriller Croatia would push Spain close to a shock exit also, the game ending 3-3 after normal time thanks to a spirited Croatian comeback from 2 goals behind. Ultimately, Spain rallied in extra-time and ran out 5-3 eventual winners after 120 minutes, enough to advance them to the quarter finals. Two further shocks in the round of 16 were to come, with the Czech Republic comfortably beating Holland 2-0 and Belgium finding a way to a 1-0 win against Portugal.
The tie of the round though had to be England v Germany. Historically Germany have always had the edge over England in competitive fixtures but things felt different this year, with an ageing Germany side & a revitalised England under Gareth Southgate. Despite both sides misfiring at times in the group stages, the game lived up to it’s billing with a high tempo & numerous chances for both sides; particularly in the second half. England left it late but goals from Sterling and Kane in the final 15 minutes deservedly sent them through to the quarters and Germany crashing out of the competition.
Odds & Predictions for the Quarter Finals & Beyond
With the likes of France, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands crashing out of the tournament, the last 8 has more than a few surprising names. One would be hard pressed to look beyond England progressing to the final as their side of the group appears favourable; with Ukraine awaiting them in the quarter finals & a semi-final against one of Denmark or the Czech Republic. The bookmakers agree with this conclusion too with England 4/6 on, and favourites overall, to reach the Euro 2020 final.
The path to progress to the final on the other side is very different and it could be argued that the path will be much more difficult. Amongst others, all three of Italy, Spain & Belgium feature. The bookies aren’t giving much away; which demonstrates how closely these sides are rated. To reach the final Spain currently have the shortest odds at 6/4, with Belgium & Italy not far behind at 11/4 and 15/8 respectively.
William Hill Top Market Picks for Euro 2020
William Hill offer every market imaginable for Euro 2020 and here’s quick look at some of the best markets and odds they currently have to offer.
- Euro 2020 Winner Outright; England 2/1, Spain 16/5, Italy 4/1
- Euro 2020 To Reach the Final; England 4/6, Spain 6/4, Italy 2/1
Our top pick for William Hill would be a Double, consisting of outright winner & golden boot winner. England & Cristiano Ronaldo respectively is currently their shortest offer at 6/1.
Our Top Betting Pick(s) to Win Euro 2020
England are the bookies favourite to go all the way in this years finals, perhaps aided by the fact that both the semi-final and final will be played at Wembley giving the English home advantage. England are yet to concede so far in both the group & knockout stages. With best odds currently sitting at 11/5, many punters could be forgiven for snapping that up. If your looking for more of a value bet however, perhaps Belgium (who actually beat England in the UEFA Nations League back in November last year) can be found at odds as long as 8/1 – which has to be worth consideration.