The Group of Death: Who is favourite to emerge from Group B at Euro 2012?

The draw for next summer's finals saw Germany, Denmark, Portugal and the Netherlands placed in the same group. Ed Malyon inspects how this has affected each nation's chances

6 Dec 2011 15:37:00

By Ed Maylon

More On :  Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal
EURO 2012 Qualifier: Denmark - Portugal, William Kvist - Nani
Getty Images

With every major tournament draw, there is a group that is christened the 'Group Of Death'. For Euro 2012, there is no doubt that Group B will be the one to inherit this moniker.
With three former European champions and a runner-up, it will provide the early stages of the tournament with some of its most high-profile and exciting games.
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The added sub-plot of Germany and the Netherlands' intense rivalry is one that adds more spice and intrigue to a group that looks very difficult to call.
Germany are favourites to win the group at 2.25 (1.28 to qualify) and rightly so, given their form since the 2010 World Cup, it could be argued they are currently the best side on the planet. Their strength in depth is frightening, and as a settled and cohesive unit, they are a fearsome prospect even for the likes of Portugal and Holland.

Bet365: Group B Qualification
Who will qualify from Group B?
Germany
   1.27
Holland
   1.50
Portugal
   2.10
Denmark  5.5
The Dutch were in the top seeded bracket but will be much less confident of progression given their unfavourable draw. Being put up against their greatest rivals - who recently beat them very comfortably - was certainly a matchup they had hoped to avoid.

The Oranje last met Denmark at this stage of the World Cup and brushed them aside but the tie with Portugal could be the one to decide which of the two sides progresses to the quarter-finals.

With the mercurial talents of Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo amongst others it is a tough call between these two nations - but bet365 favours the Dutch (ranked 2nd in the World) at 1.5 to qualify, with the Portuguese at 2.1.

The Danes are the outsiders at 5.5 to land a quarter-final place but will relish this tag. With an exciting young side being built around the exceptionally talented Christian Eriksen, they will be confident of edging out Portugal in this group as they did in the qualifying for this very same tournament.

If they can produce a result against one of the other two giants then who is to say that such a big price is not value?

Sign up with bet365 for a free bet of up to £200!

Ed Malyon is a freelance sports writer focusing on the football betting markets. His personal website Valderramarama.com can be accessed here.

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