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Both of these sides enjoyed relative success at Euro 2012 and will have their eyes set firmly on the road to Rio - Willie Duncan is backing Morten Olsen's men to grab a win

Czech Republic proved to be one of the surprise packages of Euro 2012, but Michal Bilek’s side face a tough test when they travel to Copenhagen to face Denmark in their opening World Cup 2014 Group B qualification match on Saturday evening.

The Danes provided the first major shock of Euro 2012 when they defeated Netherlands, but subsequent defeats to Portugal and Germany ended Danish interest in the tournament. Nevertheless, Denmark are rated as even money (2.0) favourites with PanBet to get their World Cup campaign off to a flyer with victory against the Czechs.

Michal Bilek’s men were relatively unfancied at Euro 2012 yet made the quarter-finals before bowing out to Portugal, and the Czechs are chalked up at 13/4 (4.25) with PanBet to make a winning start on the road to Rio. The same firm offer 49/20 (3.45) that the match ends in a draw.

Morten Olsen’s side were hugely impressive in qualifying for Euro 2012, topping a group that included Portugal. Denmark won all four home matches in the process and will fancy their chances of getting their campaign off to a winning start against the Czechs.

The Danes conceded just one goal in their four home matches in qualifying for Euro 2012 and that defensive stability is likely to stand Olsen’s men in good stead when they host Michal Bilek’s goal-shy side this weekend.

Czech Republic managed just 12 goals in eight games in qualifying for the Euros, with four of those coming in their final group game against Lithuania in what was, effectively, a dead rubber, and the 29/20 (2.45) for Bilek’s side to fail to find the net in Copenhagen carries considerable appeal.

The Danes, too, have plenty of attacking verve in their side even without Nicklas Bendtner, with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Michael Krohn-Dehli likely to trouble the Czech defence.

Despite Bendtner’s absence, the Danes look a terrific price here on the handicap market with PanBet offering 47/25 (2.88) on Denmark (-1) to win.

The Danes are excellent value and should be snapped up at PanBet’s even money (2.0) quote to get their World Cup campaign off to winning ways on Saturday while value hunters should consider the 87/10 (9.70) for Morten Olsen’s men to win 2-0 against the Czech Republic.

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VALUE BET

Denmark to win at even money (2.0) with PanBet

Denmark to win 2-0 at 87/10 (9.70) with PanBet

Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter

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