UEFA EURO 2016: Group F betting preview

At first glance Group F is one of those that might look reasonably straight forward. It’s probably fair to say that most people will be expecting Portugal and Austria, probably in that order, to make it through to the knockout rounds courtesy of a top two finish. However, things might not be this clear-cut and this group might just be one of those that throws up a few surprises.

Portugal 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. are the overwhelming favourites to win this group, although I can’t help but think they could be somewhat overpriced. The Portuguese won seven of their eight qualifying games, which suggests that they made it to France in good style, although if we delve a little deeper into their form, we can see that these figures don’t exactly tell the full story. They were beaten by Albania at the start of the campaign, before indeed recording seven consecutive wins, although each of these were by only a single goal, two of which required a stoppage time winner. Ronaldo scored five of their 11 goals in qualifying and you get the feeling that if the main man isn’t quite on it then Portugal become significantly less threatening.

Despite qualifying for these finals in unspectacular fashion, Portugal should still be considered a threat and with the aforementioned Ronaldo as well as players such as Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Quaresma in their ranks they should be able to make it out of this group, just perhaps not as easily as their odds suggest.

Full team preview here. 

Austria

Having progressed through the entirety of a 10 game campaign without losing – winning nine and drawing one – Austria comfortably secured their place at EURO 2016 and did so with the second best qualifying record, bettered only by England’s flawless 10 out of 10. Not bad considering the country’s only other appearance at the Euros came when they automatically qualified as hosts back in 2008. There is plenty of optimism around this side and with players such as David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic and recent Premier League winner Christian Fuchs it would appear as though this is Austria’s best chance to date of making real headway at a major tournament. In fact this arguably their best ever team, so spirits will be high in the Austrian camp.

All in all, with 22 goals scored and only 5 conceded, this team were impressive in qualifying and although this group does look tight, but, considering they’ve avoided the big boys, the Austrians will fancy their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

Full team preview here.

Iceland

The fact that Iceland have made it to France is an achievement in itself, but they will now be looking ahead to the next milestone and aiming to impress at these finals. Such is the nature of competitive football. Their qualifying group contained Holland, Turkey and Czech Republic, so make no mistake about it this side are no mugs. Having won six of their ten games in qualifying they were solid, but what is perhaps more impressive is the fact that they only lost twice, once to group winners Czech Republic and once to Turkey in the final game, although they had already qualified and in conceding a 90^th minute free kick they were perhaps unlucky to lose.

There is a real feel of togetherness about Iceland, they aren’t a team where several of the players are known as individual stars, but they do seem to function well as a collective. A powerful asset to have. Add in players such as the mercurial Gylfi Sigurdsson and the ultra-experienced Eidar Gudjohnsen and Iceland might just surprise a few by outplaying their 100/1 price-tag at this tournament.

Full team preview here.

Hungary

Considering they haven’t made it to the European Championships since 1972, Hungary are another of the teams who’ve done well by reaching these finals. Hailing from what was seemingly the easiest group in qualifying, on paper at least, they finished third and booked their place at EURO 2016 thanks to a 3-1 aggregate play-off victory against Norway.

Not a side who’re blessed with great depth in quality, but they are a well-balanced team who’ve made themselves reasonably hard to beat over the last year or so. In qualifying they were defeated only twice (both times by a single goal) and conceded only nine goals in 10 games, although it does have to be said that their group really wasn’t a strong one. Unfortunately someone has to finish bottom of the group, and although it may be tight, Hungary look the most likely team to do so.

Full team preview here.

Verdict

Of these four it was Hungary who impressed the least during qualifying and if we are to assume that they’ll probably fall slightly short and finish bottom of the pile, deciding how the other three will finish is still a tough task.

Portugal are the nation with the best international pedigree, but they represent no value and were decidedly unimpressive during qualifying. On this basis they are worth taking on for top spot.

Austria, on the other hand, were very impressive in qualifying, proving themselves to be a strong side both in terms of going forward and defending. At 15/8 they look a good bet to take this form into these finals and progress from the groups in pole position.

A secondary bet in this group, one at a big price, is the straight forecast of Austria/Iceland. Many people won’t be able to envisage a final standing in this group where Portugal fail to make the top two, but this could easily become a reality. Iceland face Portugal on match-day one and we know the Nordic side will play with no fear. If they can take a positive result from this game then it will give them a solid platform to build on, whereas the pressure would be on the Portuguese if they fail to win.