Euro Cup Group C Futures

Euro Cup Group C Futures

Jason Green

No surprise that World Cup holders Germany are the major favorites to win this group, but they lost to a couple of inferior teams in qualifying and their defense may be an issue. Still, they have many players back from the World Cup win and if they do not win the group it would be a pretty big surprise.

Germany -300

Even though Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose are retired and captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is a veteran and did not have a great season for Manchester United the Germans are stacked. They have a great attack and midfield with the likes of Thomas Muller, Marco Reus, and Mesut Ozil, and while the defense has had issues they still have one of the best in the game in goal in Manuel Neuer. However, are there cracks in the armor? The Germans did lose to Ireland and Poland, who are also in Group C, in qualifying.

Poland +300

Poland is a solid side that has confidence coming into the Euro, as they beat Germany in qualifying and were also the highest scoring team in the qualification round with 33 goals. Robert Lewandowski Kuba Blaszczykowski, and Grzegorz Krychowiak, who can all tickle the twine, lead their attack but can the back line hold up? Sure, the Poles only conceded 10 goals in 10 qualifying matches and while they shut out Germany in Warsaw the defense is still the issue for the squad.

Ukraine +800

Ukraine narrowly qualified for the Euro 2016, but they are a dangerous squad that should not be underestimated. They only scored 14 goals in their 10 qualifying matches, but they only conceded four and Yevhen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko are a couple of wing players that will cause opposing defenses headaches. In qualifying they played Spain close at home and if their back line can hold up with the Poland and German attack Ukraine may surprise some people and take the group.

Northern Ireland +1800

Northern Ireland is the darling of the tournament not playing in a major international tournament for 30 years. While they may have played in the weakest group in qualifying they still won it only losing one match, scoring 16 goals, and conceding eight. Still, they are major underdogs for a reason, as they lack world-class talent all over the pitch and their defense is a concern, especially with Germany and Poland in the group.