UEFA Euro 2024 has reached its business end and now, the knockout stage is here. However, throughout the group stage, many of the pre-tournament favorites have labored, doing little to justify their selection at the top of the betting charts. Both England and France have faltered, winning just two games out of six between them and hardly setting the world alight in the process
Hosts Germany have impressed, however. They thumped Scotland 5-1 in the tournament’s curtain raiser, before dispatching Hungary by two goals to nil to top Group A. They rightfully remain amongst the contenders, solidifying their upturn in form throughout the last six months under Julian Nagelsmann. However, while the Germans remain in a similar position to the one, they found themselves in a fortnight ago, several teams have seen their odds shift dramatically as the tournament has unfolded.
Here are the biggest movers in the Euro 2024 betting charts so far this summer.
Austria
Austria headed to Germany this summer with many of the latest soccer betting tips tipping them as potential dark horses. Pretournament they were as long as +5000 with some outlets, however, those odds have been slashed down to +2200 following a blistering display throughout the group stages that not even their most fervent of backers could have imagined just a fortnight ago.
They gave France all they could handle in their opening game but ultimately slipped to a one-nil defeat. They bounced back from that with a dominant 3-1 victory against Poland before also beating heavyweights the Netherlands in their final game to top their group.
The Austrian squad’s resurgence can be largely attributed to the tactics of German manager Ralf Rangnick. He is considered by many to be the father of the Gegenpress, something that would go on to be replicated by Jurgen Klopp at both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. During Rangnick’s time as interim manager of Manchester United, he was treated as a laughingstock, but he is having the last laugh.
With a team brimming with talent such as Marcel Sabitzer, Christoph Baumgartner and Konrad Laimer, Austria is a match for anybody on their day. However, it’s the high-pressing tactics that have taken the tournament by storm. if they can continue in a similar vein throughout the knockout round, they could well follow in the footsteps of Greece 20 years ago by shocking the football world.
Spain
Many didn’t know what to expect of Spain heading into Euro 2024, as demonstrated by their position as a distant fifth favorite at odds of +650. Their heyday came over a decade ago as they won both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, becoming the first team in history to successfully retain the title. Sandwiched in between that was their crowning moment, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. However, the days of Xavi and Iniesta are now long gone, and that was demonstrated in her pre-tournament pricing.
However, La Roja has been an absolute revelation in Euro 2034. Talented young wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal – the latter of the two is just 16 years of age – have been in scintillating form, while captain Alvaro Morata continues to score crucial goals despite often being ridiculed by opposition supporters.
the Spanish were drawn into the group of death alongside former champions Italy and recent World Cup semifinalists Croatia, but they emerged victorious in both those clashes, as well as defeating lowly Albania. The problem for them now is that they are in a tough top half of the draw alongside the likes of Germany, France and Portugal.
Spain’s squad boasts a blend of experienced veterans and promising young stars. Barcelona midfielder Pedri is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, and he has been allowed to flourish alongside Manchester City midfield dynamo Rodri. That partnership will be crucial if the Spaniards are to claim a record-breaking fourth European championship.
France
While both Austria and Spain have impressed, resulting in their odds of lifting the trophy in Berlin on July 14th shortening, France most certainly has not. They headed to Germany as a narrow +350 second favorite behind England, but their performances in the group stage have left a lot to be desired. As such they have now drifted out to +500, behind the Three Lions and Spain, level with Germany.
Les Bleus’ road through the group stage has been far from smooth. While they managed to secure second place in their group, it came after a laborious journey. They narrowly defeated Austria in their opening game courtesy of an own goal, but only managed draws against the Netherlands and most disappointingly, Poland. They haven’t scored a goal from open play in their three games, and they face a tough second-round test against Belgium, with the likes of Spain, Germany and Portugal waiting down the line.
Despite these challenges, France still possesses an enviable array of talent. Kylian Mbappe continues to be a talismanic figure, capable of turning games with his sheer pace and skill. Their defense is also as strong as any in the tournament thanks to the likes of William Saliba and N’Golo Kanta. However, integrating individual attacking talents into a cohesive unit at the top of the pitch remains a critical task for head coach Didier Deschamps, who faces mounting pressure to deliver another major trophy following the defeat to Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
