in Soccer Articles

Day two of UEFA Euro Cup championships.

Group B:Croatia

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Sunday June 8, 2008

Venue: Ernst Happel, Vienna, Austria

Soccer Betting Line:

Team: Austria +½ -105

Money Line +320

Total Points: Over 2½ +115

Team: Croatia -½ -115

Money Line: -115

Total Points: Under 2½ -135

Draw +230

Spread Betting:

Austria +1 -210

Croatia -1 +170

Analysis: Few bettors would bet against Croatia after their sensational 4-1 win over England in the run up to the UEFA Euro Cup finals; even when they face a home side in Austria, who are anxious to prove a point in front of their fans, in their campaign opener.

As co-hosts of Euro Cup, Austria has spent two years playing in friendlies, so this will be their first test of the finals. More importantly this is Austrias first-ever Euro Cup outing and they will want to be taken seriously, convincing the betting markets they are worthy contenders. For that reason alone they could be the surprise package in Group B to emerge. But as an untried team on the international stage, the betting market on Austria opens with them tipped as huge underdogs at +320 on the money line. The odds are against them.

Austria can hope for a winning start or at the very least remain unbeaten against Croatia, as a point they will settle for happily. But do not expect Croatia to be so generous. The Croatian side is formidable and their fast paced play will surely cause a dizzy spell or two on the Austrian bench.

Betting Verdict: Croatia advanced to the finals as Group E winners, finishing with an impressive record of nine wins, two draws and just one defeat. Recent news of the loss of Eduardo da Silva may hurt Croatia somewhat in the long run, they are not the same team without the striker who scored ten goals for Croatia in the qualifying stages, but coach Bilic has other strikers to turn to, namley the duo of Mladen Petric and Ivica Olic, and reserve options in midfield dynamos Niko Kranjcar, Luka Modric and Darijo Srna. Da Silvas injury may have far-reaching consequences should Croatia advance out of the Group stage, but in their opener against Austria, Croatia should not suffer overly for his absence.

Soccer Free Picks:

Wagering on this matchup in my opinion should be straight forward with a Croatian victory. The straightup money line bet at -115 is a good play. For all ye North American football bettors, soccer spread betting may be your best option. Even though Da Silva will not feature, Croatia is a high-scoring team at best of times and they will be anxious to send a message in their first match. I expect them to find the back of the net more than once. So take the Croats to cover the spread at -1 -170.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.