posted July 1, 2008 at 17:32 in Soccer Articles

As the “Olés” and “viva España!” fade away, another exciting soccer betting instalment at BetUS.com comes to an end. But what an end it was for the online sports betting community as Spain (the odds maker’s favourites on the money line) were crowned European Cup champions, ending a 44-year-long title drought in major competition. The decisive moment came in the shootout against Italy, when Cesc Fabregas – a rising soccer sensation – buried the penalty kick against Italy. Until then even Spain, who arrived in the championships burdened by the stigma of underachievers in major competitions, did not believe they would ever win another European Cup title. The hex of failure so potent that even when on paper Spain coming off as one of the championship favourites entered the tournament final round against Germany, soccer wagering trends were hesitant to bet on them, going for the money play offered with Germany’s underdog odds at +135. In winning though, Spain shed the tag and the result is Spain’s stock goes on the up in soccer betting markets. Mid-celebrations yet, soccer betting doesn’t stop as now that Euro 2008 is done the World Cup takes over. European Cup champions Spain, along with the rest of the world must now turn immediately to World Cup 2010 qualifying that picks up in the soccer betting markets in September.

Four nations emerged from Euro in earnest – Turkey, Croatia, Russia and champions Spain – with new-fangled reputations, high hopes and enhanced expectations. But they are not a lock for favourites in South Africa. Powerhouse squads France, Portugal and Italy – left soccer gambling fans wanting; and the others – Romania, Greece, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria baffled with subpar performances calling into question their World Cup 2010 future odds.

Here is a brief look at the four nations who made the last two rounds of Euro Cup 2008 betting a thrilling event for the online sports betting community at BetUS Sportsbook.

Spain – Spain are Euro Cup champions deservedly so. They outplayed and outclassed everyone and as the only team to remain undefeated, leading in scoring, their victory received the approval of soccer betting enthusiasts worldwide. But as Coach Aragones sojourn with the national team comes to an end, can new management cope with the heightened expectations of the nation.

Russia – A Gus Hiddink inspired team is never to be underestimated. We have seen the magic he conjured up with Australia and South Korea. He was equally magical with Russia, leading them to victory against the much-favoured Dutch in the quarterfinals. Russia has proven to be worth the gamble and their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign looks to be promising.

Turkey – Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Turkish game was their fighting spirit, but that is not all they demonstrated as it was backed up with some serious tactical finesse and skill. For those soccer bettors who think their run in Euro Cup 2008 was a fluke, history flash for you: Turkey featured in the 2002 World Cup semi-final as well. Turkey has come a long way in international competition and with their arrival perhaps a new era in World Cup soccer is on the horizon.

Germany – The verdict is out (and you may as well include the European squads of Netherlands, Italy, France, Portugal and the Czech Republic along with the Germans here as well), they are not what they used to be. Germany did not feature in the final match at all. Oh they were there all right, at least, physically on the pitch but mentally, i.e. a game plan a strategy: nothing!! Well if you disregard an inspired ten-minute fragment in the second half, when in answer to the void in the German midfield was Kevin Kuranyi, then they were dead on their feet. And that goes for all the uninspired European outings of Euro Cup 2008 – they were a standing knockout.

So there you have it. UEFA Euro Cup 2008 betting wrapped up! Now that it is over, soccer betting does not stop as the online sports betting community turns to World Cup 2010 qualifying odds. Check out BetUS Sportsbook Soccer betting lines and follow the many nations vying for a berth in the upcoming World Cup extravaganza in South Africa.

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