posted June 12, 2008 at 18:48 in Soccer Articles

Well for those online soccer betting faithful who took a chance on this young squad, kudo’s to you. At the start of the Euro Cup Marco Van Basten’s Orange were not amongst the bookies sports betting favourites to advance out of Group C. Although they were not entirely dismissed, their opening match against Italy was largely seen as a handicap – one they would surely lose and in turn, ruin their chances for a second place finish. But lo-and-behold, they beat the Azzuri; soundly at that with a 3:0 drumming. So now as they prepare to take on France who did neither poorly nor sensationally in their opener, soccer bettors doing dome Euro Cup betting on this match have an interesting soccer betting line to consider.

Soccer Betting Line:

Netherlands PK -125 +150 Over 2 +110 Over 1 +110 Under 1 -140

France PK +105 +185 Under 2 -130 Under 1 -155 Over 1 +125

Alternate Soccer Betting Odds: Spread and Total

Netherlands -½ +165 Over 2½ +170

France +½ -185 Under 2½ -210 123

Netherlands Over 1½ -165

France Under 1½ +145

Netherlands (+150) Netherlands outplayed the Italians in the first round. Sneider, Engelaar and Van Der Vaart were stellar againsth the Azzuri. To say Netherlands was underestimated is not an exaggeration. Credence must be given to their opening game. As such, they will be a big threat in their upcoming match and will want to continue the momentum they started with.

France (+185) Romania defended well against the French so there was little France could do to penetrate the backline. It is hard to gage what sort of team the Les Bleus are as their match against the Romanians was a chess game more than a football match.

Betting Verdict: France has only one point and in order to advance they need a win against Netherlands. But the odds point to a different account – one that does not favour the Les Bleus. At +185 underdog odds they are more disadvantaged on the money line than Netherlands. The Oranje in contrast are slightly favoured for the win over the French. So can the Oranje take the same fight to the Blues as they did to the Azzuri?

Soccer Betting Verdict: I must admit I always liked the French – the 2006 World Cup final was a bitter day in soccer for me. So with some bias, I would pick France on the money line. In defence of this pick: France played a decent game against Romania so not all is lost for them. At +185 on the money line they have value for the win – and a win they need to remain in contention. If you feel my pick is based purely on personal favouritism then go for the spread – the Over 2 goals or even better the Over 2.5 goals. I think this time France will find the back of the net more than once. Netherlands surely will too.

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