posted June 12, 2008 at 19:25 in Soccer Articles

If there were a group in the Euro Cup betting field that did not go according to pre-championship predictions it is Group C – aptly dubbed the “Group of Death”. World Cup champions Italy received a drumming in their opening soccer betting match courtesy of the Netherlands and Romania navigated a draw against the steep sports betting favourites France. So with Group C in a bit of a conundrum, what lies ahead for soccer betting faithful is a thrilling second round of football betting action, starting with Romania (with one point) and Italy (with zero points) duelling it out for a chance to advance into the quarterfinal.

Soccer Betting Line:

Italy -½ -145 -150 Over 2 EV Over 1½ EV Under 1½ -130

Romania +½ +125 +390 Under 2 -120 Under ½ -105 Over ½ -125

Draw +250

Alternate Soccer Odds: Spread and Total

Italy -1 +145 Over 2½ +165 Romania +1 -165 Under 2½ -200

Italy PK -420 Over 1½ -155 Romania PK +330 Under 1½ +135

Romania (+390) At the start of the championships Romania was considered the outsider in Group C, unluckily drawing three European titans in Italy, France and Netherlands. The expectation was that advancing into the R16 from Group C would be largely determined by the trifecta of European sides; the last place in the group reserved for Romania. However, a draw in their opening match against France was all it took for Romania to move into a premiere position to directly affect the order of things.

Italy (-150) Perhaps the biggest disappointment in the opening round was the debut of 2006 World Cup title-holders Italy. Stunned 3:0 by Netherlands, Italy who was expected to take over the pinnacle of the group, instead was thrust into fourth place.

Betting Verdict: This match is a must win for both teams if they wish to entertain the hope of advancing into the quarterfinal. Especially the Azzuri as they received an ego- beating in their opener. Italians haven’t got much choice – a win is imperative. Expect to see a different line-up than the one that featured against Holland. Materazzi is clearly out of form so he should be benched. Grasso and Del Piero should get more time on the pitch, preferably from the start of the match. With a slightly different starting line-up Italy might be a better team than the one we were subjected to at the start. However, in spite of the tweaks to the Italian squad, Romania will be no pushover. Bolstered by their draw against France, they will be more than ready to face the mighty Azzuri. They deserved not to lose against the French. If they bring the same solid and patient game they brought against France – and equally so if the Italian’s bring a similar slapdash tactic we saw against Holland – then Romania would deserve a win tomorrow.

Soccer Free Picks: In order to get into the quarterfinals a win is a must for both. Romania will try to close the deal against the Italians as the demoralized Azzuri may be easy pickings. I think Romania will take the initiative in this match and it will pay off. I have to say I like the money line odds for Romania – at this point this Group is open, anyone is a taker. Why not the Romanians?

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