Germany Euro 2008 Favourites After Win in Prague

A fine 2-1 away win against Czech Republic strengthened Germany's position as market leader for Euro 2008 with Coral going a best price 6/1 about Joachim Low's men triumphing in Austria and Switzerland next summer. Goals from Schweinsteiger and Kuranyi ensured Germany retained top spot in Group D and they look worthy favourites to build on last year's World Cup third place and repeat their triumph of 1996. Reigning world champions Italy are 8/1 (bet365) to win next year's competition but lie only fourth in Group B at this juncture, behind Scotland (200/1 Bet Fred), France (8/1 Sporting Odds) and Ukraine (66/1 Paddy Power). Meanwhile, Holland are also among the market front-runners with Sporting Odds going 8/1 about the Dutchmen at this stage. This is partly due to an easy-looking qualifying group, which is more than can be said for England (9/1 bet direct) or Spain (12/1 Ladbrokes). The likes of Sweden (25/1 bet365) and Turkey (33/1 bet365) make more appeal in the outright market wih both teams likely to qualify and therefore shorten before next year's tournament proper.