We take a look at the final round of Group B in the UEFA European Championship scheduled for Monday, June 24, where we will suggest a bet for each match.
Before doing so, let’s review the latest outright market odds. France and Germany are currently joint favourites at 4/1, with pre-tournament favourite England sliding to third place at 9/2. Spain comes in as the fourth-best at 5/1, closely followed by Portugal at 6/1. The Netherlands follow at 15/1, while the rest of the field is available at 20/1 or better.
Click here for all the latest UEFA EURO Outright Betting
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
ALBANIA v SPAIN – Click here to bet
Albania enters match day 3 in Düsseldorf knowing that their progression to the next round hinges on their final group encounter against a highly confident Spanish team. Currently 3rd in Group B with one point and a goal difference of minus one, the Eagles secured a hard-earned 2-2 draw against Croatia in their recent match, placing them ahead of the Fiery Ones for now. With much work still to do, Albania is acutely aware that anything less than maximum points against Spain on Monday will likely lead to a fate reminiscent of their 2016 Euro campaign—another early exit in the group stages.
Having secured their place in the next round after obtaining maximum points in consecutive games, the Spanish fury looks determined to make a statement of intent in Germany. With the perfect blend of youth and experience, Luis de la Fuente’s team appears to be the ideal combination and has certainly made waves given their impressive run to date. Yet to concede a goal at the Euros, Spain opened their campaign with a 3-0 drubbing of Croatia, followed by a solid 1-0 win over current holders Italy on Thursday. With six points in Group B and a goal difference of plus four, Spain is likely to finish on top irrespective of the outcome against Monday’s opponents, Albania.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met eight times, with Spain winning every game. Their most recent encounter resulted in a narrow 2-1 win for Spain in an international friendly back in March 2022.
Betting
Albania 13/2
Draw 15/4
Spain 4/9
Prediction
Despite Spain having secured progression into the next round, Luis de la Fuente strikes me as the sort of coach who will be determined to maintain their winning momentum to carry it over into the next phase. The Eagles will be hoping that’s not the case, given their poor record against Spain. It’s hard to look past La Roja, given their dominant performances thus far, and for that reason, I anticipate another clinical performance from the Spaniards.
Suggested Bet: Result And Both Teams To Score, Spain and No at 13/10
CROATIA v ITALY – Click here to bet
Red Bull Arena will set the scene this Monday for what promises to be an intriguing encounter between Croatia and Italy. Dubbed the “group of death” pre-tournament, it has certainly lived up to that reputation. Currently last in Group B, the third-place World Cup team, Croatia, could only salvage a 2-2 result in their latest outing against Albania and, as a result, are teetering on exiting the tournament as early as the group stages for the first time since 2012. With one point from two games and a goal difference of minus three, the Fiery Ones know that anything less than a win will all but extinguish their hope of progressing to the round of 16.
Current holders Italy take on Croatia in Leipzig this Monday following a rather toothless performance from the Azzurri against Spain. A game that promised fireworks quickly turned into a one-sided affair, and the 1-0 scoreline flattered the Italians, as it could easily have been three or four goals for the Spaniards. Currently 2nd in the group with three points, the Italians are still very much in contention to progress from the group stages. They know that a positive result of any kind will likely see them join Spain in the round of 16. However, there will be concerns that Italy has conceded first in every game of this tournament, something they will certainly want to address before Monday’s all-important fixture given the magnitude of what’s at stake.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met nine times in total, with Croatia winning three times and Italy just once, while five matches ended in draws. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 1-1 draw in the UEFA European Championship qualifiers back in June 2015.
Betting
Croatia 22/10
Draw 23/10
Italy 11/8
Prediction
Historically, these two teams have had closely contested matches, and given what’s at stake for both sides, this should be another closely fought encounter reminiscent of a chess game. I am inclined to side with a draw, a result that would have mirrored the outcome of their last three encounters.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 23/10
Click here for all of this week’s International football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
