12th Jun 2016 | Euro 2016
Group D Betting: Croatia & Turkey Threaten Champions
Spain may have drawn the short with two very capable sides stood in their way.
Group D has all the makings of a classic with Spain surely vulnerable to the combined threat of at least two of their opponents.
It may seem a big call - but a top two comprised of Croatia and Turkey (in either order) looks a strong bet at best odds of 14/1 with Bet365.
Firstly, we should just accept that Spain aren’t the formidable outfit they were between 2008-2012. The defending champions endured a nightmare in Brazil where they were the first team knocked out after consecutive defeats to Chile and Netherlands.
They then lost to Slovakia in Euro qualification and even suffered a friendly defeat at home to lowly Georgia only last week. La Roja will doubtless continue to have plenty of possession but they seem to lack a killer instinct these days.
Turkey are a team with momentum having only qualified with a late flurry of great results; they destroyed Netherlands 3-0 before winning 2-0 in the Czech Republic before squeezing past Iceland 1-0. A late, unfortunate loss to England in a friendly is their only defeat in their last 16 outings.
Croatia are another team on a roll having only lost twice since the 2014 World Cup (W10 D4). Ante Cacic can call upon plenty of experience from the likes of captain Srna and Corluka at the back. The midfield sizzles with La Liga stars Modric and Rakitic while Perisic and Mandzukic are no strangers to finding the net.
All things considered don’t be surprised if the defending champions have some uncomfortable days in the next week or so.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 07:23 12th Jun, 2016 but subject to change
