5th Jun 2012 | Euro 2012
Euro 2012 Group C Betting: Croatia
Slaven Bilic is a master motivator and has a few aces in his pack.
Croatia
Odds to win group: 15/2 (StanJames)
Odds to qualify: 7/4 (StanJames)
Runners-up for grabs?
With Spain likely to be imperious but Italy in disarray, second spot could be anyone’s in Group C. Croatia are 11/4 (WilliamHill) to finish there with coach Bilic hoping that the likes of Modric, Srna and Kranjcar can make the difference for the least populated nation in the Euros.
Evertonian to the rescue?
News that striker Ivica Olic has been ruled out with a thigh injury may give one of the Premier League’s newest stars a chance to shine. Nikica Jelavic is now 5/1 (BetVictor) to top score for Croatia. The former Rangers hitman has struck 11 times in 16 outings since arriving at Goodison Park in January.
Going out with a whimper?
A less positive slant would be to remember that Croatia finished behind Greece in qualifying - the rank outsiders in Poland/Ukraine. If Italy are resolute and Ireland raise their game then Bilic could see his reign end with 0-2 points - a 5/4 shot with Skybet.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 01:04 5th Jun, 2012 but subject to change