Group C at Euro 2016 sees Germany battle Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland for a place in the next phase and whilst Northern Ireland will probably feel they have landed in the Group of Death, they retain an outside chance of qualifying. Germany are the big favourites to top the group though, and indeed Joachim Löw’s men are joint favourites in the Euro 2016 outright betting, alongside hosts France. Can anyone stop the World Cup winners or are the rest simply playing for second (and maybe third) place? Read on as we take a closer look at Group C, offering up the best live odds comparison, Group C predictions and betting tips.
If you intend to bet on this group, or indeed any of the many World Cup betting markets, our live odds comparison is the simplest and quickest way to obtain the best odds. Bigger odds means bigger profits when you win, so be sure to take advantage of our odds comparison to help swing the value your way.
When it comes to betting on this group at Euro 2016 there are some very useful form guides to consider, not least the fact that Germany finished ahead of Poland in qualifying Group D. Those sides were ahead of Republic of Ireland and Scotland, with the Republic making France 2016 thanks to a play-off win over Bosnia. Ukraine also needed the play-offs to make the Euros, having finished third in Group C, whilst Northern Ireland, who recently drew with the Republic, topped Group F ahead of sides such as Romania, Hungary and Finland.
Germany are priced at best betting odds of just 2/5 to win the group, with Poland next at 5/1, then Ukraine at 9/1 and Northern Ireland way out at 33/1. Many experts are sure to view the game at the Stade de France between Germany and Poland as the key to who will win the group and we are no different. Germany can be backed at 8/13 in that one and that could be worth taking as we expect the world champions to prove too good for Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
A Germany/Poland forecast pays out at nice betting odds of 9/4 with Paddy Power and that looks great value. Ukraine will feel they are capable of fighting it out with Poland for the second automatic qualification place and whilst players such as Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka are undoubtedly class acts, Poland should edge things. Poland can be backed at best betting odds of 7/4 to finish second but we prefer the bigger payout of the forecast, with it inconceivable that Germany won’t finish in the top two.
Indeed, the most interesting battle in Group C may be that for third place. The top four third-placed sides from the six Euro 2016 groups will make the next phase of the competition. Those rankings will be decided on how many points each side has and so a win for either of Northern Ireland or Ukraine when the pair face off on the 16th June could prove enough.
The former Soviet state are clear favourites for that game in Lyon, priced at odds of evens at the time of writing (see our odds comparison for live odds) but the underdogs will feel they can cause an upset.
Northern Ireland, led by former Newcastle and Wigan midfielder Michael O’Neill, recently set a new record by going 10 games unbeaten and as Leicester are proving in the Premier League, team spirit and tactical awareness can achieve great things. The Green and White Army have nothing to lose and will be intent on enjoying themselves. If they can get a draw against Poland (available at odds of 5/2) they could even sneak into second spot but the more likely scenario sees them finishing third.
They can be backed at odds of 10/3 to be eliminated in the last 16 and that looks worth a punt to us, whilst you can claim very nice odds of 15/4 on O’Neill’s men to qualify from Group C. Naturally enough this analysis leads us to the conclusion that Ukraine will finish bottom of the group and that alone can be backed at best odds of 4/1, with “Norn Iron” favourites in that market at odds of 8/11 with Paddy Power.
So, whilst Group C may seem a foregone conclusion and we aren’t about to oppose Germany as group winners, there are certainly plenty of options when it comes to alternative bets on the group at this year’s Euros. Good luck!