Olympic Football Betting Preview
24th July, 2008
The Euros were great to watch this summer and Spain deservedly won the championship. However the summer of football doesn't end there with several high profile teams from around the globe competing at the Olympics. The Olympic football tournament isn't seen as the most prestigious event in the international footballing calendar, but some big teams with strong sides will be travelling to Beijing.
South American teams, Brazil and Argentine will be looking to play their samba style football and entertain spectators. Some European sides who played in the Euros are also taking part in the Olympics. The dutch side, who impressed in Austria and Switzerland, are also travelling to Beijing with some younger players in their side looking to gain experience of international football. Italy are also involved and take a young side who have the ability to go all the way and take the gold.
Odds Preview:
Argentina are favourites to win gold at 2/1 Betfred - The South American side are taking a very strong squad, including names such as Messi, Riquelme and Liverpool midfielder Mascherano. They will surely progress to the later stages of the tournament and should reach the final.
Brazil are also favourites to win gold at 2/1 with Ladbrokes , and will be determined to show the world they are still on of the greatest footballing nations. Former Barcelona star and worlds best player, Ronaldino, is on the team sheet, and will be aiming to prove critics wrong, by helping Brazil win the tournament whilst rediscovering his best form.
Italy are taking a young side who will be eager to win and determined to impress. Most of the players are 21 or younger, but some familiar names are included in the Squad, such as Giuseppe Rossi and Sebastian Giovinco. Their group is relatively easy (South Korea, Cameroon and Honduras) so they should qualify for the later stages. In spite of this they will be throughly tested if they were to face either Brazil or Argentina.
Holland really impressed in the Euros beating decent sides comfortably, such as their 3-0 win over Italy and 4-1 win over France. Most of their Olympic squad players would have played, and won, the under 21 Euros last year, so they are certainly a decent side and capable of beating anyone. Liverpool ace, Ryan Babel, is included in the Squad along with other familiar names such as Roy Makaay and Gerald Sibon. To win gold they will need to beat Argentine, Brazil or Italy, but definitely have the players to do so. Priced at a decent 8/1 with bet 365.
The African sides are always difficult to beat and, Nigeria 20/1, Cameroon 14/1 and Ivory Coast 16/1 will certainly be no push overs for the favourites.
Our Tip:
Argentina 2/1 with VC Bet are the team to beat closely followed by Brazil. I can't see Argentine not getting to the final with the quality of players they have. They have the strongest squad, by quite some way, and have a great chance of taking the gold medal.
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By Jamie
