Euro 2016 Betting Guide
Following Spain’s victory in Austria and Switzerland in the 2008 tournament, the UEFA bandwagon headed across to Eastern Europe where Poland and Ukraine jointly hosted the 2012 renewal. Eight venues across the two countries staged the 31 games, which kicked off with Poland v Greece on the 8th June at the National Stadium in Warsaw, and ended with the final on 1st July at the Olympic Stadium in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.
Before we get down to our in depth guide, make sure you don't miss our Euro 2016 Tips.
The competition began with four groups of four teams, with the top two from each group progressing to the knockout stages for the remaining rounds. Could the all-conquering European and World Champions Spain justify favouritism and retain their European crown. This is how it unfolded....
Group A |
W |
D |
L |
+/- |
Pts |
Group B |
W |
D |
L |
+/- |
Pts |
Czech Rep. |
2 |
0 |
1 |
-1 |
6 |
Germany |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
9 |
Greece |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
Portugal |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
Russia |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
Denmark |
1 |
0 |
2 |
-1 |
3 |
Poland |
0 |
2 |
1 |
-1 |
2 |
Holland |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-3 |
0 |
Russia made a blistering start In Group A when beating the Czech's 4-1, and were quickly tagged as possibly the surprise package of the tournament, but a 1-1 draw against co-hosts Poland and an astonishing 1-0 loss to an uninspiring but stubborn Greece side in the final group game sent them home. The Czech's recovered from their opening loss to grab victories over Greece and Poland which was enough for them to top the group. Germany were unspectacular but solid and went through unbeaten in Group B. The big shock was the exit of a dismal Holland team who couldn't muster a single victory. Portugal lost to Germany in the opener but improved with every game after that, beating Denmark and Holland to progress to the quarters ahead of the plucky Danes.
Group C |
W |
D |
L |
+/- |
Pts |
Group D |
W |
D |
L |
+/- |
Pts |
Spain |
2 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
7 |
England |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
Italy |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
France |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
Croatia |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
Ukraine |
1 |
0 |
2 |
-2 |
3 |
Ireland |
0 |
0 |
3 |
-8 |
0 |
Sweden |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
Spain drew their opener against Italy, then coasted to a 4-0 win over Ireland. It then took a late goal to dispatch a stubborn Croatia side to progress. Italy followed them through, unbeaten in their 3 games with Croatia and group whipping boys Ireland packing their bags. Unfancied England surprised many by winning Group D with wins against Sweden and Ukraine, France also went through in 2nd with Ukraine and Sweden's participation ending at the group stage.
Quarter Finals
Czech Republic 0 - 1 Portugal
Germany 4 - 2 Greece
Spain 2 - 0 France
England 0 - 0 Italy (Italy won 4-2 on penalties)
Semi Final
Portugal 0 - 0 Spain (Spain won 4-2 on penalties)
Germany 1 - 2 Italy
Final
Spain 4 - 0 Italy
So there you go, Spain served up a masterclass against Italy in the final to become the first team ever to retain the European Championship. The international focus now moves to World Cup 2014 qualification with the finals taking place in in Brazil.
European Championship Winners
2012 - Spain
2008 - Spain
2004 - Greece
2000 - France
1996 - Germany
1992 - Denmark
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