Yesterday we broke down who I liked to advance from each group, today lets tackle some team props that I like heading into the tournament. Props are always a double edge sword, especially in sports like soccer and a tournament structured like this, but you also get the plus money rewards and possible hedge opportunities as well. Lets dive in and see what I like for the upcoming action and lets find some winners!
Wales to finish in bottom of Group (+120 @ Draft Kings)
I think everyone remembers Gareth Bale and the Dragons run through the 2016 Euros and are hoping for a repeat performance, but I just don't see it out of this squad. They get paired in a group with heavy weight Italy, who we will get to later in this article and two squads in Switzerland and Turkey who will be battling it out to qualify for the knockout stages. With all the behind the scene drama involving their coach, a tough group, and Bale regressing a little with age, I see them being the odd man out and finishing bottom of this group.
North Macedonia to have 0 Points (+225 @ DraftKings)
North Macedonia is undoubtedly the lovable underdog in this entire tournament. 37 year old Captain Goran Pandev, finally gets his moment in the sun for his national team. The Genoa striker netted 6 goals in his Serie A Campaign and would love to slip one in on this stage. When your betting the 0, you always have to wonder if a draw is out there. Game one against Austria is their chance to grab a point, as the Austrians are having major locker room issues and grumblings about coaching. Being on the big stage for the first time could bring out the nerves and cause them to slip up though. The rest of their journey consists of matches versus the stingy Ukrainian defense and the powerful Dutch offense, both of which out class North Macedonia. Ill be biting my nails in the Austria game, but I'll say Cinderella doesn't get a result in this group.
Belgium to have 9 Points (+300 @ DraftKings)
The Red Devils need some hardware to justify this "Golden Age" of Belgium football. The trio of Lukaku, Hazard, and De Buryne need to lead this group to the promise land in this tournament or next years World Cup or else time will have caught up to them. De Buryne health is a concern heading into group play, but Group B is a very manageable group for this seasoned squad. Betting the 9 is similar to betting the zero, is there a draw out there? Whether by poor performance in a match or the group being decided by game 3, it could always happen. The first two games could be tricky to pull off the 6 points as they travel to Russia and Denmark, but get through those and resting or not they have enough quality to finish off Finland and grab the 9 points.
Scotland to qualify for knockouts (+110 @ DraftKings)
This is a Shooters Shot Podcast collaboration between, Myself, my Co-Host Kenny Cotterill, and our good friend Will Latham of @LathOnTour YouTube fame! There is not a telltale sign, stat, or matchup for the reason why we have the Scots going through, especially having to play England in Wembley. The first game is where our hopes lie, as they take on the underwhelming Czech Republic in Glasgow, I can see some Scottish skill and the home crowd mixed with a bit of luck, as the winning formula in that one. The Czech Republic has been known to flounder on the big stage and we could see that again here. They also get an aging Croatia team at home and then if they don't get blown off the pitch in Wembley, we see them getting one of the last qualifying spots off goal differential.
Italy to have Over 6.5 points (-125 @ DraftKings)
We very rarely see a .5 over/under in group play and I will happily take it with Italy here. They have a very manageable group against sides that aren't very threatening in the attacking half and they get all 3 games in Rome. I like the Azzurri to burst back on the international scene in a big way this tournament and with the 6.5 we don't have to worry about a draw or them winning all 3 games, sign me up!
There you have my team props for the group stage, dont miss tomorrows article on individual player props! Also don't miss any of the content Will Latham @LathOnTour will have going on live from the host country on his YouTube channel! Follow, Like, and share and get entered into his Euro giveaway! See you guys tomorrow and hopefully at the window!