Euro 2008 features one of the hardest groups in this year’s competition, Group C (group of death) gets underway, Monday June 9, with France vs Romania and Italy vs Netherlands. Oddsmakers at BetUS.com have France as -120 moneyline favs over Romania +350 with a draw at +240. Bet on Euro 2008: France vs Romania in now at BetUS.com
France finished second, to Italy, in Group B Euro qualifying after going 8W-2D-2L in 12 matches. They scored 22 goals and allowed 5. France is headed by coach Raymond Domenech who got his side to the 2006 Wold Cup Finals. They are without Zinedine Zidane due to retirement, but they have a host of other players with big skills. Franck Ribery and Florent Malouda are now fixtures on the right and left wings while Thierry Henry is a guaranteed starter to attack. Henry will have support from Nicolas Anelka, who scored four times in qualifying, or by Lyon's exciting 20-year-old Karim Benzema. They’ll be showing off a new goalie, due to the retirement of Fabien Barthez, Gregory Coupet. The 35 year old will finally get a chance to show off his skills for his country. He should be in good hands with France’s stellar defense that gave up a record low five goals in Euro qualifying. Their experienced back four consist of Willy Sagnol, Lilian Thuram, William Gallas and Eric Abidal. France relies largely on a 4-4-2 formation, switching only occasionally to 4-2-3-1. They will also debut two new youngsters, Olympique de Marseille star Samir Nasri and Lyon's left-winger Hatem Ben Arfa will be nice additions to an already stacked France lineup. On a bad note France dropped two games to Scotland in Euro Qualifying.
Romania finished first in Group G Euro qualifying after going 9-W-2D-1L in 12 matches. They scored 26 goals and allowed 7. Romania failed to qualify in the Euro 2004 tournament. They might be lacking a Gheorghe Hagi but they were tops in their qualifying group, beating even the Dutch. The closest thing they have to a star is the steady Adrian Mutu. Mutu along with Ciprian Marica scored 11 goals in Euro qualifying. Mutu is a free kick specialist and a sneaky left winger with speed while Marica can find any open hole in any defense. Coach Victor Piturca's is not afraid to use all of his 39 players, in qualifying his whole roster was used. He stated "we don't depend upon one player or another". Romania’s biggest qualifying win was a 1-0 win over fellow groups man Netherlands. Bet on EURO 2008.
Head to Head: 10 matches played
- France leads 6W-1D-3L
- France scored 14 goals and allowed 12
- Romania scored 12 and allowed 14
Group C: France vs Romania
When: Mon, June 9, 2008 12:00 PM ET
Line: BetUS.com
Pick: France -120
The Bottom Line: France has a stacked lineup and a superstar goal machine in Thierry Henry. Their defense is solid as they only gave up five goals in qualifying. Bet on Euro 2008: France vs Romania now at BetUS.com and receive a 50% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
