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Of course, France are overwhelming favorites for
this group, and are a best price of 2/7 with Bet365.
We like the price of Switzerland, however, who easily
qualified for Euro 2004 at 11/2
with Capital Sports.
Dumped unceremoniously out of the first round of
the FIFA World Cup Japan/Korea 2002™, France
immediately set about trying to restore their lost
lustre. After an undemanding qualifying campaign
for Euro 2004 - during which, incidentally, they
also faced Israel and Cyprus - Les Bleus are expected
to at least reach the last four in Portugal to cement
their place among the “greats” of international
football.
Also through to the European Championships, Switzerland
can be viewed as dark horses for the group, but
the Republic Ireland are also sure to have a say
in things. Backed wholeheartedly by their colourful
fans, the Irish will doubtless be intent on battling
it out for one of the top two places. And don’t
forget that it was them who left the Dutch out of
the last finals.
Having narrowly missed out on a play-off place
for Euro 2004, Israel will be desperate for a level
playing field on which to have a crack at qualification,
as political instability in the Middle East has
so often required them to play their ‘home’
games overseas.
A final mention goes to Cyprus and the Faroe Isles,
for whom every point gleaned on their FIFA World
Cup qualifying adventure is sure to be greeted as
a triumph in itself.
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