Sportsbook Euro Cup 2008 Betting Preview For Spain vs. Germany

[Qbins Missile Crisis]

EURO 2008: Odds shift for Sunday’s Finals

After entering Euro 2008 as the pre-tournament favorite, Germany finds themselves in the underdog role for Sunday’s Final against Spain.

Oddsmakers were right on the money when they made Germany and Spain the pre-tournament favorites for the Euro 2008 Championships but after the semifinal matchups, they’ve shifted the odds in Spain’s favor.

Germany opened the tournament three weeks ago as the favorite at 7-2 odds, followed by Spain at 11-2.

In a tournament full of surprises, both of these powerhouse nation’s survived scares and now have a chance to hoist the silverware with a victory in Sunday’s Championship Final. Spain is listed at 2.30 odds with Germany listed at 2.90 odds after opening at 2.80.

Bet on the Final here at Sportsbook.com and then tune into ABC at 2:30 pm ET on Sunday afternoon to see the biggest soccer match until World Cup 2010.

The biggest question for Spain is how they will manage without their leading scorer David Villa. Villa left Thursday’s semifinal after pulling a hamstring while taking a free kick. Villa, who scored a hat trick in the opening game of the tournament, will miss the Final but his team remains confident.

Spain is deep in talent and qualified for the Euro Championships with Villa on the bench as a substitute. It wasn’t until Spanish coach Luis Aragones decided to go with two strikers up front to open the tournament that Villa found himself in the starting lineup.

At the time, the move to shift the team’s tactics after cruising through the qualifying round with just two defeats in 12 games was scrutinized, but Villa rewarded his coach with three goals in the opening game to secure his spot in the starting lineup for the remainder of the tournament.

Villa has only scored one goal since but still leads the tournament in scoring.

For Germany, after barely surviving against a Turkey team battling injuries and suspensions, they need to find a way to stop the Spanish attack.

Keeper Jens Lehmann has struggled in goal and was blamed by many for both goals he surrendered in Wednesday’s semifinal. He’s been the focus of media attention all week and could be the goat if Germany doesn’t win on Sunday.

His coach, however, has defended him and tried to deflect the criticism his 38-year-old keeper is receiving.

“Lehmann is on very good form right now,” he said. “If Germany do not end up champions it certainly won't be down to the keeper.”