Czech Republic appear overpriced for group success at Euro 2012

There appears to be little to choose between the four sides that make up Group A at Euro 2012, but Czech Republic look big at 5/4 to progress to the knockout stage.

In four appearances at European championships of the past, the Czechs have advanced past the group stages on two occasions, and went on to finish in second and third place respectively in these tournaments.

They will enter Poland and Ukraine in good form, winning three of their last four, and suffering defeat just once in their past ten games.

The fact that one of these losses came to reigning European and World champions Spain also indicates the impressive nature of the Czechs’ recent outings.

Also, it could be worth noting that Czech Republic qualified from the group stage in Euro 2004 with a perfect record, and they could top the group again here at a big 4/1.

Tomas Rosicky’s seasonal form at Arsenal will encourage some punters to get behind a Czech progression, as the midfield schemer has rediscovered the sort of form that made him one of the tournament’s standout performers back in 2004.

Whilst their showing was less impressive at Euro 2008, the difficulty of their group should not be underestimated, as Portugal and Turkey advanced at their expense.

This year’s group would seem to present challenges of less magnitude, as 4/9 Russia lead the betting to reach the knockout stage.

They propped up the group on one of the occasions Czech Republic advanced in the European championships, and could fall short again here.

The sides meet each other on the opening day of the tournament, with the Czechs attributed a generous 12/5 price for victory.

One of the host nations Poland also take up a place in Group A, as 5/6 shots for advancement, whilst 2004 champions Greece are 5/4 to go through.