UEFA Under-21 Championship Group A: Favourites Germany start with Serbs
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The 2015 European Under-21 Championship is finally upon us, where eight nations battle it out for the prestigious junior tournament.
To kick off the competition, hosts Czech Republic (14/1 with Coral to lift the title) battle it out with Denmark (9/1), while tournament favourites Germany (2/1) face Serbia (8/1) in Group B.
Czech Republic v Denmark
Eastern Europe nation Czech Republic go into this tournament hoping to emulate their compatriots that won back in 2002, where their squad consisted of the likes of Petr Cech and Milan Baros.
This year, though, while they are one of the outsiders, they still still boast a talented team, with full internationals such as Pavel Kaderabek, Vaclav Kadlec, Ladislav Krejcí and Chelsea-owned Tomas Kalas amongst their ranks.
The Czechs (9/5 for victory) are unfancied in their opener against Denmark (13/10), however, with the latter having no less than 10 players that have earned senior caps.
Among those names, Ajax’s Viktor Fischer will be one to watch for Jess Thorup’s side, and will be raring to go following a long-term injury. The attacker is 7/4 to net anytime.
English-based Christensen duo Andreas (Chelsea) and Lasse Vigen (Fulham), who are not related, will be ones to watch, as will Juventus’ Frederik Sorensen, who spent last season on loan at Hellas Verona alongside the legendary Rafael Marquez at the back.
For Czech Republic, Vaclav Kadlec will be their main threat up front, having had a prolific season at Sparta Prague last term. He is also 7/4 in the anytime market.
Germany v Serbia
Champions in 2009 Germany (4/9 to triumph in their opening Group A game) look set to win their second title, after being named stand-out favourites, and face Serbia (9/2) up first.
Long term Germany youth coach Horst Hrubesch has called up a strong-looking squad, that includes recent Champions League-winning keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. With the Barcelona star in goal, back them at 27/20 to keep a clean sheet.
Liverpool’s Emre Can and Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry could also feature, and are respective 11/2 and 7/2 shouts to net anytime.
Germany’s attack of Kevin Volland (evens), Max Meyer (7/4) and Moritz Leitner (10/3) should certainly be enough to penetrate the Serbian defence.
Serbia, who knocked out title holders Spain in the play-offs to qualify for this tournament, have gone for a more foreign-based side, with 11 of their 23 members being on the book of clubs outside of their country last term.
Attacker Filip Duricic, who was on loan at Southampton from Benfica last season, will certainly be Serbia’s main man. The 22-senior capped 23-year-old is 5/1 to net anytime. Borussia Dortmund’s Milos Jojic tops Serbia’s scorer market at 2/1, though.
Betting tip – Germany win 2015 Under-21 European Championship @ 2/1
