Nations League Betting: Spain still favourites after huge win over Croatia
The opening round of UEFA's new international tournament is in the books, with La Roja the shortest price to claim the crown in the maiden edition
Spain firmly put a disappointing World Cup behind them to record back-to-back Nations League victories and retain their place as tournament favourites.
Luis Enrique’s outfit were initially 10/3 (4.33) market leaders and claimed a 2-1 win over England at Wembley before thrashing Croatia 6-0 on Tuesday night to go a long way in sealing their place in the finals after just two games.
It is little surprise, then, that Marathonbet make the Euro 2012 champions just 11/4 (3.75) to win the competition next June when each group winner in League A takes part in a knockout tournament to determine the overall champions.
World Champions France will surely be pleased with their start to the Nations League, too, and are 7/2 (4.50) to add to their trophy collection after claiming the Jules Rimet for the second time this summer.
Indeed, Les Bleus drew 0-0 in Germany before recording a 2-1 victory over Netherlands in what is arguably the ‘Group of Death’ to give themselves an excellent chance of at least reaching the finals.
Belgium’s 3-0 win in Iceland on Tuesday night gave them a solid foundation for more difficult matches against Switzerland and the Red Devils are 4/1 (5.0) to win a first major trophy.
Germany will be hoping to bounce back from a dreadful World Cup and are 13/2 (7.50) in the outright market, but difficult trips to Amsterdam and Paris await them in October and they are perhaps a little short.
European champions Portugal opened their Nations League account with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Italy but are still out at 12/1 (13.0) to assert themselves as continental specialists, which could represent a solid value bet.
Fernando Santos' men do face a trip to Poland, as well as an away fixture against the Azzurri, but should still be able to top the group after those sides drew 1-1 in Bologna in the opening match.
England have lots of work to do if they are to win the tournament so it is no surprise they are 16/1 (17.0) with Marathonbet, whilst their World Cup conquerors Croatia are out at 28/1 (29.0) after that humbling by the favourites.