Spanish look solid punt for Euro title, but keep a close eye on live outsiders Croatia

Last week the Punters Guide Euro 2008 predictor got as far as the quarter-finals and that’s where we begin this week.
This was our quarter-final line-up from last week: Czech Republic v Germany, Croatia v Portugal, Holland v Russia, Spain v France.
After many hours of studying we have now come up with the semi-final line-up – remember folks, this is only if our group sections were 100% correct and this is the way we think it could pan out.
Germany look strong for this tournament and will be very difficult to beat and we are taking Michael Ballack and co to oust the Czech Republic and progress to the semi-finals in a tight game.
Croatia are probably the best footballing side at the competition but like Arsenal in the Premiership, the easiest team on the eye don’t always win trophies.
However, we can see Portugal struggling against the Croats and we are taking Slaven Bilic’s side to go through and face Germany in the first semi-final.
Holland, I have to say, looked good against Wales at the weekend and to be truthful I forgot about the likes of Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Snijder so I can now see them beating Russia in the quarter-finals.
The last quarter-final match could see Spain take on France in Vienna. The French are struggling for goals even though they have the likes of Thierry Henry and Lyon strike sensation Karim Benzema leading the line backed up by the talented Franck Ribery.
Spain will be a handful for any team with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Marcos Senna feeding strikers David Villa and Fernando Torres and they could well exploit a weak French rearguard – so it’s Spain for us to progress.
So the Punters’ Guide predictor has come up with this semi-final line up – Germany v Croatia and Holland v Spain.
On to semi-final one and expect a shock folks, Croatia to beat Germany and book their place in the final in what looks an entertaining semi if it happens.
What a pairing in the other semi-final with Holland and Spain locking horns. It looks a tight one to call but we just think Luis Aragones’ side will edge out Marco Van Basten’s Dutch side in a Titanic battle.
So that all leaves us with a Spain v Croatia final, priced as high as 25/1 in places.
So the big question now is, who wins Euro 2008?
We are going for the under achiever of international soccer, Spain, to finally get that monkey off their backs.
To me they have the strongest band of players and look strong in every position. The Croats will no pushovers but it’s Spain to lift the Euro 2008 trophy in Vienna on June 29 – the 6/1 on offer now could look a good price come that night.
If it all pans out as above I will be spending the summer in Florida, but I have to admit I took some stick for putting Italy out in the qualifying phase.
If the Italians do anything at Euro 2008 my house will be on the market.