Euro 2016 is here. I'll say it again. Euro 2016 is here. Every day over the Euros we'll be making an official Bet of the Day with thanks to Ladbrokes. You can be certain* this bet will earn you money.
There is only one show in town tonight. France vs Romania. As we debated robustly on today's EUROS RACKET, this is a classic match between form and history.
Generally speaking, history is on the side of the non-host. We had to go back to 1984 for the last time that a host won a Euros curtain raiser (interestingly that country was France. They beat Denmark 1-0 in '84). When you throw in the obvious emotions involved in France playing in Stade de France, plus all of the heightened security, it doesn't seem like the ideal environment for high-octane football. Given the bad vibes around France's preparations for the tournament, history surely seems to favour Romania +1 (at odds of 21/10).
Romania though are possibly the worst team of the tournament. That fact could counteract history.
If you are seduced by history, but also aware of the general trends of football in 2016, perhaps France to match that scoreline of the 1984 curtain-raiser and win 1-0 (4/1 with Ladbrokes) is the bet for you.
After much debate though, we settled on a cagey France win. Specifically, we opted for a first half draw/second half France at 11/4. We envision a turgid start with France eventually doing the job in the second half.
It might not be pretty.
*which is to say, not very certain.
