Holders and Germany made joint favourites
SPAIN backers faced an anxious night on Monday after Vicente del Bosque's men reached the knockout stages following a patient 1-0 victory over Croatia and the betting on who will win Euro 2012 is tighter than ever.
Spain and Germany both topped their groups and are joint favourites with most firms. Both sides are best at 23-10 with Paddy Power and the firm seem keen to take on the market leaders having also gone top price Portugal, who are next in the betting at 15-2.
Punters who had ignored conspiracy theories about Spain and Croatia playing for a mutally beneficial 2-2 draw had smashed into the Spanish during the build-up but they had to wait until Jesus Navas scored in the 88th minute before they could breathe a sigh of relief.
Bookmakers reported big losses on the night with favourites Italy also progressing from Group C after a routine 2-0 victory over Ireland, who finished the tournament without a point.
Italy were cut to 10-1 for glory while Mario Balotelli was chopped to 50-1 by bet365 and Betfred for the Golden Boot after getting on the scoresheet.
Giovanni Trapattoni has been hugely popular during his time as Ireland manager but his side failed to leave their mark and even though his future looks secure, Hills are betting on who the next Ireland boss will be. They make Mick McCarthy their 5-1 favourite.
