It only took a few days for the top clubs at Euro 2008 to separate themselves from the pack. Spain blasted Russia 4-1, Germany crushed Poland 2-0, and Portugal put the cleats to the Czech Republic 3-1. Those victories only solidified their grip on the top three spots on the tournament odds list:

Germany 7-2
Spain 4-1
Portugal 9-2
Holland 5-1

Holland? If you missed it, the Netherlands swarmed Italy 3-0 to put the Azzurri in grave peril. They join France and Romania in Group C, the Group of Death. Italy (10-1) might have to beat France (12-1) on June 17 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Assuming the Dutch side makes it through, taking either France or Italy out of the picture makes life easier on the top favorites from Germany. No disrespect intended to the very talented Netherlands team - they just haven’t had much success internationally since winning Euro 1988. France and Italy have.