Germany the New Odds Favorite in Euro 2008

With just four teams - Germany, Turkey, Spain and Russia - left in Euro 2008, Germany is the new favorite to take out the tournament.

The Germans, 7/5 favorite to become champions at UK-based Sportingbet, earn the mantle thanks to a combination of reputation and their thrilling 3-2 quarter-final victory over the highly-regarded Portugal.  Germany had a relatively easy path through the group stages, yet barely made it out alive.  After winning 2-0 against Poland, the three-time World Cup champions slipped up against Croatia 2-1 before scraping together an unconvincing 1-0 win against neighbors and co-linguists Austria.  But the win over Portugal means they're playing into form at the right time.

Semi-final opponents Turkey are the rank outsiders to win the tournament at a tempting 10/1.  The Turks are no strangers to the late stages of major tournaments, having made the 2002 World Cup semi-finals, where they bowed out to eventual champions Brazil.  The underdogs have gone from strength-to-strength in this tournament. After losing 2-0 to Portugal in the opener, they defeated tournament co-hosts Switzerland 2-1, the highly-fancied Czechs 3-2, and then edged out Croatia on penalties after scoring a last-gasp equalizer in extra-time.

Spain plays Russia in the other semi.  Spain is the only unbeaten team at Euro 2008, and already have a win over the Russians to their name. They are almost level-pegging with Germany at 8/5 to win the final.  Spain knocked World Cup holders Italy out of the tournament last night on penalties after both teams failed to score during 120 minutes of regular and extra time.  In the group stage Spain defeated Sweden and Greece. But most importantly they thrashed next-up opponents Russia 4-1 in their opening fixture.

Despite the loss, Russia's form has risen quickly since that opening match.  They carry 7/2 odds to win the tournament after three straight wins over Greece, Sweden and then red-hot Holland in the quarter-finals.  Russian coach Guus Hiddink has success wherever he coaches.  But with World Cup semi-final appearances with Holland (1998) and South Korea (2002), and then a last-16 achievement with Australia (2006), Hiddink will be hoping to take Russia even further at Euro 2008 and achieve a personal best.

Germany vs Turkey begins 2045 local time in Basel, Switzerland.  Spain faces off with Russia 24 hours later in the Austrian capital Vienna.