Thursday 23 June 2016 21:19, UK
With the Euro 2016 groups stages completed and the complex matter of who will face who in the final 16 settled, we analyse the credentials of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Sky Bet's outright market is now even more wide open than before a ball was kicked, with Spain's failure to win Group D seeing six of the seven pre-tournament favourites placed in the same half of the draw.
Croatia's victory over the reigning champions has also seen their odds slashed, while Belgium, Portugal, Poland and even Wales might start to believe it is their year.
Here's a look at who Sky Bet now rate as the main contenders to lift the trophy...
France (4/1 with Sky Bet)
If unconvincing favourites has been the theme of the tournament then it has been epitomised by the hosts. Two late wins and a goalless draw in arguably the easiest group has hardly inspired faith, but a lack of conviction from the other pre-tournament favourites has seen them hang on to their place at the head of the betting.
Dimitri Payet's form has been the one main sign of promise, but Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann are yet to live up to their star billing, while a suspect backline is still to be tested.
Germany (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Germany's progression from Group C looked typically efficient for a team who have yet to really leave first gear. An opening 2-0 win over Ukraine allowed them to slip into cruise control in playing out a stalemate with Poland and then recording a remarkably one-sided 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland.
Their topping of the table would, however, have been a good deal more comfortable had they possessed a prolific marksman, with Joachim Low opting to recall Mario Gomez for the final round after Mario Gotze proved inefficient in leading the line.
Spain (11/2 with Sky Bet)
Vicente del Bosque's men looked to be building some ominous momentum in their pursuit of a third successive title, prizing Czech Republic open before bulldozing Turkey. However, their shock loss to Croatia and England's failure to top Group B has resulted in a lop-sided draw, with Spain's path to win the competition potentially being Italy, Germany, France and then, if the odds are correct, a rematch with Croatia.
Alvaro Morata has delivered the goals many questioned he was capable of but their odds of securing an unprecedented third successive title have never been longer.
Belgium (11/2 with Sky Bet)
The talented Belgian crop have also benefited from Spain's failure, with their odds being cut from 12/1 to 8/1 before kicking a ball, and finally to 11/2 after their 1-0 win over Sweden on Wednesday. They had looked anything but contenders as Italy disarmed their attack in an opening 2-0 defeat, but their response was impressive, thumping Republic of Ireland 3-0 and then seeing off Sweden.
Importantly, Romelu Lukaku has turned up to the tournament after a frustrating start, and if Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne can hit top form then they will look to reach the semis at the very least.
Croatia (8/1 with Sky Bet)
Ante Cacic's men are now the 5/2 favourites from the top half of the draw to reach the final and 8/1 to lift the trophy, having been 25/1 pre-tournament. Bursting with technical finesse, questions had surrounded their defensive qualities, which were raised again with a two-goal capitulation against the Czech Republic.
However, they responded impressively, beating reigning champions Spain without Luka Modric or Mario Mandzukic to secure top spot and, more importantly, a favourable route to the final.
England (10/1 with Sky Bet)
The dissection of England's performances in France has been typically thorough, but their chances have not changed one bit according to the bookies.
A very winnable final-16 clash with Iceland is countered by a likely quarter-final clash with favourites France, while the semis will involve facing the prevailing side from Germany, Slovakia, Italy and Spain. Plenty are suggesting this exciting young team will be far more impressive once they get the chance to face more adventurous opposition and they will certainly need to be in the latter stages.
Best of the rest (4/1 with Sky Bet)
Italy (16/1) would have been among the favourites had they not been handed the toughest of routes to the finals. Antonio Conte's men were arguably the most impressive starters in the tournament but could now have to beat Spain, Germany and France just to reach the final.
Portugal (12/1) eventually came third in Group F on a dramatic Wednesday evening of football, meaning they'll face Croatia in the last 16 and will need Cristiano Ronaldo to pick up from where he left off.
Poland (28/1) remain interesting dark horses, having only missed out on top spot in their group on goal difference, which could be a blessing in disguise as they now face Switzerland and are also in the top half of the draw. Then there's Wales, now 28/1 to go on and win the competition in their first attempt. In the year of Leicester winning the Premier League it is impossible to dismiss it, but then again the other nations at 50/1 or longer are subject to the same dismissal of logic.
Odd correct as of 1700 BST on June 23.
