Vancouver Whitecaps FC fans will be checking out their team’s fortunes for the upcoming season, but they should also start thinking about the beginning of Euro 2012, where the best national soccer teams in Europe will clash in Poland and the Ukraine to decide the champion of the continent. Here are five teams to consider, although watch the odds because the tournament is still a few months away and anything can happen between now and then (for example, injuries).

Spain (+250): The defending champions are going for their third major national win in a row after winning the World Cup last summer, and a Wagerweb review of this team would show that they may not even need David Villa, who suffered a broken leg with Barcelona. There may not be a better midfield in the world, led by Xavi, and the fact that many in the national team play for Barca helps in terms of familiarity. If Fernando Torres starts scoring goals, watch out.

Germany (+300): The Germans earned some credit among those that buy pay per head services due to their outstanding third-place result at the World Cup, and they also finished second to Spain at Euro 2008. The problem for the rest of the world is that Germany is a young team that still has a way to go in terms of improvement, but they’re in good hands with a nucleus of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil and others. Also, most of the team plays in Germany, so they’re familiar with each other.

The Netherlands (+700): Holland will be out to get back in the good graces of bookies that use a price per head service after a disgraceful performance against Spain in the World Cup final, in which they decided to use their strength instead of their skill. Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben are strong in midfield, but don’t forget about Rafael van der Vaart and Robin van Persie.

France (+1300): The French underwent a massive transformation after the debacle in South Africa in which players boycotted training. Now they have a new manager in Laurent Blanc and a new regime of players looking to impress the manager, the fans and the country as a whole. There is a lot of talk surrounding Bafetimbi Gomis, who has been scoring goals for Lyon.

Poland (+4000)/Ukraine (+5000): This is simply a nod to the host countries as you never know how a team is going to perform on their home soil and with the crowd behind them. Only three teams have won this tournament as a host (Spain 1964; Italy 1968; France 1984), but taking the home sides could be a profitable selection for online wagering players.