The punters have done it again tonight, with bookies’ odds predicting nine out of ten favourites to qualify from the first semifinal.
In a repeat of 2016, all but one of the favourites – Finland – made it through to Saturday’s show. Last year, it was Iceland’s Greta who had to bear the same disappointment that befell Norma John this evening.
Before the final, we reported that Cyprus and Poland looked to be in battle for the tenth position, according to bookies. In the event, both countries made it through.
Movers and shakers
As always, betting prices have already started to shift on the qualifiers from tonight. Odds to win overall now jump for qualifier Portugal, as short as 3/1. Last envelope Belgium takes a leap back into the top ten favourites to win, pushing Romania down a spot in sixth place.
Betting on success
Once again, betting odds seem to be a good barometer of Eurovision success. Can punter predictions continue to hit the bullseye in Thursday’s semifinal? Currently, odds to qualify in that show are as follows:
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Estonia
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- Hungary
- Israel
- Austria
- Belarus
- Norway
- Serbia
- Croatia
- FYR Macedonia
- Switzerland
- Ireland
- Malta
- Lithuania
- San Marino
Do these match your predictions? And who might be the surprise qualifier(s) and non-qualifier(s) from this next batch?
