Germany is the bookmakers" favorite to take...

British bookmakers William Hill give odds of 8/5 on Germany to top the overall medal standings, while Canada is at 5/2, the United States 4/1, and Norway 6/1, with Russia at 10/1.

Paddypower.com have Germany at 2/1, Canada at 9/4, Norway at 4/1, and the United States at 6/1, while Russia and Austria are both at 12/1.

Four years ago Germany headed the medals tables at the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, taking a total of 29 medals, including 11 golds. Germany was followed by the United States, Austria and Russia.

MOSCOW, February 12 (RIA Novosti)