Euro 2012 - Greece v Russia

Russia can seal their place in the quarter finals of Euro 2012 by beating Greece in their final Group A game on Saturday, and sending Franco Santo’s men out of the tournament at the same time. Seen as the dark horses for some beforehand, the 2008 semi-finalists were sensational in the opening game against the Czech Republic and were cut into 14-1 to win the tournament from 20-1 beforehand after running out comfortable 4-1 winners against a side that themselves went onto beat Greece in their next game, a game which they could well have won by more if not for the wasteful finishing of Alkesander Kerzakhov, who missed a European championship record seven shots off target, with three of them being strong chances which one would have assumed at the time he’d score. They probably weren't as good against Poland, but had looked good before taking the lead and always had a dangerous edge going forward with Arshavin and Aleksandr Kerzhakov linking up dangerously, while Dazagoev and Zhirkov looked to be even more dangerous going forward down their flank.

Against a Greece side that has been horribly exposed down the flanks in both games so far – Luckas Biscesk got multiple crossing opportunities in the opener, most notably for the Lewandowski goal, while the Cezch Republic’s second goal was a travesty in not only defending against the ball in, while both Manitats and Papadopoulos were also sloppy for the goal – one would have to think they pose a massive threat down whichever side they choose with the axis of Anykov, Shirokov and Dzagoev or Zhirkov, Zyrnavov and Arshavin all capable of getting inbehind and offering quality service.

Greece were good when going a goals and a man down against Poland, fighting their way back into a game which they well could have been at least three down in before half time and turning an abject performance into one which would have seen them win the game had they not missed a second half penalty, but once again a slow start cost them badly against the Cezch Republic with Kadlec and Pilar wreaking early havoc and a similarly loose start against a side with the quality that Russia possess could well end their game. It was interesting to note that the Greeks weren’t allowed into the game after the poor early start against the Czechs (barring the unlucky given offside goal and Cech’s horrendous blunder), and it’s very hard to imagine Russia being anyhwwere near as generous, or even lenient with the attacking power that they possess. Any amount of bets appeal, but the 5/6 on Dick Advoccat’s side proving too good for Greece looks to be very fair based on current evidence and should be eagerly snapped up.  Those who want a bit of stats based interest should also consider the time of the first goal being before 31 minuites. In Greece’s last eight games they’ve let in a goal before that time, including a 1-1 draw against Russia in a friendly.

Advice

3 pts Russia (5/6 Coral)