Euro 2008
2008-06-18 - Greece vs Spain
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Greece
Greece haven't come close to replicating their form of 4 years ago which carried them to this title and the current holders have already exited the competition with 2 defeats against Sweden and Russia and the failure to score any goals in those games has cost them.
Greece were very disappointing in both matches played, although they had some chances in both games. Their lack of quality up front meant they were never going to score enough goals as their ageing defence and midfield failed to protect their goalkeeper in the same manner as 4 years ago.
Otto Rehhagel has made it clear that he will make changes to his side as he attempts to finish their campaign with a smile. He is already looking to the World Cup Qualifying campaign beginning in August as he believes some of the reserves can fight for a first team place in future.
Defenders Giourkas Seitaridis and Vassilis Torossidis are ruled out and midfield maestro, Giorgos Karagounis, is also rated doubtful. Fanis Gekas is ruled out after breaking his cheekbone.
Spain
The Spanish have begun their campaign in the way their supporters, and backers on the outrights, will be proud of with 2 victories from their 2 games which has ensured progress to the Quarter Finals as group winners. They will keep a close eye on Group C as they could face France, Italy or Romania in the next round.
Spain showed some real class up front against Russia in their 4-1 win on match day 1, but struggled somewhat to break down a tough Swedish team in a late 2-1 victory. That result could have been easier had the referee seen a blatent foul by Johan Elmander on David Silva in the first half and awarded a penalty. I am not totally convinced with Spain at the moment and they seem to overplay passing, having a lot of possession but not always creating many chances.
Spain have made it clear that they will make changes to their line up with qualification assured and this game being a dead rubber.
Carles Puyol, Santi Cazorla and David Silva are all to be rested as are Torres, Villa and possibly Casillas. Spain will bring in Pepe Reina in goal, as well as Cesc Fabregas and David Guiza.
Head to Head
Spain and Greece have met 4 times in the last 8 years, 3 of those in competitive matches including at Euro 2004. Spain and Greece drew that game 1-1, while also splitting wins in the Qualifying for that tournament. The last meeting saw Spain beat Greece 2-3 in Greece last year.
Spain have won 6 of their 9 games with Greece overall, while Greece have only won 1 game.
Prediction
With both sides making changes to their normal starting teams, I will give the edge to Spain to win this game and put Greece out of their misery.
I find it hard to envision Greece scoring, especially without Karagounis in midfield while Spain still have the quality of Fabregas in their line up while Guizo is no slouch up front.
The Pick :
Greece 0-2 Spain
