Euro 2008
2008-06-21 - Holland vs Russia
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Guus Hiddink will be plotting the downfall of his old team Holland in today's quarter-final as the winners will get a semi-final spot. Hiddink did coached Holland back in 1994-1998 and reached the semi-finals of World Cup '98 but were then beaten by Brazil on penalties.
Since then Hiddink coached club sides such as Real Madrid before taking on the managerial role at South Korea and then Russia in 2006. Should Russia get the better of Holland then they will set up a clash with either Italy or Spain in the last four.
Holland starts this match as the favourites after managing three wins in a row beating the likes of France, Italy and Romania enroute to the semi-finals.
Marco van Batsen will be looking to the likes of Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie who played well in the group stages to inspire the team here. Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will lead the attack after being rested against Romania in the final group match. Marco van Basten also has the likes of Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and wing-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst to choose from in the attacking players they have.
For Russia the player to watch for them will be Andrei Arshavin. The Russians come into this match on the back of wins over Greece and Sweden, but then having a 4-1 beating at the hands of Spain.
With regards to the team news, Sergei Ignashevich should start at centre back in front of his CSKA Moscow club mate and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev with Sergei Semak captaining the side here today.
This game has special memories for Van Batsen as 20 years ago he scored with a spectacular volley to win the European title for Holland. But Hiddink will want to his side to pull off an upset here and get to the semi-finals no doubt.
Should Russia get the win here that this will be the last match for Edwin Van der Sar who has said he will reture from International football after the Euro 2008.
Take Russia not to lose this match in the full 90 minutes here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Draw Match 1-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for this match to end in a draw.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Russia and accept the 3/4 ball here.
