Euro 2012
2012-06-08 - Russia vs Czech Republic
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : Euro 2012 : Group A
Friday 8th June - Kickoff 7:45pm
Russia
Dick Advocaat's Russian side are my favourites to qualify from this group and the bookies agree with me. At a best price of 1.50 the Russian's looks a very sound investment for the heavy hitters out there. Still nothing is guaranteed and they must go out there and get the job done. Czech Republic, Greece and Poland is a soft group and with the Czech's being the worst side here, this for me is must win for the Russians.
Russia kick off after the first group game which could have an impact on their game but the reality is they must go and win regardless. Teams who win their first group game virtually have 1 foot in the door for qualification and I'm surprised to see the odds on offer.
The Russian's topped their qualifying group with 7 wins from 10 games and just a sole defeat at home to Slovakia. The group was competitive with fellow qualifiers Ireland and World Cup entrants Slovakia participating. In qualifying the side conceded just 4 goals and has kept 6 clean sheets in their last 7 competitive matches.
Up top the side has goals with Arshavin, Kerzakov and Dzagoev all very good whilst the midfield trio of Shirokov, Zryanov and Denisov are highly underrated. The high work rate ethic in the side will probably be too much for their Group A rivals and they could even shock a few later on in the tournament.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic arrive in Poland/Ukraine following their playoff win over Montenegro without conceding a goal. Bilek's side had to qualify in a group along side Spain and Scotland with the former easily winning the group and the latter just not good enough. On Friday they face the strongest side in the group and a draw would be a good result work for this team.
Despite me not being their biggest fans they do have a some big named players, Cech in goal just won the Champions League with Chelsea whilst Baros, Rosicky and Plasil have been around for years now.
The problem with this side is that they lack goals, just 12 in 10 qualifying games whilst their left back was the top scorer in the campaign with 4 goals. Baros is not the force he once was and just 1 qualifying goal backs that up, he also only got 8 in 28 starts for Galatasary this season.
Cech is a very good keeper as already mentioned but I can't say I fancy the back 4 of Kadlec, Sivok, Hubnik and Selassie in front of him. Up against a very good Russian attack I just don't see them keeping a clean sheet and ultimately it will cost them. Still with 7 clean sheets in 10 games it does seem to work, yet they won't be up against Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Scotland this Summer!
Betting Verdict
I favour the Russians to win this game and get off to a flyer in Group A. My biggest concern is the price, they face easier opposition than Poland do yet they are the bigger price? Perhaps the home advantage is influencing the Poles price? Who knows?
As for this game it should be a tight affair and perhaps it will remain that way until the second half where eventually I expect the Russian's to make the break through.
Losing 2-1 to Hungary in a recent friendly plus defeats to Norway and Croatia in addition to goalless draws with Japan and Peru have hardly inspired me to back the Czechs. Russia recently saw off Italy 3-0 which not many can boast and I just feel at the odds on offer a Russian win is worth an investment. Home Win.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Russia 2-0 Czech Republic
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Take Russia to Win at 2.15 with BetVictor
