Euro 2012
2012-06-12 - Greece vs Czech Republic
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : Euro 2012 : Group A
Tuesday 12th June - Kickoff 5:00pm
Greece
The Greeks produced a remarkable display to come back from a goal and a man down against co-hosts Poland in game 1. The side was outclassed in the opening 45 and once Sokratis Papastathopoulos was red carded just before half time I expected the Poles to go on and win comfortably. However, substitute Dimitris Salpingidis got the equaliser just after half time and then Poland saw red too. The Greeks missed a penalty at 1-1 but looked the most likely to go on and win in a game that eventually ended 1-1.
The long analysis of that game is to highlight just what is so underrated at this level and that's the ability to fight and get back into games when all seems against you. This sums the Greeks up, they work hard and don't make it easy for anyone. With Russia playing the Poles later in the day this is the perfect chance to get right back into the mix with a win over a poor Czech side.
As ever the problem with Santos's side is that they lack goals and whilst the equiliser with 10 men is encouraging it was due to a goalkeeping mixup with a centre back. This was expected given Greece qualified with the lowest goals of all 16 teams but against a side who let in 4 on opening day, things may be a little easier.
Czech Republic
Bilek's side opened their campaign with a disappointing 4-1 loss to Russia having come back from 2-0 down only to re-crumble again. Up next is a tough looking game against Greece who must be on a high following their comeback draw with Poland.
The biggest shock from the first game is how open this side were. They went for it from the off and actually started the better side only for their naivety to catch them out as Russia countered on them several times.
If Bilek's side go about Greece as they did Russia then maybe we will see a replica of the first half between Poland and Greece. In that game Poland really gave Greece problems and were a constant threat, the only difference is in this game they must improve defensively to stand a chance.
Betting Verdict
Czech Republic favourites? This must be a wind up? After those two games how can this be? Either way, I favour the Greeks on the handicap here meaning so long as they don't lose then we get a payout.
Whether they can win the game is a tough one, the goal line is at 2 goals so the bookies expect a close game and I do too. The Greeks don't blow sides off the park and if they do win it screams by just the 1 goal.
I didn't expect the Czech's to score v Russia but they did, so a goal here is within their grasps. As a result, I think we may see a 1-1 draw but with the handicap on side I'm with the Greeks in hope this is a 1-0 win for Santos's men.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Greece 1-0 Czech Republic
