Euro 2012
2012-06-16 - Greece vs Russia
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : Euro 2012 : Group A
Saturday 15th June - Kickoff 7:45pm
Greece
Santos's side seem to be going backwards rather than forwards in their quest for a spot in the last 8 of these Championships. Many including myself were really impressed with how Greece battled back against Poland in game 1 but the performance v the Czechs was appalling. If they replicate that against Russia then the Greeks are out of this competition.
In that first game, Greece had to overcome a 1-0 deficit with 10 men in Poland's back yard. They made an attacking move and within minutes of the restart got a goal but then missed a penalty to win the game.
Based on that very good result, I expected them to beat the Czech's but they crumbled. Two down inside the first 10 minutes was not Santos's plan and as a result they couldn't recover and lost the game. To have any chance of qualification Greece must win this game but it looks a tall ask.
Despite scoring in both group games I fear for them in this one. Both goals were keeper errors and as a result two tap ins were at the mercy of the Greek attackers. One of the goal scores Gekas I rate highly but he doesn't seem to be the managers favourite and is used from the bench. We will know if the manager is going to go for it if he plays the Frankfurt man with Samaras rather than going for just one up top alone.
Russia
Dick Advocaat's Russia were 30 minutes away from making the last 8 only to be undone by a wonder goal that means the side has to get a result against Greece in the final group game.
Russia were irresistible against the Czechs, winning 4-1 playing some breath taking counter attack football at speed. In their second game, Poland were the better side but as good sides do, Russia went in front and looked to be in control. However, the equiliser came and but both sides had chances to win it. Poland often shot from distance whilst Arshavin wasted several good breaks for Russia in the final third.
The side is looking good with an outstanding 6 in front of the back four. The midfield three of Shirokov, Zyryanov and Denisov work tremendously hard for the side defensively whilst getting up and supporting the attackers when with the ball. As a result it gives Arshavin and 3 goal man Dzagoev lots of room to play in and the former up until his final ball has looked very good this tournament. The one slight let down is Kerzhakov who has missed many chances but so long as the service continues he will be a threat and against this Greek defence his time may finally come.
Betting Verdict
Russia are no surprise favourites here, the best price of 1.75 will surely come in as we get closer to kick off. The Russians have only lost once in 10 to Greece and it would be a big shock in my eyes if they lose on Saturday.
Russia need to win to ensure they win the group and avoid the winners of Group B and I think they win this by a couple. Greece look poor going forward with their goals coming from keeper errors, yet the Russia keeper has been sensational so far. As a result I expect no charity from Advocaat's side which should kill off the Greeks.
The Greek defence has injuries all over the place including the keeper. We saw how the Czech's easily opened them up and they have half the weapons that Russia do. I expect an early Russia goal here given Greece has conceded in the first half twice now and then this should open them up for a comfortable Russia victory.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Greece 0-3 Russia
