Russia can seal their place in the quarter finals of Euro
2012 by beating Greece in their final Group A game on Saturday, and sending
Franco Santo’s men out of the tournament at the same time. Seen as the dark
horses for some beforehand, the 2008 semi-finalists were sensational in the
opening game against the Czech Republic and were cut into 14-1 to win the
tournament from 20-1 beforehand after running out comfortable 4-1 winners
against a side that themselves went onto beat Greece in their next game, a game
which they could well have won by more if not for the wasteful finishing of
Alkesander Kerzakhov, who missed a European championship record seven shots off
target, with three of them being strong chances which one would have assumed at
the time he’d score. They probably weren't as good against Poland, but had
looked good before taking the lead and always had a dangerous edge going
forward with Arshavin and Aleksandr Kerzhakov linking up dangerously, while
Dazagoev and Zhirkov looked to be even more dangerous going forward down their
flank.
Against a Greece side that has been horribly exposed down
the flanks in both games so far – Luckas Biscesk got multiple crossing
opportunities in the opener, most notably for the Lewandowski goal, while the
Cezch Republic’s second goal was a travesty in not only defending against the
ball in, while both Manitats and Papadopoulos were also sloppy for the goal – one
would have to think they pose a massive threat down whichever side they choose
with the axis of Anykov, Shirokov and Dzagoev or Zhirkov, Zyrnavov and Arshavin
all capable of getting inbehind and offering quality service.
Greece were good when going a goals and a man down against Poland,
fighting their way back into a game which they well could have been at least
three down in before half time and turning an abject performance into one which
would have seen them win the game had they not missed a second half penalty,
but once again a slow start cost them badly against the Cezch Republic with
Kadlec and Pilar wreaking early havoc and a similarly loose start against a
side with the quality that Russia possess could well end their game. It was
interesting to note that the Greeks weren’t allowed into the game after the
poor early start against the Czechs (barring the unlucky given offside goal and
Cech’s horrendous blunder), and it’s very hard to imagine Russia being anyhwwere
near as generous, or even lenient with the attacking power that they possess.
Any amount of bets appeal, but the 5/6 on Dick Advoccat’s side proving too
good for Greece looks to be very fair based on current evidence and should be
eagerly snapped up. Those who want a bit
of stats based interest should also consider the time of the first goal being
before 31 minuites. In Greece’s last eight games they’ve let in a goal before
that time, including a 1-1 draw against Russia in a friendly.
Advice
3 pts Russia (5/6 Coral)
No comments:
Post a Comment