Greece v Russia betting

Greece

Greece must hope to have qualification in their own hands at this stage. For a team that is about being built from the back, and sometimes not a lot more, it would not be at all ideal for them to be chasing a victory against a side of Russia’s ability. Not only are they a team devoid of pace, but goal getting is not really their talent.

Arguably, they are not good enough to beat Russia. They struggled for goals so much in qualification that they called back veteran striker Angelos Charisteas after 16 months in international wilderness. The international careers of veterans Katsouranis and Karagounis were meant to be coming to an end at the last Euros, but four years later they are still at the heart of Greece’s midfield. Nearly eight years after their surprise triumph at the 2004 tournament they are still calling on the players of that day, and they were still considered a poor team in glory.

Russia

Russia should have qualification sewn up by this game. They are the only team of note in this group, the only team that any of the other teams likely to qualify from their groups would be even slightly worried about facing.

Considering they will be unlikely to be desperate for victory, they could rest players in this one, although making sure they finish top and face a second place team from the others is much more desirable.

Arshavin, Zhirkov, Dzagoev, Pavlyuchenko and their teammates, but especially those four, will have too much quality for a team who will be happy to entrench themselves in their own half if they need to, and will need to be stretched into attack if a win is required.

Match Prediction: Russia Win

Russia are too good for Greece. Coming into this game in whatever position Russia should have the attacking talent to unlock a slow and defensive Greek side. If results go as expected they should both be in contention, and in Russia’s case almost certain, for qualification coming into this game. Even with a negative result they could both go through.

With this in mind it’s hard to anticipate an exciting game. Surprise, surprise Greece could well be involved in a low scoring and boring game. If they have picked up a win before this then they will be content with a defensive display. Of course, this could all change with the other match being played at the same time.

But to look at Russia’s quality throughout the team, they kind of names they have and their strong qualifying campaign, you would expect them to win this.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals First Goalscorer: Alan Dzagoev Correct Score: 1-0 Win

Match Odds:-

Greece – Draw - Russia –