EURO 2008

Greece – The reigning Champion once again looked vulnerable and disunited in the previous outing. Already eliminated from the group stage, will be playing their last game with only pride to salvage.

Spain – Spain’s play was mostly subdued by the Swedes in the last outing. They were unlucky to have a clear-cut penalty denied by the referee. Left it late to score a goal in stoppage time to put them on top of the table.

The two goal scorers for Spain Fernando Torres and David Villa.

Verdict - Spain needs a point to top the group if they were to avoid Netherlands in the quarter finals. If Spain lose, they will lose top spot only if Sweden beat Russia by at least 3 goals margin or Russia beat Sweden by at least 4 goals. So Spain looks like they will rest players and give the reserves a run-out here. It goes to show if Spain has quality and depth in its reserves. Score: Greece 0-1 Spain.

Market odds: Greece (+0.95), Spain (-1/2, +0.95)

Greece – The Greeks were not able to display the cohesiveness of the team that made Champions in 2004. The Greeks were largely contented to sit back and soak up pressure and waiting for the counter attack opportunity which never came. After conceding a goal from Snerijda which came out of no where, they conceded another one 5 mins later. Will that give them some urgency in this game remains to be seen.

Georgios Karagounis (Greece)

Russia – Players don’t show much skill in the opener. Even the goal keeper, touted to be of the same vein as Peter Cech of Chelsea, disappoints. Players took too long to capitalise on a shot on goal until it was quickly clamped down by the oppostion. Roman Shirokov and Sergei Semak conceded that Spain had got the result they deserved as they reflected on an error-strewn 4-1 loss for Russia in Innsbruck.

Sergei Semak (Russia)

Verdict – Both teams played their 2nd game knowing that a victory is a must they were to have any chance of going through the group stage. Russia can win the if they are a little more street wise. They looked evenly matched. A draw would be a fair result. Score: Greece 1-1 Russia.

Market odds: Greece (-0.9), Russia (-1/4, +0.825)

Greece – Reigning Euro Champions, Greece team is all about teamwork. They work well and tirelessly with good passes and good pace, thriving on effective counter-attacks. Tops the group in the qualifiers which included Turkey and Norway. They have not lose much of their touch in winning games since winning Euro 2004.

Sweden – Qualified in a group behind Spain and ahead of N. Ireland and Denmark. Their qualification performance is very much on par with Spain in terms of points, goals scored and goals conceded. They had been a permanent feature in Euro and World Cup tournament. Can be very deadly with their speed.

Prediction – This is a very close match, Sweden is currently a slight favourite. If Greece can display the same brilliance as in 2004, they can win the game. There will be goals for both side. Score: Greece 2 -1 Sweden.

Market odds: Greece (+8), Sweden (-1/4, -875)