Euro 2008 - Day 8

Sweden V Spain

The Euro’s have gone a bit arse ways for me in the last few games so hopefully il get back on track today. First game off is the Swedes against Spain and this should be interesting as we will find out a lot about both teams chances today. Both won their opening games but against poor opposition so it remains to be seen just how good either of these really are. Spain overcame a rather poor Russian side with Villa scoring a hat trick. Torres played very well also and was extremely unselfish in some of his passing when others would have gone on their own. Spain played some typically attractive football and passed it about well and got into great scoring positions time after time, but their defence is still rather suspect and im not convinced. Ramos had an absolute howler and will need to improve considerably or Spain could be in trouble.
Sweden came through the opening game against Greece courtesy of some great play by Ibrahimovic. Interestingly he had not scored in a Swedish jersey since 2005 so hopefully he is back on track. Henrik Larsson will also be vital today. He will be up against Puyol and he will know the best way to get by him from his days at Barca. Overall the Swede’s are a very decent organised side who are well able to score. Christian Wilhelmsson is out injured though and this is cause for concern as he played well on day 1.


Verdict
As it stands I fancy both sides to go through but whoever finishes in second will have to face Portugal in the next round so a draw is not so good for either. Id like to see an open attacking game and that’s what im expecting. Goals then is the obvious choice

PICK
Over 2 goals (2.25 @ boylesports) 4 points


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Greece V Russia

Two teams without a point and defeat for either means an early exit for the loser so both will be keen to take the three points.
Neither side impressed too much in the opener but at least Greece looked like getting a result. The Russians caved in far too early and never really looked like getting anything from the game. Even when they were behind they never attacked the game as if they were desperate for a result, inatead they passed it about and didnt seem too worried.
Greece don’t play the most attractive football but it is usually effective. For large parts of the Sweden game they looked comfortable but my only concern was the lack of a threat up front. The defence is the first priority but Otto Rehhagel is likely to be a little more adventurous tonight.
Russia are a well drilled team and have a great leader in Hiddink. However they are sorely missing their top scorer Pogrebnyak and look very tame up front.


Verdict
Il keep it short and sweet, why the Russians have been installed as favourites im not sure but one thing is for certain and that is that Greece wont go out as defending champions without a fight. I would give the Greeks the slight edge but am very weary of a draw so Greece +0.5 is my choice in a low scoring encounter

PICK
Greece +0.5 (1.69 @ pinnacle) 5 points