Russia v Czech Republic Odds & Betting Prediction Euro 2012

Russians look for strong start to Group A

Russia
Zyryanov-Arshavin-Kerzhakov-Dzagoev (Russia) © GEPA pictures

Russia v Czech Republic betting for Euro 2012 sees the two nations come together for the second time in the continental finals. They came together back in Euro 96 which produced a pretty thrilling 3-3 draw, which was enough to see the Czechs through to the knock-out stage. Russia are the favourites to win Group A, which also contains Greece and Poland, and that is because they are looking a very strong, together unit. The Russians have warmed up with a draw against strong South Americans Uruguay, a goalless effort against Lithuania and a 3-0 thumping of Italy. So they are strong and confident and have very good quality throughout their squad, such as Roman Pavlyuchenko, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Yuri Zhirkov and Andrey Arshavin. Russia topped their qualification group for Euro 2012, winning seven, drawing two and losing just one of their ten matches. The most notable stat for the Russians was the fact they only conceded four goals along the way, and with their high work rate and shape, they should be a strong dark horse bet.

Russia v Czech Republic Betting Odds at Bet365
Russia 11/10, Draw 9/4, Czech Republic 11/4

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They will be expected to kick off their campaign with a win over the Czech Republic. Russia also hold a strong head to head record over the Czech, winning six of the ten meetings between the two sides and losing just two. Russia won the European Championships back in 1960 and they are back for more and are being picked by a lot of punters to cause some surprises. They are able to get the ball down on the deck and play with pace and power that should trouble a lot of teams. They are the clear favourites to win the group, at a price of 6/4 with Bet365 and it is hard to see anything other than that outcome happening. Russia go into the match unbeaten in eight matches, and they netted eight times without conceding a goal in their last four qualification matches. After reaching the semi finals in 2008, they will be pretty confident of getting back there, and a strong start against the Czech’s will give them a great foothold in the group.

The Czech Republic finished second behind Spain in their qualification group, but have won their last three competitive matches. However, they have not been in top shape during their pre tournament warm up, drawing against the Republic of Ireland and then losing to Hungary. The Czech Republic suffered an injury worry to Milan Baros, who pulled up in training, and the former Liverpool man is needed, because the Czech’s don’t genuinely have a lot to offer going forward. Petr Cech in goal will do his best to keep them in games, but there is a general feel that there just is not enough quality through the side to really challenge for a place in the knock-out stages. Indeed, they may well be battling to avoid the wooden spoon. They do try and play football the right way, but there is just a lack of quality there to really execute and that was evident through qualification, in which they really struggled more than they should have. They are underdogs against Russia and a defeat could be the start of a very disappointing campaign for them.

Prediction. The Czech Republic look as if they really don’t have too much to offer, and the competent Russians should over power them. Would expect them to do it quite comfortably as well, even though group matches are usually cagey. Russia will want to show a strong arm here and would look at a -1 Russian Asian Handicap for 11/5 at Bet365.