Russia v Poland betting could see the powerful Russians book themselves a place in the quarter finals, and leave the joint host nations facing an uphill battle to qualify. Russia were one of the most impressive looking sides of the opening round of matches, as they tore the Czech Republic apart 4-1. The scoreline was a true reflection of the difference in quality between the two sides, and no-one is really going to argue that. Coach Dick Advocaat was happy enough with the result, but wants more from his men, wants them to be sharper. One of the great aspects of the Russia game was their positive approach. They really weren’t afraid to attack, looking confident in their own abilities to damage the Czech’s and not get hurt at the back. Granted, at 2-1 ahead in the game, better opposition may have pressed Russia harder, but the Russian controlled the game very well, and all of the attacking threat was from them. So they have earned themselves a very solid start to Group A, and have really made people sit up and take notice of them. From working hard through the middle of the park, to some great, direct attacking play, Russia will now be many people’s tip as dark horses.
Russia v Poland Betting Odds at Bet365
Russia 13/10, Draw 9/4, Poland 9/4
Former Arsenal man Andrey Arshavin looked great and put in a tremendous amount of work for the side. The Russians have been quite smart, as they have limited the training sessions, not wanting to over-work their squad after long domestic seasons. Midfielder Alan Dzagoev, the young Russian who was tipped at the start of the tournament as being one of the possible young stars of the tournament, netted himself a brace, living up to his potential. With striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov a constant threat, and the quality touch of Roman Pavlyuchenko, there is a lot to like about Russia going forward. A win against Poland would put them through to the quarter finals. But will Poland have any response in their bag after a disappointing first game? Poland started well enough in their opening match against Greece, with Robert Lewandowski opening the scoring, but then they lost their way. It looked as if the Poles became a bit overwhelmed, lost their shape and composure, and once Greece had equalised, Poland were second best.
It could have been worse for Poland, if back up keeper Przemyslaw Tyton had not saved a Greece penalty in the second half. Poland did have the better of things in the first half, they were enthusiastic and overran the Greeks. One visible thing about Poland was that they couldn’t deal very well with long balls forward from Greece. They are unlikely to face that trouble from Russia though, who will come at them through all manners of creative avenues. There haven’t been too many recent meetings between the two sides, the last time they met being back in 2007 when Poland fought back from 2-0 down at half time to gab a 2-2 draw. This will be the first time they have met a the continental finals, but of course, Russia are the favoured option. Poland trail 3-7 in the overall head to head against Russia, but they will look to Lewandowski for inspiration up front. The chances will probably be limited for Poland, so any that may come their way, they really will have to grab with both hands. This is going to be a massive test at the back for Russia, and Poland are likely to be heavily second best in possession and a draw is looking like a good result for the Poles at the moment. It could just keep their qualification hopes alive.
Prediction: We should see another Russian win here. They look overwhelming powerful, it will be difficult to follow up on that great opening encounter, but a Russia -1 Asian Handicap for 5/2 at Bet365 looks good value.
