SPAIN-RUSSIA
Spain always have really big expectations on their shoulders and they seldom seem to ever deliver the goods when necessary. There's no doubt about the skill on display with this team and they have world-beaters all over the park. With Torres up front, Fabregas in midfield, Sergio Ramos at fullback, and Iker Casillas providing the safe hands between the sticks; you'd be tempted to call the world's fourth best team as an odds on favourite to win the tournament… But somehow, they're not.
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I am actually quite hesitant to predict this tournament going in favour of the Spaniards and I am also reluctant to place any big bets in their favour until I see them play a group stage match. I know that they have players who can perform, but whether the team can work well together is a bigger question. For me, the betting value is goals coming from Spain's midfield.
I am not positive enough in Russia to back them as tournament dark horses, but I am extremely confident that they can quite ably play the role of spoiler. If any team would be able to keep Spain confined to the group stages, it's the Russians. They play a puzzling system on the field and are extremely well managed.
In Akinfeev, I think they have one of Europe's most under-rated keepers. I think the result in this game will boil down to how well the Russians can contain Torres, Villa and control the long-range threat posed by the Spanish midfield. If the Russian keeper is on point for the full 90 minutes, they have a genuine shot at winning this one. Keep in mind that four years ago, Spain only beat Russia 1-0 and that was a dramatically different (for the worse) Russian side. This could very well be the Spaniards tournament, but I remain unconvinced.
Verdict: Back Roman Pavlyuchenko to score at 7/2 with Paddy Power.
Back Cesc Fabregas to score at 13/2
Back Iniesta to score at 13/2.
GREECE-SWEDEN
Greece surprised everybody at the last Euro championships and managed to grind out the victories (and eventually the trophy) by winning the ugliest matches you've ever seen 1-0. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective. Stifflingly, infuriatingly effective.
One of the reasons why the Greeks came up so big was because they were a surprise package, people didn't really know too much about Greece and they proved really organized and strong through the middle of the park.
The biggest hurdle I can foresee for the Greeks is the fact that they have no discernable goal-threat. Their midfield is experienced and well-bossed by captain Angelos Basinas and their defence is an effective unit. However, I am confident that the Greeks will be shut out in this match.
Sweden are a middling European side who usually put in a few solid performances and are always a threat up front. With Henrik Larsson coming out of International retirement for the 47th time, the Swedes will have experience up front coupled with the large presence and striking power of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He's a polarizing player, some people think Zlatan is one of Europe's better strikers while some don't rate him at all. The Swedes will be depending on him to provide the bulk of the goals in order to progress to the next stage, which I think is a very realistic option for the Swedes, provided they play their best football.
There is a strong possibility that this game will finish 0-0, however, if there is to be a winner I can see the Swedes eeking out a slim victory thanks to a vintage Larsson header from a corner.
Verdict:
0-0 paying 4/1 at Canbet
1-0 to the Swedes also pays 4/1 at Canbet.
Henrik Larsson to score from a header at Ladbrokes paying 7/1
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