Euro2012 – Russia vs Czech Republic – Slow start
By David, bettingexpert.com | Edited
Both these teams have travelled with better outfits in the past with neither seeming like a possible surprise this time round, as they could have once aspired of being. The advantage for both is that they are grouped with two easy teams on paper so they should still fancy their chances of at least going through.
Russia – Czech Republic Odds: Euro 2012
On the right are odds for the match between Russia and the Czech Republic, which will remain visible right until kick off.
Russia – Czech Republic Preview: Euro 2012
In their last participation Russia had put their belief in another Dutch manager, Hiddink, and they managed their best ever result since the dismantling of the USSR. They only got beaten in the semifinals against eventual winners Spain and had, amongst others, even beaten Holland in the quarter-finals.
Holland still seems to be in Russia’s destiny with Advocaat now in charge and aiming for a 15th game unbeaten with this team. Things have not been as smooth though. Nothing is really that close to the magical four-year spell under the leadership of Hiddink and with Russia unable to produce talent that can replace the golden generation which Hiddink took advantage of Advocaat has seen it fit to call it a day. He will be leaving the post after the tournament.
The group draw seems to suggest Advocaat will have more than the mandatory three games in charge of his team. Yet, can we up for a surprise result? A humiliation maybe that will push Russia for a complete rehaul ahead of the 2018 World Cup being organized on home soil?
The Czechs will be the first to test out how everything is shaping up in the Russian camp. The best approach for Bilek will be to avoid having to rely on the strength of his defence. In fact, they have one of the weakest defensive sides in terms of individual players. They are an organized side nonetheless because the midfield is asked to help out on that front more than aiding in the attacking maneuvers. The game plan here should be no exception with either Necid or Pekhart supported by Rosicky, Pilar and Rezek.
Advocaat has got the better players all over the field. The victory by three goals on Italy in a very recent friendly does support the fact that the Russians know how to take care of themselves. They waited for their chance and did ensnare the Italians at times. What face will they show on Friday against the Czech Republic though?
Russia – Czech Republic injury news: Euro 2012
Bilek can count on all his players, including his number one in between the posts Petr Cech. That is something which Advocaat cannot be sure of as CSKA’s Akinfeev seems unable to recover in time for the match. Spalletti’s Malafeev will be ready to replace him.
Russia – Czech Republic Betting: Euro 2012
Overconfidence can be Russia’s worst enemy. They should not relax despite the tag of favourites attached to their bus. Advocaat’s is a team which lacks in creativity and can be quite sloppy in defence. Russia surely has a good selection of players but I do have doubts on their psychological status when things do not turn their way in-play. I think the Czech Republic can hold control of this match with a very cautious approach that will be infectious for Russia, which will then themselves be unable to dictate the pace.
Verdict: Under 2.5
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