3rd Round Match 1; Russia vs Greece and Spain vs Portugal

Euro fever is on and have been sleeping very late at night or should i say early morning almost every day. One enjoyment of watching soccer is of course betting and the results so far of my bets have resulted in a loss of $50++... There are generally 2 groups of people who bet; the first group believes that there is match fixing in all competition and the other who does not think so.

Now the prediction of tonight match will be as following: Spain and Russia to win. As for the reasonw why... the follwing article is extracted from a forum at http://forum.asianbookie.com.

Greece - Russia

The Greeks are unexpectedly leading the group after providing a couple of shock results against big favourites Portugal and Spain. A point against Russia will secure them a place in the next round of the competition and, going on their last two games, it's looking good for them.

The funny thing with Greece is that they never looked like taking points from Portugal or Spain, but they have a strong defence and have a knack for sneaking in goals when their opponents aren't looking. In their last match against Spain they were dominated and never looked like they were going to get anything. Their goal came from a quickly taken free-kick, which seemed rather lucky, but in the end they deserved it.

Russia are already out of Euro 2004 having lost to Spain and Portugal and will merely be playing for pride in this game. I haven't liked the look of Russia from what I've seen in their opening games as they don't seem to have much ability going forward. it's definitely their weakest attribute.

Alexei Smertin will be missing for his side as he's suspended, which will be of some loss to them. The team captain is the driving force in midfield and he will surely be missed. With Greece fired up and full of confidence I don't see Russia spoiling the party for them. They've been a big letdown in their last two match while Greece have be surprisingly eager and passionate.



Conclusion: Take Russin to win


Spain - Portugal

Euro tournament hosts Portugal got their all important victory against Russia with a very comfortable 2-0 win, and they'll maybe feel they should have scored more considering the amount of chances they had. Cristiano-Ronaldo again made a substitute appearance in that match and I'd be surprised if he didn't start against Spain as he's so quick and skillful.

Portugal put their miserable 2-1 loss against Greece behind them with that win, so hopefully they'll be full of confidence against the Spanish. Coach Luis Felipe Scolari has no injury concerns ahead of this match which will give him all the help he needs to secure the victory Portugal need to qualify. My only worries about this team is their attack and defence. Their sole attacker, Pauleta, has not looked good as the lone striker and Portugal's defending hasn't looked great either. Ricardo Carvalho made an impression against Russia, but will it be good enough to keep Spain out?

Spain coach Inaki Saez must have been scratching his head after only managing a 1-1 draw against Greece. Spain were quite clearly the much better side throughout most of the match and all of their attacks looked like they could have ended with goals. The introduction of Joaquin in the game proved an excellent move as the young winger is clearly destined to be world class in years to come. I expect him to keep his place in the team.

Unlike Portugal, Spain only need a single point to qualify from Group A, but I expect them to play for a win. Their finishing has got to be better if they want to beat Portugal as it has lacked somewhat in their first two matches. Athletic Madrid striker Fernando Torres could start ahead of Morientes as he's looked rather an attacking threat in his two substitute appearance and you can see why so many clubs are interested in his services.



Conclusion: Take Spain to win


Good luck to everyone betting and hope everyone wins some money before the damn school opens again!!!