Russia v Czech Republic Euro 2012 Preview & Tips

The second game of Euro 2012 is between Russia and Czech Republic. The game is on June 8, 19:45 GMT.

Teams News

Russia

Russia was about to go into an unconvincing spiral of games in the last two weeks until they engineered a 3-0 win against Italy. Three second-half goals put away the star-studded Italian team with Roman Shirokov providing a brace and Alexander Kerzhakov showing his scoring ability with a goal. Now that Euro 2012 is around the corner, the Russians will be hoping to replicate their result against Italy, at least three times for them to easily book a ticket to the knockout stages.

The Russians are depended on by the many to dominate Group A, and if that is the case, then they must start the group stage with the right foot. Many will say that the right foot is defense, the component of the game Dick Advocaat has been working on as of late. As for history, their defensive record won’t let them down – Russia has kept six clean sheets in their last seven games in the Euros. Let’s see how they fare against the likes of Czech Republic.

Czech Republic

The Czechs couldn’t be any unhappier with their last tune-up game against Hungary when they conceded a late goal that allowed the Hungarians to take away the win. Although just a friendly, such loss would definitely allow their Group A mates to identify and exploit a weakness in the Narodak’s game. Opponents Russia are waiting to pounce on them; they must have at least taken a look at the Hungary loss to lead them the way against the Czech side.

Milan Baros remains to be an injury concern for the Czechs while Captain Tomas Rosicky is fit and raring to go for their first game against Russia. This gives the Czech Republic enough experience to tackle a European heavyweight in the Russians, and Czech fans will be hoping that their team start the tournament on a winning note. If they win against Russia, the Czechs have a relatively easier schedule ahead of them compared to other teams in other groups.

Russia v Czech Republic Betting Preview

Two experienced sides collide this June 8 with both teams – Russia and Czech Republic – looking to establish themselves in the group early on. Both teams are heavily tipped to advance to the knockout stages, so this game will be a tight encounter that could make or break a team’s group-stage performance. Russia has a slight advantage on paper, but there’s no telling how the Czechs can possibly line up to stifle the first ever Euro champs.

Betting Tip

Verdict: Russia with a close win here, 2-1.

Tip:

Perhaps the more sumptuous opening-day match of Euro 2012, Russia and Czech Republic offer good rewards. Russia is at 2.10 to win while Czech Republic is close on the trail with a 3.75 odds to win. A 2-1 final score in favour of the Russians is at 9.50, and you can count on this game to go over 2.5 goals at 2.50.

Alexander Kerzakhov is at 3.00 to score anytime, so is Roman Pavlyuchenko. Milan Baros’ injury concern makes him a doubt; he is at 3.75 to score anytime but his fitness level could turn off potential punters.

All odds are from Bet365.com (£200 FREE BET!).