Greece - Russia Betting Preview: Fernando Santos to inspire his side to another second-half comeback in Warsaw

Jun 16, 2012 8:44:00 AM

Despite earning just a point so far, the Ethniki can still qualify from Group A. Al Hain-Cole thinks we may have to wait until the after the break to see a Greek goal, though

The culmination of Group A sees a clash between two teams with very different reputations in this tournament, as Russian flair comes up against Greek resolve with plenty left to play for.

Dick Advocaat's men won the neutrals over straight away with their entertaining 4-1 win over the Czech Republic, but their inability to overcome Poland in the second game means that they must beat Greece to be sure of topping the group.

They are heavily tipped to do so, with PanBet offering odds of just 63/100 (1.63) on the Russians claiming all three points on Saturday.

Greece must still be ruing Giorgos Karagounis' penalty miss that deprived them of an opening-day win against Poland, but Fernando Santos' side are still in with a chance of progressing to the next stage.

If Poland and the Czech Republic draw then Greece can sneak into the quarter-finals with a victory, although at 24/5 (5.80) few expect them to cause an upset.

These two sides drew 1-1 in their last meeting back in November, and are available at 63/20 (4.15) to cancel each other out again this time.

In fact, the Greeks have drawn four of their last seven matches by that very score-line, so a bet on this encounter ending up at one apiece could be a very sensible long-shot at 13/2 (7.50).

Uncharacteristic defensive uncertainty has plagued the Ethniki's Euro 2012 campaign so far, and early slip-ups left them trailing at the break against both Poland and the Czechs.

However, coach Santos must specialise in rousing half-time team talks, as his players responded well on both occasions to hit back soon after the restart.

Russia, on the other hand, seem to take their foot off the gas after impressive first half performances, as Poland discovered to their benefit.

A bet on a goal being scored between the 46th and 60th minutes would have paid off in each of the two sides' previous group games, so must be worth backing at 47/25 (2.875) tonight.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

46-60 minute goal at 47/25 (2.875) with Pan Bet

1-1 draw at 13/2 (7.50) with Pan Bet

Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.

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