12th Jun 2012 | Euro 2012
Greece v Czech Republic Tip
The Czechs look like the superior outfit on paper but the Greeks are a surprisingly tough nut to crack.
This looks a tricky one to call. We don’t really know bad Czech Republic are after their 4-1 defeat to Russia and equally Greece look something of a conundrum. They were abject in the first half against Poland but after the break, with 10 men, they showed tremendous resolve to fight back.
The bookies are favouring the Czechs (6/4 StanJames), presumably because they are the side with a sprinkling of star quality. If Cech, Rosicky and Baros play to their reputations then perhaps those odds are understandable, particularly against opponents who will be missing both their first choice centre-backs.
But I’ll favour the value offered by the draw at 12/5 (StanJames). I can’t ignore Greece’s excellent record of one defeat in 22 matches under coach Fernando Santos - and that was only in a friendly. The 2004 winners showed fantastic spirit in their opener and the confidence they will have gained from an unlikely fightback can earn them another sharing of the spoils on Tuesday.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:33 12th Jun, 2012 but subject to change
