6th Jun 2012 | Euro 2012
Russia v Czech Republic Tip
Dick Advocaat has vast experience as an international coach and can call upon quality players in the Russian squad.
We don’t need to hunt around for value in the second Group A fixture on Friday with Russia generously priced at 13/10 (BetVictor) to open with three points against the Czech Republic. Anything better than evens money looks like value.
Since a disappointing loss to Slovakia back in 2010, Dick Advocaat’s side have looked pretty accomplished and qualified with relative ease ahead of Ireland. Russia had a formidable defensive record which only looks better now after three clean sheets from four friendlies in 2012. On 1 June they beat Italy 3-0 in Zurich for one of the standout results in the build-up to the tournament.
On the same night the Czech Republic were losing at home to Hungary. Michal Bilek appears to have real problems with Milan Baros cutting a forlorn figure as a lone striker in Prague. Furthermore, key midfielder Tomas Rosicky is unlikely to be fully match fit after picking up an injury in the final game of the Premier League season.
After looking fortunate to squeak past Scotland in qualifying, it’s hard to see the 1996 finalists causing an early upset against a slick-looking Russia.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 18:24 6th Jun, 2012 but subject to change