Euro 2008
2008-06-18 - Russia vs Sweden
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Russia
The Russians looked all at sea in their first game with Spain, and showed all the inexperience that Guus Hiddink had expected of his side, especially in defence. However they performed much better against Greece and the win in that game gives them a chance to qualify and meet Holland on Saturday in the Quarter Finals.
Russia have looked suspect at the back throughout the tournament, and even the Greeks were afforded some decent chances which they failed to convert. This could well cause them problems against the Swedes attacking duo of Henrik Larsson and the enigmatic Zlaten Ibrahimovic.
Guus Hiddink has already expressed his pride in seeing Russia mature as a team during this tournament and is glad they have a chance of securing a spot in the next stage with a win here. Hiddink has already taken less fashionable sides like South Korea and Australia past the first stage of competitions and could be vital as to the outcome of this game.
Russia captain Sergei Semak, defender Yuri Zhirkov and midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov are all likely to start in this match which sees the return of influential talent Andrei Arshavin from suspension.
Sweden
Sweden find themselves in a position where a draw would be good enough to take them through to the Quarter Finals after beating Greece and narrowly losing to Spain.
The Swedes have once again proven their worth as a team, but it is an ageing one, and I feel they were unlucky to lose so late to Spain after it seemed they had stifled the best the Spanish had to offer. Ibrahimovic has scored in both games so far, his first international goals since 2005, but he is suffering from knee problems that are limiting his minutes on the field.
Sweden are displaying some positive vibes by saying they wish to win this game rather than achieve the draw that would put them through anyway. Arshavin has been identified as the main threat and the Swedes have admitted they would like to score early so as to achieve control in the game.
Zlaten Ibrahimovic remains Sweden's only worry as his left knee is swollen. If he failed to start, Elmander and Kallstrom would fight for his place alongside Larsson.
Head to Head
Russia and Sweden have only met 1 time in the last 8 years and that was a 1-1 draw in Moscow in a friendly back in 2002.
They have only ever met in 4 competitive matches and the Swedes hold a 2 wins to 1 record over the Russians.
The record between these 2 nations is quite even throughout history with Russia winning 7 games, Sweden winning 8 games and there also being 8 draws.
Prediction
Russian football received a boost when Zenit St Petersburg won the UEFA Cup this season and the return of Arshavin to their national side will raise the confidence levels for this game.
Sweden have proven their steel and determination and remain as tough as ever to beat in this stage of a competition, but the injury to Ibrahimovic takes away a lot of their attacking potential.
Russia also have Guus Hiddink, a man with a proven track record at this stage of an international competition with an unfashionable side and I think Russia can go through.
Add in the freshness of the Russian players with their season only just beginning again and I think they win this in a close game.
The Pick :
Russia 2-1 Sweden
