Euro 2008
2008-06-26 - Russia vs Spain
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Russia and Spain will do battle in the second semi-finals for the right to meet Germany in the final. These two teams have already met in the group stages with Spain winning 4-1 thanks to David Villa's hattrick!
However Russia will be depending on playmaker Andrei Arshavin to inspire them to get a result in this match after he gave in some good performances in recent matches. Arshavin who plays for Zenit St Petersburg was suspended for their first two matches but his return has revitalised Russia and a number of big clubs in Europe are chasing his signature now.
He played a sterling role when he gave some good performances in victories over Sweden and Holland to reach the last four of the tournament. However it must be said that coach Guus Hiddink has twice before seen his side fall at the semi-final hurdle on the international stage.
He was coach of Holland when they were beaten by Brazil on penalties in the 1998 World Cup, before losing out to Germany at the same stage in 2002 during his stint with South Korea.
Hiddink is also missing two players for this match the likes of defender Denis Kolodin and attacking midfielder Dmitri Torbinski will not feature after receiving their second yellow cards of the tournament in the win over the Dutch.
Spain on the other hand comes into this tournament with a first - that is beating Italy after 88 years in competitive action, with the shoot-out triumph ending a series of five defeats in the last eight of international tournaments.
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will hope he has done enough to earn a starting berth in this match after scoring the winning penalty against Italy, but Aragones may well stick with Xavi.
Upfront the likes of Valencia striker Villa and Liverpool ace Fernando Torres will be given the task to spearhead the attack. At the moment Villa is the top scorer with four goals to his name but Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko is just behind with three goals on the list.
I will go for Spain to win this match and give the 1/2 ball away here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Spain to win 1-0 or 2-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Spain to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Spain and give the 1/2 ball away here.
