EURO Tuesday

No luck with the correct score in the Spain game, although they did turn in a sparkling performance, but Sweden obliged with a 1-0 win over Greece.

Following a drab start, Euro 2008 finally came alive last night with Holland’s mauling of the World Champions, I hope you were on the overs as advised, and now it is Spain’s turn to try and impress.

Like the Dutch, Spain boast a wonderful array of attacking talent and they kick off their campaign with a favourable tie against Russia. Like Romania and Croatia, Russia have been one of the sides that most pundits seem to be tipping to do well from those nations considered outsiders but I expect them to struggle and find it very difficult to imagine where the goals will come from.

The loss of Andrei Arshevin, through suspension, and main striker Pavel Pogrebnyak with injury for the opening Group D clash only increases the concern regarding their ability to find the net and I see nothing but a win to nil for Lusi Arogones’ side.

Incredibly, Spain have never won a European Championship game by more than one goal but the bets to be had on Tuesday are for them to oblige without conceding. At just 1.75 in the match odds, the value lies in dutching the third favourites to win by a single goal, a 6.50 chance, and by 2-0, available at 7.0. Russia may not boast anything of note going forward but they will be well organised under the Dutchman and a hammering is unlikely. Unbeaten in their last 16 matches, Spain can get off to the perfect start.

The Czech Republic’s opening game against Switzerland looked like one of the most unattractive of the first round ties on paper prior to the start of the tournament, and so it proved, but Sweden’s meeting with Greece doesn’t exactly get the juices flowing either. That said, I have really started to warm to the chances of the Scandinavians in the past week and with Greece up first they’ll be keen to make a fast start.

Triumphant four years ago, I really can’t have the Greeks on my mind this time around and their opponents on Tuesday have an excellent record at major finals. The inspirational Henrik Larsson has returned to international action, the 36 year old or Johan Elmander will partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack, and while Sweden have no starts I think they’ll be too strong on Tuesday.

A draw would probably be suit either in their opening fixture but the selection don’t really know how to play defensively and I’m willing to take a chance on them edging it. 2.63 about them doing so looks good value.