Greece were Group A outsiders at Euro 2012 but they have still performed below expectations in Poland and I don’t think things will improve on Saturday.
The Greeks still have a chance of progressing to the knockout stage but it will take an almighty effort from Fernando Santos’ men and I’m not sure they are up to it.
It might have been so very different had Giorgos Karagounis converted Greece’s second half penalty in the curtain-raiser against the co-hosts, which would have given them all three points, but his miss means they are really up against it and their defending in defeat to Czech Republic on Saturday was, at times, abysmal.
Two goals down inside six minutes, Theofanis Gekas’ second half strike proved no more than a consolation and now Greece must beat Russia if they are to stand any chance of advancing.
Russia have halved in the outright market since the start of the tournament and know a win will see them top Group A.
Coach Dick Advocaat is bound to have his side fully focused, winning the section will almost certainly mean avoiding Germany in the last eight, and I’m surprised his team are not shorter than the 1.75 or thereabouts available.
Alan Dzagoev, who currently heads the Euro 2012 scoring charts with three goals, has been one of the finds of the finals but Russia are not overly reliant on any one individual and their technical ability is excellent.
If the draw is kind to Russia then they should be targeting glory in Kiev come July 1 and, while there is obviously quite some way to go until they can think about contesting the showpiece, they should not be underestimated by any side.
Greece, who must attack knowing that three points are required, will surely be picked off eventually and if Russia make an early breakthrough then this could get ugly as any remaining hope for the 2004 winners is crushed.
2pts Back Russia (vs. Greece) @ 1.75 (Paddy Power, Bet Victor)