Greece and Russia meet on Saturday in the Soccer Betting Euro 2008 action in what is really an elimination game in Group D.  The loser would almost assuredly have no chance to advance to the quarterfinals.  Greece is the defending European Champion but they did not start well in their first match, losing 2-0 to Sweden. "Our aim is to get four or six points from these next two matches.” Greece’s Dimitris Salpingidis said, “Our game against Russia is extremely important – if we lose, we are out – that says it all."  Greece knows that they must play much better against Russia if they expect to advance from this group. “We promise you that we will be a different team. We can’t tell you if we will win or lose, but we won’t be the same team as against Sweden,” captain Angelos Basinas said.  

Euro 2008 Betting Preview
Greece vs. Russia
Saturday, 2:45 pm Eastern – ESPN 2

Russia is -.5 (+110) with a total of 2 under (-125) at SBG Global.

Three-way line – Russia +110, Greece +230, Draw +220

Greece will be looking to Angelos Haristeas to score on Saturday.  He has scored more times than any other active Greek player. He has 18 goals in 66 caps. 

Russia did not play well in their opener either as they were routed by Spain 4-1.  The team will need to play much better against Greece if they are to have a chance to advance.  Russia could be without striker Roman Pavlyuchenko who has a thigh injury. Andrei Arshavin will also miss the game on Saturday due to suspension. They will need Yuri Zhirkov to score on Saturday. He will be their main threat with Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin out of the lineup.  Russia seems confident they will do well on Saturday.  Head coach Guus Hiddink does not look to make many changes. "No, not really. Mainly because we have a young team and we're not one of those national sides where one of the 23 players can replace another and play just as well." he said. 

The two teams last met at Euro 2004 as Russia won 2-1 in group play although Greece had already advanced at that point. In 1993 Greece drew 1-1 in Moscow and won 1-0 in Athens.  Russia won in 1995 by scores of 3-0 and 2-1.

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