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Group D Euro2008 Opening Fixtures (June 10)

June 6th, 2008

Despite being reigning European champions, Greece are nowhere to be seen among the favourites in the Euro 2008 betting market at PinnacleSports.com. The Greeks were surprise winners four years ago in Portugal, and no team in the history of the competition has successfully defended the trophy. History therefore suggests another name will be on the new Henri Delaunay trophy come June 29th.

Spain Aim for Positive Start Against Resurgent Russians

Euro 2008 Group D is the last to get underway, with Spain kicking-off against Russia on Tuesday at 6pm GMT. The Spaniards are often hyped as potential winners ahead of international tournaments, but regularly disappoint their backers. They began the World Cup strongly, with three victories and eight goals, but were then punished 3-1 by a tactically superior French side. Spain retain their potential but will still have to convince bettors they can be trusted.

Russia appear at Euro 2008 looking to improve upon a very poor record at major tournaments since the break up of the Soviet Union. At two World Cups and two European Championships since 1994, Russia have never progressed past the first round. There has, however, been seismic changes in Russian soccer, illustrated by Zenit St.Petersburg’s UEFA Cup win, and the management of Guus Hiddink. Unfortunately for Russia there is a major concern over striker, Pavel Pogrebnyak, and PinnacleSports.com price Spain favourites on their Asian Handicap 1.877 (-0.5 & -1)* with Russia 2.050 (+0.5 & +1)* – a market priced to less than 102%.

Greeks Kick Off Defence Against Sweden

Greece begin the defence of their European crown in Salzburg on Tuesday night at 8.45pm (GMT) but though there is no real pressure on them to repeat the heroics of four years ago. They won at Euro 2004 on merit, but were helped by the way the tournament panned out. Certainly, their recent 0-0 draw with Armenia will have worried coach, Otto Rehhagel, but the backbone of the successful team remains from Euro 2004, which was so solid defensively.

Sweden come into the tournament looking to do more than just make up the numbers, which has so often been the case. The return to fitness of striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is a big boost, but he has often flopped on the big stage, while the return to international soccer of Henrik Larsson (aged 36), after two aborted retirements doesn’t inspire confidence. Sweden are usually solid but unimaginative, and this came could be a war of attrition, with both desperate to avoid defeat rather go for the win. PinnacleSports.com price Sweden marginal favourites 1.752 (0/scratch)* and Greece 2.230 (0/scratch)*, but are also offering three-way markets for the game priced to just 103%.

*All odds subject change so check out the latest across the top rated sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com >> Live Euro2008 Odds.

Entry Filed under: Bookie News & Bonuses,European Football,Sports Betting