We promised you a Greek performance in Friday’s Euro 2012 curtain-raiser and although they got off to a very shaky start, Fernando Santos’ side spoiled the Polish party but could and probably should have taken maximum points in Warsaw.
After falling a goal and a man down, Greece fought back to level the scores before skipper Giorgios Karagounis missed a penalty which would surely have handed the debt-ridden nation a valuable three points.
Now they take on the Czech Republic in Wroclaw with the Czechs still showing a lack of identity in their approach as they were ripped apart by the Russians 4-1 in their opening group game.
Sure the Czechs showed glimpses of quality to suggest they posses greater attacking thrust than we probably expected but Michal Bilek’s side are on the ropes.
This now looks like a must-win encounter for both sides. Anything but maximum points will cut-off the fallbacks for both in the final round of matches. But once again, the markets have done Greece a disservice. With a draw helping neither side, the Ethniki get the nod at 9/4 with Bet 365 and Bwin.
Key trends
- Three of Greece’s last four matches have finished 1-1, the other was 1-0.
- The Greeks have scored exactly once in each of their last six matches.
- The Czech Republic have now lost their last three matches at European Championship finals, conceding at least three goals in each.
- No side has ever conceded 3+ goals in four consecutive matches at the Euros.
