Group A: Matchday Three

For those without a PHD in Logistical Maths (does such a thing exist?) then the EURO 2012 qualifying scenarios can be very difficult. Going into the final day of action in Group A (Saturday June 16th) all four teams can still qualify for the last eight.

Host nation Poland know anything less than three points will not be enough to see them through after two draws in two games. Victory over the Czechs though will guarantee them a place in the last eight. The Poles will enter in good heart after a draw against an impressive Russia side in which they played some excellent football. History is also on their side as they have won their last six games against the Czechs on their home turf. Poland are 13/10 (paddy Power) favourites to land the game. The Czechs though have won three of their four meetings with Poland in competitive football (though one was by walkout) and are a standout 12/5 (General). Those who think Poland will record their third consecutive group draw can get 5/2 (general).

Vaclav Pilar has netted in both games in the Euros so far and looks a value 12/1 (sportingbet) to net the opener here. Polish hot-shot Robert Lewandowski is 5/1 favourite (general) to grab the first goal and the Borussia Dortmund hot-shot will always pose a threat. Dortmund team-mate Jakub Blaszcykowski netted a cracker (sorry pun intended) in the second game and is a generous 12/1 (BetVictor/188bet/william hill) to grab the opener here.

No side has ever finished all three Euro group games with the same score, but those who think Poland can make history here can get 6/1 (william hill) on this game ending in a 1-1 draw. The last two Czech Republic wins have been by the same scoreline, 2-1, and you can get 11/1 (Stan James/188bet) that they repeat that trick here.

The Czech Republic came flying out the box last time out netting twice in the opening six minutes and you can get 5/1 (Stan James) on the Czechs HT/ Czechs FT double result. The Poles meanwhile are 31/10 (188bet) HT/FT.

Also in that group Russia take on Greece. Russia sit top with four points, while Greece have just the one point. Russia are strong favourites at 8/11 (general, but a word of caution, barring a hammering from the Greeks, Russia should be through and may be tempted to rest key players. A draw is 3/1 (Stan James) and a shock Greece win (which is needed to keep their qualifying hopes alive) is 9/2 (Bodog.)

Alan Dzagoev has been the star of the show for Russia this tournament netting three goals so far. The attacking midfielder can still be backed at 15/2 (188bet/william hill) to net the opener. Alexander Kerzakhov has had 11 shots in two games and none have hit the target, but bookies are keeping the faith and make him the 11/2 (general) favourite to score first.

Three of the last five Greece games have ended 1-1, while two of the last five Russian ones have also ended 1-1, you can get 13/2 (sportingbet/William Hill/Coral) that this game also ends 1-1. The Greeks have looked very shaky at the back and the Russians could get amongst the goals and 3-1 is 14/1 (general) while 4-1 (188bet) is 40/1.

Abacuses at the ready because it promises to be a dramatic last day of action in Group A.

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15/06/2012     © Frixo 2026