http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,153-1146445,00.html
GREECE, who stunned Portugal in the opening match of the European Championship, are overpriced at 11-2 with Bet365 to provide an encore and get the better of Spain in their second group A fixture at the Bessa stadium in Porto on Wednesday night.
There was no fluke about Greece’s 2-1 triumph over the host team on Saturday - they defended stoutly and attacked with pace on the counter - and they have nothing to fear from Spain, having finished above them in the same qualifying group after beating them 1-0 in Zaragoza last year, despite being reduced to ten men.
Supporters of Spain, generally priced at 8-11, will point to the problems that Fernando Morientes and Raul can pose, but Traianos Dellas and Michalis Kapsis, the Greek centre backs, will not be perturbed after snuffing out Luis Figo, Simao Sabrosa and Pauleta on Saturday.
In the circumstances, Spain, not overly impressive when beating Russia 1-0 in their opening Euro 2004 fixture, look plenty short enough. The draw is a best-priced 5-2 with Bet365.
Neither team have any injury problems, but Xabi Alonso is likely to be recalled to Spain’s midfield in an effort to speed up his side’s passing.
Portugal were so stifled by Greece that is tempting to believe that Russia, available at 13-2 with Premier Bet, will be able to do the same when they meet in the other group A fixture on Wednesday.
However, Russia were outclassed by Spain themselves and have been badly hit by injuries and suspension in defence - forcing Alexi Smertin, who usually plays in midfield, to again play at the back.
It will be a shock if Portugal cannot raise their game with so much at stake but, equally, they are hardly screaming to be backed at a best price of 8-13 with Skybet. They are 7-4 with the same firm to be ahead at half-time and full time.
Meanwhile, Sweden are a top-priced 18-1 (from 33-1) with Stan James to win the tournament after thumping Bulgaria 5-0 in their opening fixture. Henrik Larsson, who scored twice in that match, has been slashed from 40-1 to 5-1 favourite by Hills to be tournament top scorer.
GREECE, who stunned Portugal in the opening match of the European Championship, are overpriced at 11-2 with Bet365 to provide an encore and get the better of Spain in their second group A fixture at the Bessa stadium in Porto on Wednesday night.
There was no fluke about Greece’s 2-1 triumph over the host team on Saturday - they defended stoutly and attacked with pace on the counter - and they have nothing to fear from Spain, having finished above them in the same qualifying group after beating them 1-0 in Zaragoza last year, despite being reduced to ten men.
Supporters of Spain, generally priced at 8-11, will point to the problems that Fernando Morientes and Raul can pose, but Traianos Dellas and Michalis Kapsis, the Greek centre backs, will not be perturbed after snuffing out Luis Figo, Simao Sabrosa and Pauleta on Saturday.
In the circumstances, Spain, not overly impressive when beating Russia 1-0 in their opening Euro 2004 fixture, look plenty short enough. The draw is a best-priced 5-2 with Bet365.
Neither team have any injury problems, but Xabi Alonso is likely to be recalled to Spain’s midfield in an effort to speed up his side’s passing.
Portugal were so stifled by Greece that is tempting to believe that Russia, available at 13-2 with Premier Bet, will be able to do the same when they meet in the other group A fixture on Wednesday.
However, Russia were outclassed by Spain themselves and have been badly hit by injuries and suspension in defence - forcing Alexi Smertin, who usually plays in midfield, to again play at the back.
It will be a shock if Portugal cannot raise their game with so much at stake but, equally, they are hardly screaming to be backed at a best price of 8-13 with Skybet. They are 7-4 with the same firm to be ahead at half-time and full time.
Meanwhile, Sweden are a top-priced 18-1 (from 33-1) with Stan James to win the tournament after thumping Bulgaria 5-0 in their opening fixture. Henrik Larsson, who scored twice in that match, has been slashed from 40-1 to 5-1 favourite by Hills to be tournament top scorer.
