Russia vs Czech Republic Preview Euro 2012
The second game of the Euro 2012 soccer tournament will feature a clash between Group A teams Russia and the Czech Republic at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland on June 8th.
Russia qualified for the European Champion ships by winning Group B in the qualifying round with 23 points from seven wins, two draws and a loss. The Czech Republic came in second in Group I with 13 points from four wins, a draw and three losses. They then won a two-game playoff series against Montenegro by a 3-0 aggregate score.
The Czech Republic used to belong to the former Czechoslovakia and have appeared in one World Cup since separating, which was in 2006, where they won one game and lost two. They have qualified for four European Championships. They were runners up in 1996, came in 10th place in 2000, in third place in 2004 and in 11th place in 2008. Playing as Czechoslovakia, they won the event in 1976 and placed third in 1980 and 1960. They failed to qualify six times. The nation played in eight World Cups and was runners up in 1934 and 1962.
Russia better in Euro Cup’s
Russia has appeared in nine World Cups over the years with 1966 being their best tournament as they finished in fourth place. They have fared better in the European Championships, where they’ve also appeared nine times and won the event back in 1960. However, Russia was a part of the Soviet Union up until 1992 when they became a separate soccer-playing nation.
Both of these teams boast some world-class players and can be a handful for anybody when they’re in form. Russia has won three and drawn twice in their last five games overall up until Dec. 11th while the Czech Republic has won four and lost one.
The Czechs are strong in goal with Petr Cech of Chelsea of the English Premier League. Midfielder Tomas Rosicky of England’s Arsenal is another top player as is striker Milan Baros. Russia has some fine talent in defender Yuri Zhirkhov, midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov of England’s Everton, Andrey Arshavin of the EPL’s Arsenal, and striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in England.
The two teams have only faced each other once since separating from the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia. This game came in 1996 at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool England, during Euro 1996 and the thrilling contest ended in a 3-3 draw.
Predictions for Russia vs Czech Rep
Both of these teams were weakened when they separated from their original countries, but they’re still good squads. The Czech Republic has been a little more consistent over the years, but Russia’s been in good form lately. This should be a close game at the online bookmakers with Russia having a slight edge and that should see them take it by two goals at the most.
As of Dec. 11th, sportsbook William Hill had the odds of a Russia win listed at 5/6 with a Czech Republic win at 11/4 and a draw at 11/5.
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