in Soccer Articles

soccer betting ahead of them , so without further ado here is a look at the last first round online betting matchup scheduled to start today at 2:45 PM Eastern Time.

Group D: Sweden

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Tuesday June 10, 2008

Venue: Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim

Soccer Betting Line:

Greece PK +120 +200 Over 1½ -150 Over ½ -180 Under ½ +150

Sweden PK -140 +150 Under 1½ +130 Under 1 -130 Over 1 EV

Draw +195

Greece +½ -170 Over 2 +120 Sweden -½ +150 Under 2 -140

Greece -½ +210 Over 2½ +170 Sweden +½ -250 Under 2½ -210

Analysis: Current title holders Greece have a momentous task before them—to defend their title – a feat that has not been done in the history of the Euro Cup Championships. When Greece won the Euro Cup in 2004, to say that everyone was stunned is an understatement, especially when they topped European titans in Portugal. This year, Greece will try to prove their victory was not a fluke; but if history were an indication –winning back-to-back titles has not be done yet – so it follows then Greece will not win the title this year. But before we get ahead of ourselves, so let us focus on the group they drew.

Group D is not the toughest group of the Euro Cup, so Greece would appear to have a favourable course to the R16. Moreover, they rank in the top ten teams in Europe. Their No.8 ranking outranks Portugal, England and Holland, making them a quality team. Watch for Euro 2004 hero Angelos Charisteas to spearhead Greece’s attack. The striker has gained a lot of experience over the last four years, playing for top European clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam. Another player on the Greek squad to watch is veteran goalkeeper Konstantinos Chalkias, who will no doubt be an influential presence in the team’s back line.

Sweden on the otherhand received a boost prior to the start of the Euro Cup when veteran Henrik Larsson answered the call of his nation coming out of retirement to pursue the illusive championship cup for his country. Alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic the duo can be a threat on the pitch, making Sweden – although a favourite in Group D – a darkhorse for the title.

Betting Verdict: Over all this is an open match. Once again Greece enter as underdogs, but they know what it takes to seize the win. The +200 underdog money line odds suit them fine, making them a value bet for the soccer bettor. Sweden is a shaky team in spite of recalling some of its veteran stars. Inconsistency and predictable style of play will go against them. So much so that I believe that they do not hold value at their slightly less disadvantaged odds of +150.

Soccer Free Pick: Greece at +200

To learn more about the facinationg history of the UEFA European Cup visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_Cup

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.