Friday, June 13, 2008

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 8 Previews

The top spot in the first three groups has already been decided. Will the trend continue in Group D when Spain meet Sweden and Russia face Greece?

Spain vs. Sweden
The venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Winning Group D now means avoiding rampant Holland in the quarterfinals, so both Spain and Sweden will be keen to earn three points and take control of the group. The Swedes should find more room to maneuver against the Spain than they did against Greece, but they'll also face an opponent with a lot more firepower.
The prediction: This has the makings of a wide-open affair and a 2-2 draw leaves the issue of Group D supremacy in doubt until Wednesday.

Greece vs. Russia
The venue: Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Russia are better than the scoreline indicated after their 4-1 loss to Spain, and Guus Hiddink's men will look to post a group stage win over Greece for the second straight time at the Euros. Expect Greece to take a more aggressive approach after their defensive mentality garnered minimal offense in the opener.
The prediction: How much Greece abandons their defensive style remains to be seen. In scraficing offense for defense, the net result is a 1-1 draw.

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