Euro 2008 Quarterfinal Preview Russia vs. Netherlands

Euro 2008 Quarterfinal Preview Russia vs. Netherlands
Saturday, 2:45 pm Eastern – ABC

The Netherlands have become the favorite in the Soccer Betting Euro 2008 as they were one of only three unbeaten teams in group play.  They are heavily favored to continue their run as they face Russia in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
The Netherlands have scored a total of 9 goals in their 3 group matches and that equals the record set by France in 1984.  France went on to win the title that year.

Netherlands is a -.5 goal favorite (-140) with a total of 2.5 at SBG Global. Three-way line – Netherlands -140, Russia +375, Draw +265

"We’ve sent out a message," the Netherlands Robin Van Persie said, "But this is just part of the dream, not the end. We have to win three more times to lift the trophy. With this squad I really have the feeling that we are unbeatable, though we have to take it step by step. That is why I want to be part of the team as it feels like something beautiful is happening." Netherlands head coach Marco van Basten has used every player except his third string goalkeeper in the tournament.  All the players will be well rested for Saturday.

This is the first time that Russia has ever made it to the quarterfinals but coach Guus Hiddink has a lot of experience.  He has now taken four different teams to the knockout stage of a major tournament.  He led the Netherlands to the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup, South Korea to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup and Austria to the second round of the 2006 World Cup. Hiddink has become a hero in Russia and he should not be underestimated against the Netherlands.  Russia has one of the most exciting young players in striker Andrei Arshavin and he could be a major force on Saturday.

The two teams have faced each other only once before.  The Netherlands defeated Russia 4-1 last year in a friendly.  Overall, the Netherlands has won six of their last seven matches with one draw.  Russia has won five of their last seven matches overall.
 

Pick: Bangthebook Predicts Russian in the Upset!