Greece vs. Russia: Euro 2012 Picks and Odds

Russia is currently in first place in Group A, but nothing is set in stone yet. Can they take care of Greece? Odds makers would certainly have us believe so, favoring Russia at -155. Similarly, they don't see it ending in a draw, listing that possibility at +280.

After two play days, Russia is atop Group A with four points with the Czech Republic at three points, Poland at two and Greece at one. 

In short, everyone is still in it. 

Wide open Group A

The Russians followed up a convincing 4-1 win over the Czechs with a 1-1 draw versus co-hosts Poland. Alan Dzagoev made it three goals in two matches when he put Russia up in the first half, but Jakub Blaskowski netted the equalizer for the Poles early in the second stanza. 

On the whole, Russia got more great showings from Dzagoev and former Arsenal man Andrei Arshavin while goalie Vyacheslav Malafeev kept the Russians from leaving the match with nothing at all. 

Alas, they got a point and must be thrilled to have four out of a possible six in this highly competitive group. 

Greece started out slow once more in their affair with the Czechs, giving up two goals in the first six minutes. The Greeks did get a goal out of substitute Theofanis Gekas but ultimately they couldn't escape the massive hole they'd dug themselves. 

What does the loss mean? For Greece to have any chance of advancing, they now must pick up all three points against the Russians on Saturday. 

Watching Russia has been a delight thus far in this competition. Their passing has been crisp, their combination play excellent and they've also been quite solid in the back. 

And, after seeing Greece completely fall asleep in the early stages (twice in a row), one would have to think the Russians have enough in them to win and stamp out their place in the knockout round. 

Russian Might 

Arshavin has been incredibly dangerous so far in the tournament and already has three assists through two matches. After a horrible loss of form at Arsenal, he moved on to Zenit St. Petersburg, where he's played much more regularly and has seemed to recover his spark. 

Then, of course, there's Dzagoev, who's tied with Germany's Mario Gomez (three) for most goals in the tournament. 

Dzagoev's highly impressive performances have already garnered interest from around the world, with Arsenal reportedly liking what they're seeing out of the 21-year-old and eager to add some attacking might to their ranks. 

We also talked about Malafeev earlier and his performances in goal shouldn't go unnoticed. He has 11 saves in two matches, the most of any netminder in the competition. Greece may get a few chances here and there, but Malafeev has shown he won't be easily beaten. 

In the end, we're making this pick based on what we've seen out of both teams so far. Russia has looked dangerous from the opening whistle while it's taken Greece some time to play their way into their comfort zone both matches. 

For Russia, the job isn't done just yet and we think they'll send the Greeks home behind some more inspiring work from Dzagoev and Arshavin.