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Soccer odds: Netherlands vs. Russia
By Jordan WaltersWagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
| Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook |
The Netherlands has been the most impressive team of Euro 2008 heading into its quarterfinal match Saturday against Russia.
The Dutch have beaten World Cup champ Italy 3-0, World Cup finalist France 4-1 and then Romania 2-0 - in that match the Dutch rested most of their regulars with a spot in the knockout round assured. So they will be rested.
Russia, meanwhile, lost 4-1 to Spain before beating Greece 1-0 and then Sweden 2-0 to reach the quarterfinals, which could mean a tired club.
"If we didn't have to play the Netherlands, we would feel much better, because I think they are the best side here," said Russia's Andrei Arshavin. "But fate has it that we have to play the strongest team in the tournament in the last eight. I hope we will be able to match them."
Arshavin returned from a two-match suspension to pose a constant threat against Sweden. He set up the move for Russia's first goal and scored its second in a man-of-the-match performance. He will need to be an extreme playmaker on Saturday for Russia to have a chance.
Russia coach Guus Hiddink has said he will put out the same starting lineup he used against Sweden. Hiddink, incidentally, is a Dutchman and led Holland to the semifinals of the World Cup in 1998.
Hiddink says his team's performance against Sweden shows it can compete on the highest level.
"If a team proves it can play great football you must absolutely not be afraid, you must embrace that," Hiddink said.
Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz, who lost his prematurely born daughter days ahead of the quarterfinal match, will playing, telling coach Marco van Basten he is available for the match despite the pain.
"You can count on me," Boulahrouz said.
The Dutch are led by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has been stellar during this tournament. Yet the Dutch team's strength may be its versatility. Despite nine goals, no player has more than two, making it hard to focus on any one player.
But similar to the Netherlands, Russia plays an attacking brand of football underpinned by solid defense and quick passing.
"We now play a bit Dutch style," Russia captain Sergei Semak said. "Both sides like to attack."
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