Macedonia – Russia
Pick: Under 2.5 goals
Odds: 1.65 @ Bwin
Stake: 4/10
Russia is not strong world strength in football anymore. Their fall started few years ago and they are not improving at all, no matter they hired great tactician in the name of Hiddink. They are struggling a lot lately and their results are not even near as everyone in Russia expected. For even worse atmosphere contributed Hiddink statement that even if Russia manages to qualify for the Euro 2008, he won’t be coaching them on that tournament.
Macedonia is playing the best football ever. Katanec (Slovenian coach who brought Slovenia on two major competitions) did a great job with small Macedonian team. He built great compact team with great team spirit. Macedonia has never been so optimistic about their national football, like now. There is great atmosphere in the team and everyone expects good result.
After hiring Katanec, Macedonia suffered only one loss, from England in Skopje, after conceding unlucky goal. All other matches ended with positive result. Katanec has his own style of play and for him the defense is the most important part (he said in one interview that Macedonia against Russia, Croatia and England will defend) and Macedonia has the best players in the defensive part.
Russian team is suffering from lack of creativity and that is the main reason why the team is not creating many chances. Their players are tall and relatively slow which will suit on Macedonian tactics for tomorrow’s match. Pandev, best Macedonian player and the only player that can create some chances is suspended which gives more chances for my bet to be successful.
I believe that Macedonia will not lose, but will they win I cannot say. I believe that low scoring draw is very possible outcome, and except of under 2.5 goals, my suggestions for this match are:
Draw either on half-time or full-time, odds 1.70 @ Bwin, Stake: 4/10 and
Both teams to score, pick: NO, odds 1.85 @ Bwin, Stake: 2/10