Greece 4.5

Jun 7, 2012 -- 7:53PM, JoshT wrote:

just to throw an argument for the hosts into the mix, it is apparent that being hosts does give the team a boost.2002 world cup, S.Korea got to the semi-finals, beating Spain along the way.2004 Euro's, hosts - portugal, got to the finals2006 world cup - germany, got to the semi'spoland have a solid team, with a good keeper in szczesny. They look good value here with a home crowd behind them and an out of sorts Greek team.

You left out euro 2008 where Switzerland lost their opening 2 matches and failed to qualify. Austria failed to win any and both went out in group stages.

At the WC 2012, all African sides bar none were absolutely woeful (so too was the support mind you). 'support' consisted of blowing horns win, lose or draw so didn't count for much. Some of the worst football I've ever witnessed in a tournament.

Poland imo aren't necessarily good value here but i'd fancy them to win under normal circumstances. The fact it's the opening match though means they won't want to lose so may be happy to settle for a draw. Until we see the first 20 minutes, we won't really know how the occasion will effect them.

I'd imagine Greece will just do what they always do - park the bus for 90 minutes hoping to get something on the counter. They can't play any other way.