Euro 2012 Opta Stats: Russia to ace Czech Republic test

Russia have won three of their last four European Championship group stage games
Without earning much praise for their endeavours back home, Russia were far more impressive than Czech Republic in qualifying, winning seven times and only losing the once - in their opening home match against a Slovakia side still lifted by World Cup overachievement. Russia also boast the head-to-head advantage, with Czech Republic beating the Group A favourites in just two of their 13 meetings.

These sides have met twice before at the European Championship (including games played as Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia. The Soviet Union defeated the Czechs 3-0 in the semi-final in 1960, while the sides played out a 3-3 draw in the group stages of Euro 1996.

Scarred by the bland start to the World Cup, punters are leaning towards under 2.5 goals for the first Group A games, however as the above results verify, these two tend to generate some excitement when they collide. Alongside Sweden, Czech Republic were one of only two participants to play at least two warm-up matches over the last month and maintain a 100% over 2.5 goals record.

Six of the Czech's 15 goals in qualifying came from defenders; more than any other side in the Euro 2012 qualification campaign
Their top scorer was left back Michal Kadlec with an unlikely four goals, three coming from the penalty spot. As the Bayer Leverkusen defender continues to be their go-to guy from 12 yards - Opta also reveal that the Czechs have never missed a penalty at the Euros - and has struck seven times for his country since last March alone, he is certainly an intriguing outsider in the "to score" market.

Recommended Bets:
Russia to win @ 2.265/4
Over 2.5 goals @ 2.89/5
Kadlec to score @ 8.415/2

Click here to read more Opta stats on this encounter