Euro 2008 preliminary betting is now nearly finished with the preliminary group stages.  Wednesday June 17th will mark the last group games as Sweden play a critical game against rival nation Russia for your Euro 2008 bets.  Russia gained their first points at the Euro Cup last game when they defeated and eliminated the reigning champions Greece.  They will be hoping for a similar result against Sweden tomorrow as a victory will put either team into the Euro 2008 quarter finals.  This would mark the first time that Russia has ever made the quarters in the Euro Cup and also end an unwanted record of never having beat Sweden before.  The motivation will be equally strong for Sweden as they look to bounce back from a tough loss to Spain.  They can advance with a draw or a win tomorrow because they hold a better goal difference then Russia.

Russia began group D with a 4-1 loss to the hands of Spain.  David Villa has a hat trick for Spain as Russia was embarrassed in a tough loss.  Roman Pavlyunchenko’s late goal for the Russian side was too little to late.  Sweden was also dealt a loss by the Spanish side, who have already secured top spot in group D.  It looked like they would draw 1-1 when Villa scored in extra time to put Spain up for good.  Sweden was crushed by this loss, but they will have to put it behind then as they head into tomorrow match.  Currently Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have Sweden as a slight +150 Euro 2008 betting favorite heading into the match.

Despite a proud history as part of the USSR, Russia has a less impressive record as an independent nation.  They have had early exits in both Euro Cup appearances and also in both World Cup showings.  Sweden, by contrast, have made it past the first round in each of their last 3 appearances at major tournaments.  Overall, Russia has never beat Sweden.  Sweden has 3 wins against Russia and there have also been 2 draws.  I think Sweden is a much stronger team and they will advance along side Spain to the next round.

View Euro 2008 betting Odds at OnlineSportsHandicappers.com before you bet on Euro 2008 at Sportsbook.com