Finland vs. Russia: preview and betting tips

Russia has to work hard and after the opening loss against Belgium they cannot afford a second defeat. Finland managed to beat Denmark in their first game. If Russia wants to qualify, they have to score points. Finland, on the other hand, can secure their place in the eight finals with a win.

The Russians entered the tournament with a defeat against Belgium, where they failed to score even once. If they still want to qualify, they must score points. A defeat could spell the end of the European Championships this year.

The Finns entered the tournament victorious, with their only shot on target in the match against Denmark going wide of the net. The Group B outsider thus shuffled the cards and a win over Russia would have put them into the eighth round. A draw could also be enough, but then it would depend on the results of the other group matches.

Russia is relying heavily on thirty-two-year-old forward Artem Dzyuba. A stocky, almost six-foot-two, Dzyuba has netted 20 goals in 27 games in the Russian Premier League this season. In qualifying, he scored nine times in ten games.

Teemu Pukki has also had an excellent season. He scored 26 goals in 41 games for Norwich in the English second division and shot Norwich back to the Premier League. He scored 10 goals in 10 games in European Championship qualifying and got Finland to its first ever major tournament.

Pukki of Finland and Dzyuba of Russia need three and two goals respectively to become their countries’ all-time top scorers. Both will be eager to make their mark. Russia will also play a second game in St. Petersburg, where the fans will propel them forward.