Friday’s Bet of the Day: Greece to score last against Bosnia
The Greeks have developed a remarkable habit of having the final say in competitive games and this evening's World Cup qualifier could follow suit.
Greece: a team so ugly only a mother could love them. Not in their physical appearance, of course – we can reserve judgement on whether or not they possess any alluring attributes – but in their style of play, which has won little praise over the last decade, even if it did deliver them the most unlikely European Championship title of all time back in 2004.
Formerly under Otto Rehhagel, currently under the stewardship of Fernando Santos, Greece have consistently gained results based upon solid defensive foundations and goals scored from set-pieces or breakaways.
Indeed, the visit of Bosnia this evening sees the Greeks defending a four-year unbeaten home record in competitive matches and given such a run without defeat, the price of 23/20 for a home win may tempt some punters to part with their cash.
Yet since Santos took over in 2010, one bet has paid out with a consistency that has proved as alarming for bookmakers as it has been been joyful for punters.
| World Cup Qualifiers - European Zone - Group G | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania win | £68.00 | (12/5) | ||
| Draw | £68.00 | (12/5) | ||
| Greece win | £38.00 | (9/10) | ||
In 15 of the 16 competitive fixtures they have played under Santos, Greece have scored the final goal. A repeat against Bosnia this evening is priced at attractive-looking odds of 4/5, but the bet becomes even more tempting when you consider Bosnia’s recent form.
Though the team from the other side of the Balkans have been scoring goals (12 in their last two matches) they have also been conceding their fair share. Bosnia have managed just one clean sheet in their last eight games and have shipped the final goal in five of those eight games.
While the football Greece play might be about as sexy as a Volvo estate, they are equally as reliable as the Swedish automobile and backing them to continue their run of scoring last in competitive fixtures this evening should see punters rewarded with some tidy profits.