The last thing Russia wanted to do in Euro 2016 was get bounced out after playing just three matches, especially with the World Cup coming in its home country two years from now. Heading into the last match day in Group B though, the Russians are in last place of the four teams, and anything less than a win against Wales will leave them home.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Russia +150
Wales +190
Draw +234
Over/Under 2.5 (under -138)
ODDS ANALYSIS
Clearly, the Russians are going to have a sense of desperation here, as anything less than a win, and they'll be eliminated from Euro 2016. They're the favorites to snare the three points, but at a price of +150, it isn't exactly convincing that they'll get the job done. Wales winning the match is right behind at +190 on the Euro 2016 betting lines.
The total in this match is rather par for the course for this level at 2.5 and -138 vig on the under, a number bordering on a flat 2.
TOURNAMENT UPDATE
It's all or nothing now for Russia. With a win, the team will almost certainly finish second in the group behind the winner of the England/Slovakia match running concurrently. Even if the other match did end in a high-scoring draw to leave Russia in third, four points will clearly be enough to advance as one of the four best third place teams.
Wales doesn't necessarily need a result here, but it sure would help. The only way the Welsh get into the knockout rounds with a loss is if Slovakia loses to England and three points happens to be good enough to be one of the four best third place teams. If Slovakia and England ends in a draw, Wales will need a point to have any chance of advancement.
LIVE BETTING
Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that Gareth Bale has taken this tournament over for Wales. He scored a cracker of a goal to kick off the scoring against England on Thursday, his second goal of the tournament. He's really the only major offensive threat which Wales is bringing to the table, and the argument could be made he's been the MVP of this tournament.
Russia has had all sorts of problems in defense throughout. England had a slew of chances at goal before Eric Dier finally opened up the ledger in the 1-1 draw to kick off Group B play, and Slovakia was able to score twice in the first half on Wednesday. The Slovaks were really held in the second half without any fantastic opportunities, but the damage was really already done.
QUICK PICK
Russia might be the favored side in this match, but we just don't think it's justified. Wales has been very bit as good as both England and Slovakia, and we think it's going to look the part of a challenger in this one as well.
We really think this Russian team is overrated and was always the worst team in Group B. Igor Akinfeev is good enough in net for sure, but he just hasn't had any help whatsoever around him at the back.
Even Aleksandr Kokorin didn't really look the part of a lethal scorer at any point over the course of that match against Slovakia, and he had to be pulled with 15 minutes left in the match. This is a desperate Russia squad, and desperation generally doesn't breed success at this level. Go with Wales to get to six points in this group and finish in the Top 2.
Euro 2016 Odds: Wales 2, Russia 0
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The fixture between Russia and Wales is scheduled for Monday, June 20, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. ET at Stadium Municipal in Toulouse. The match will be televised live on ESPN2.
