U21 European Championships - Serbia vs. Sweden

The match between host nation Sweden and tournament favourites Serbia sets up a showdown for a spot in the semis. Serbia opened their tournament with a scoreless draw with Italy and after that they missed an opportunity against Belarus to improve their standings. Now it is down to the wire for the Serbians and they must win this match if they are to advance into the semis. Meanwhile, Sweden got off to a flying start against Belarus, drumming them 5:1 in their opening match. Their campaign was setback when they lost to Italy. However, they are much closer to a spot in the semis, needing only one point to go to the next round. Given the two realities that are converging in this matchup, the online soccer betting market is tight, making this the most dramatic affair of this stage of the tournament.

Soccer Betting Line:

Serbia pk -105 +165 2 O -130 U Ev Draw +200

Sweden pk -125 +150 2 O -130 U Ev Draw +200

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday June 23 2009

Serbia punching below their weight class

At the start of the tournament, Serbia was considered one of the favourites but after two disappointing matches they are in danger of being eliminated. Serbia have punched below their weight class. Against Italy, it was expected that they will face a tough battle, but against Belarus, were expected to have an easier job of it. They should have danced circles around them and not succumbed to a scoreless draw. Missed opportunities haunt them now. They have one last chance but it comes against the host nation, Sweden, who are in a better position to go to the next round than they are.

Sweden punching above their weight class

Because Sweden is the host nation of the tournament they did not have to qualify for the tournament. So coming into this event they were a little unknown. However, they took their chances when they came. They beat Belarus soundly to take the three points. Italy were always going to be tougher to beat so the loss was not surprising; however, they had a chance when Italy went down a man – so maybe there was a missed opportunity of sorts. Notwithstanding, Sweden need a draw or a win to go through.

Soccer Betting Verdict: The market favours Sweden marginally over Serbia for the win and for the most part, I would agree with the soccer betting line. The Swedes showed quality in their opener – albeit against a lesser nation. They were outplayed by Italy but that was to be expected given Italy’s championship pedigree . Home edge will be a huge factor in favour of the Swedes as will their solid backline. Serbia will have a hard time to score. Moreover, they haven’t scored yet – settling for back-to-back scoreless draws. Serbia have not cut it in the U21 Euro Championships. They have been a disappointment. If there is a side that has the quality to bounce back Serbia would be that side so there is some value in their listed price of +165. However, methinks it is too little too late. Sweden is within striking distance and they will fight for the spot.

Soccer Betting Picks: Sweden +150 | Under 2.5 goals Even