For online soccer betting fans, the Spanish are the better team on paper but the Russians proved against the Netherlands that they won’t go away no matter who they face. In group play, the Spanish dominated Russia but the Russians were without Andrei Arshavin. How good is Arshavin? He pretty much single-handedly dominated the Netherlands this past weekend. His pin-point passing is second to none. He might be the best ball-handler in this tournament. After watching the joyous dismantling of free scoring Holland, it’s difficult to believe that Hiddink’s side were taken apart by Spain in their opening match. Will revenge be tasted on another hot night of Euro action? Andrei Arshavin’s return from suspension lit the Russian flame, but can he produce more football magic and reduce the Spanish challenge to ashes?

Here are the BetUS online sportsbook betting soccer odds for this match:

Spain - ½ + 105 + 105 O 2 - 130 O 1 ½ + 135

U 1 ½ - 165

Russia + ½ - 125 + 265 U 2 + 110 O ½ - 180

U ½ + 150

Draw + 230

According to the BetUS online sportsbook wagering lines above, the Spanish are a favorite in this match. They should be. They have a very solid team and are managed well by Luis Aragones. But things have changed in their game recently. I don’t know why but the Spanish haven’t been nearly as aggressive as they were in group play. Perhaps, the goal is to make it to the championship round where they will once again push the ball forward with abandon.

A penalty shoot-out win, after a dour draw in sultry Vienna, has shown Spain a chink of light at the end of a forty-four year old tunnel. Could this be the year of the Red Fury? The Spanish conquistadors defeated Russia as they took the European title way back in 1964. Can they do it again? Still, the signs are not good for the Spanish in this match. This will be Andrei Arshavin’s second game back. Again, he will probably be the most talented ball-handler on the pitch come game-time.

That makes the Russians a very good online wager to upset the Spanish at the fantastic odds of + 265. This game may not need to go into extra time. I’ll take the Russians at those unbelievably generous soccer online odds of + 265. Why not? Greece won Euro 2004. The Russians could win Euro 2008.

Checkout all Euro 2008 odds.