Europop 2008: Group D – Greece v Russia

Greece look for the win which would secure them Group D qualification. Russia came within a whisker of winning against Spain and are looking to better that result. Hear the tracks, vote in the poll, and click below the cut for managerial comment, analysis, match reports and previews. EDIT: The Greek track plays a little too slow in the in-line player – you will need to download it to hear it as intended.

How to vote: Listen to the tracks and just tick the one you liked more. This poll closes on May 12th (next Monday – so you only get 6 days to vote).

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GREECE: Marsheaux – “Promise”

The manager says: “This team mostly play in the Thessalonika Electro Leagues, but I want them playing a simple game tonight – keep things tight and punt it upfield for the chorus. Russia are a strong side and we have to respect them: I know the fans back home are asking for Roussos, but some lads are just <i>too</i> big.”

Our analyst says: Having beaten Sweden with electropop we’re not seeing too many tactical changes for the Greeks here. The team are being asked to play in a direct, English style, and a great deal rests on the front pair having the technique for it, as I can’t see many goals coming from this midfield.

RUSSIA: Zhanna Priske – “Gde-To Leto”

The manager says: “The chorus of this song does sound a bit rude, but as far as I know it’s not. In fact it’s a very cute and jolly, summery-sounding song. Zhanna’s career began in a girl group called Blestyashchie (not quite as catchy as ‘Sugababes’, is it?), which she left in 2003 and subsequently became one of Russia’s biggest pop stars. She’s also an actress, star of the Night Watch film series, the first of which was the highest-grossing Russian release ever. Having read what it’s about, I get the feeling Gde-to Leto probably wasn’t on the soundtrack!”

Our analyst says: Russia are playing a high-tempo game, looking to swamp the midfield as an attacking platform. Their tactics don’t deviate much from a standard Europop blueprint, though, and a lack of flair might punish them.

MATCH REPORT: France 2 Holland 2: Holland’s campaign is on a knife-edge as they let a two-goal lead slip here to give France their second draw of the tournament. Having been put firmly in control by their charismatic striker, Holland found their shaky backline no match for a French side determined to keep their destiny in their own hands. By the end it was the Dutch who were on the back foot and the final whistle may have come as a relief. All eyes will now be on the Italy-Romania match – but both sides will be desperate for a win in their final games.

COMING NEXT: Spain only just scraped a draw against Russia and will be hoping to outclass their fellow Group D underachievers Sweden. On paper the Swedes’ pop pedigree is first-rate but a lot depends on their maverick manager’s team selections. With the papers back home speculating his job could be on the line, there’s an aura of uncertainty around this game which could make for a fascinating match.