Group
18:45 +00:00,
June 8, 2012
Stadion Miejski (Wroclaw)
PREVIEW:
In arguably the most open of the groups at Euro 2012, Russia and
Czech Republic kick-off their campaigns at Wroclaw's Municipal Stadium
on Friday evening aware of the value of a positive first result.
Group A consists of co-hosts Poland, who open the tournament
against Greece, and also the Russians and Czechs, both of whom will
fancy their chances of reaching the knockout phase of the competition.Russia
impressed at the European Championship four years ago in Austria and
Switzerland, emerging as the neutrals' favourites, as they reached the
semi-finals only to be defeated by eventual winners Spain.Dick
Advocaat's side were strong during qualification for this year's edition
of the tournament after finishing top of their group, losing just one
of their ten matches, while their recent 3-0 scalp of Italy in their
final warm-up match will have boosted confidence.Czech Republic,
meanwhile, finished second in qualifying behind Spain, ultimately
reaching Euro 2012 via a play-off scrap with Montenegro, while their
preparations for Euro 2012 have been mixed, with a 2-1 loss versus
Hungary following a 2-1 defeat of Israel.There is history between
these two countries at European Championship, having met twice before -
when including games played as Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia. The
Soviet Union defeated the Czechs 3-0 in the semi-finals in 1960 on their
way to the title, while they played out a 3-3 draw in the group stages
of Euro '96.
Russia player to watch: Alan Dzagoev.Tipped
by many to sparkle at Euro 2012, the pressure is on the 21-year-old to
fulfil his undoubted potential. An attacking midfielder, Dzagoev's
creative eye will likely be key to Russia's hopes, having demonstrated
as much for his club CSKA Moscow - where he has already tallied over 100
appearances. He struck four goals in eight qualifying matches for the
Russians, reiterating his importance.
Czech Republic player to watch: Tomas Rosicky.Czech
manager Michal Bilek may well be sweating on the fitness of Rosicky,
such is the captain's worth to the team. The midfielder, whose excellent
form earned him a new Arsenal contract last season, has been struggling
with a calf problem but did return to full training this week. "He had
no problems, no troubles," said Bilek, although there are question marks
over match sharpness as Rosicky has not represented his country since
November.
Key battle: Aleksandr Kerzhakov v Petr Cech.Kerzhakov
faces competition for a starting berth up front for the Russians, but a
late run of goalscoring form has potentially propelled him up the
pecking order after two goals in his last three friendly match
appearances. A sharp striker, Kerzhakov's off-the-ball movement could be
troublesome, and, ultimately, Cech will need to be wary. After
prolonged question marks over the Chelsea goalkeeper's form, amid
suggestions he was on the wane, Cech enjoyed a fine end to the 2011-12
campaign - momentum he will look to carry into this summer's
international competition.
Trivia: The Czech Republic have never missed a penalty at European Championship finals.
Stats:
Six of the Czechs' 15 goals in qualifying came from defenders: more
than any other side in the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.
Odds: Russia (2.20), draw (3.20) and Czech Republic (3.50) are available at
bet365, while Aleksandr Kerzhakov to score the last goal comes in at 6.50.
Prediction:
The opening round of matches at tournaments tend to be cagey affairs,
as teams are nervous of an early dent to their hopes. Expect Russia to
edge this one, with Andrey Arshavin perhaps pinching a late victory.
Source: ESPN
