Poland 1 - 1 Russia ( euro 2012 )

Jakub Blaszczykowski's 58th-minute equaliser salvaged a crucial point for co-hosts Poland and scuppered Russia's hopes of becoming the first team to book their place in the Euro 2012 knockout stages as the match finish 1-1.

Watch live football: Russia v Czech Republic Live Euro2012

Group 18:45 +00:00,

 June 8, 2012 

Stadion Miejski (Wroclaw) 

Live streams: Veetle , sopcast , myP2P,

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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