The 1-1 draw between Poland and Russia in the last match of the day means that nothing is done and dusted in Group A. Any of the four teams involved could still reach the quarter-finals at Euro 2012.
Russia needed to win to qualify for the next stage of the competition ahead of their last group game. They commenced very well, forcing the Polish to remain alert in defence. Finally, in the 37th minute, the Russians’ energetic moves on the offensive paid off.
They won a free-kick with Andrei Arshavin executed. Alan Dzagoev finished it off in the box with a powerful header to put his team into a deserved lead.
In the second period, Poland’s improved performance in the centre of the field disrupted Russia’s swift play. It did not take too long for the Euro 2012 co-hosts to reply. Three minutes before the hour mark, J. Blaszczykowski fired a spectacular bullet in Russia’s net.
The home crowd instantly came alive. That strike – arguably the best in the tournament so far – was a pure blend of power and precision from Blaszczykowski.
From there, Poland multiplied their attacks as they gained confidence. However, in spite of all their efforts, they failed to find a winning goal. The Russians also had a few chances to claim victory in the last moments of the match but lack of efficiency cost them.
Mathematically, Dick Advocaat’s men are in pole position to qualify for the Last 8. However, everything is quite open. The body language of Poland’s players at the final whistle seemed to show that confidence now reigns in the team.
The final round of matches in Group A will decide everything. As of now, Russia are on top with 4 points. The Czechs, having bounced back from their first defeat with a 2-1 win over Greece on Tuesday, are behind with 3 points. Poland have 2 points from two consecutive draws while the Greeks occupy the bottom of the table with a single point from a possible 6.
Poland vs Czech Republic and Russia vs Greece could spring surprises. It would be a huge disappointment for Dick Advocaat’s men to crash out after kicking off their campaign on such a bright note against the Czechs. The Greeks must win or exit the tournament while a draw would see Russia through.
Poland’s situation is slightly different. They could qualify with a draw since the Czechs have a negative goal difference; that is if Greece fail to beat Russia.
They won a free-kick with Andrei Arshavin executed. Alan Dzagoev finished it off in the box with a powerful header to put his team into a deserved lead.
In the second period, Poland’s improved performance in the centre of the field disrupted Russia’s swift play. It did not take too long for the Euro 2012 co-hosts to reply. Three minutes before the hour mark, J. Blaszczykowski fired a spectacular bullet in Russia’s net.
The home crowd instantly came alive. That strike – arguably the best in the tournament so far – was a pure blend of power and precision from Blaszczykowski.
From there, Poland multiplied their attacks as they gained confidence. However, in spite of all their efforts, they failed to find a winning goal. The Russians also had a few chances to claim victory in the last moments of the match but lack of efficiency cost them.
Mathematically, Dick Advocaat’s men are in pole position to qualify for the Last 8. However, everything is quite open. The body language of Poland’s players at the final whistle seemed to show that confidence now reigns in the team.
The final round of matches in Group A will decide everything. As of now, Russia are on top with 4 points. The Czechs, having bounced back from their first defeat with a 2-1 win over Greece on Tuesday, are behind with 3 points. Poland have 2 points from two consecutive draws while the Greeks occupy the bottom of the table with a single point from a possible 6.
Poland vs Czech Republic and Russia vs Greece could spring surprises. It would be a huge disappointment for Dick Advocaat’s men to crash out after kicking off their campaign on such a bright note against the Czechs. The Greeks must win or exit the tournament while a draw would see Russia through.
Poland’s situation is slightly different. They could qualify with a draw since the Czechs have a negative goal difference; that is if Greece fail to beat Russia.
