Czechs back in the mix as group leaders draw

uefa.com

The Czech Republic, playing just 60 miles from their own border in Wroclaw, overcame Greece 2-1 to move into second spot in Group A on Tuesday night, whilst leaders Russia were pegged back by Poland.

It took just three minutes for the Czechs to start putting their previous thumping to rights. After a great pass from Tomas Hubschman, Petr Jiracek was clear of the defence and fired a low shot into the corner.

The usually-solid Greeks went from bad to worse three minutes later, as Theodor Gebre Selassie was allowed to work his way to the by-line on the right and drive a low cross into the box. Vaclav Pilar, who netted the solitary goal for his side against Russia, showed more desire than two Greece defenders and poked home from close range.

As the half wore on Pilar remained a threat with strong runs from midfield into the channels and the 23-year-old epitomized a comprehensively better Czech Republic. With Michal Bilek’s side dominating, the Greeks resorted to playacting and French referee Stephane Lannoy began to lose control, booking players from both teams at will. He also drew further attention to himself by falling over much to the delight of the crowd.

Greece improved slightly and Fotakis had the ball in the net five minutes before half-time, only for the linesman to rule offside when the midfielder looked level.

Fernando Santos’ men looked full of intent after the break and they did not need to wait long for their lifeline, although it came from a surprising source. The normally commanding Petr Cech spilled a routine ball into the box, leaving substitute Theofanis Gekas with the simplest of finishes.

Suddenly we were seeing the Czech team that capitulated against Russia and as the half wore on Greece began to dominate, attacking with their much preferred method of crossing into the box. To their credit though the Czechs steadied their nerves and stood up well under the bombardment. Greece were unable to create a single chance and the game petered out into what was overall a deserved three points for the Michal Bilek’s men.

Meanwhile in the capital Warsaw, trouble involving Russian and Polish fans brought another negative incident to the tournament with police making over 100 arrests pre-game. When the football finally got under way the home side came flying out of the blocks, playing with real intensity after being pegged back in their opener against Greece.

The early domination came to nothing though, and it was the great Russian hope Alan Dzagoev who broke the deadlock. The CSKA Moscow man netted his third goal of the competition by glancing home a curling free kick from Andrei Arshavin. Russia finished the half on top and had begun to look as sharp as they had done against the Czechs.

Coach Franciszek Smuda fired the home side up again at the interval and this time they got the breakthrough with captain Jakub Blaszczykowski belting in a left-footed screamer after cutting in from the right just before the hour mark.

Both sides had chances to grab the three points but in the end the game ended 1-1. A fair result in a contest played between two rivals in an electric atmosphere.

The result means only a win in their final game against the Czechs, who also need three points to guarantee progress, will see the home side qualify for the quarter-finals. Dick Advocaat meanwhile knows a draw will be enough against Greece although Russia will be looking to continue their fine goal-scoring form. Currently bottom of the pile Greece, must win against Russia to have any chance of making it through.

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Czech Republic Euro 2012 Greece Poland national team Russia national team