In the first of four definitive days of Euro 2012 group football, the quarter-finalists will be decided. On Saturday Group A comes to a finale, with Greece taking on Russia and Poland entertaining Czech Republic.

Greece vs Russia

uefa.com

Greece were solid and uncompromising in qualifying, and have certainly shown a determination and dogged approach in the finals so far. Despite this, Fernando Santos’ men are bottom of Group A going into the last game after a 1-1 draw with Poland and 2-1 defeat to Czech Republic.

The Greeks need to beat Russia and hope that Czech Republic and Poland draw to go through to the knockout rounds as pool runner-up on goal difference. Theofanis Gekas is the side’s main attacking weapon, and after netting in the team’s last outing the veteran will look to salvage Greece’s campaign.

Russia have been impressive so far, and possess a raft of exciting attacking players in their starting XI. A 4-1 win over Czech Republic set a precedent for the tournament on the first day, however a 1-1 draw with Poland in their last blunted their momentum slightly.

The nation’s fans have been under scrutiny due to violent clashes with stewards and other supporters, and as such will need to be on their best behavior to avoid serious repercussions. Alan Dzagoev is one of the competition’s leading lights so far, and has netted three times in two games.

Czech Republic vs Poland

Czech Republic salvaged their campaign last time out with a 2-1 win over Greece, after being humbled by Russia on the first day. Michal Bilek’s men have started to rely on younger players coming through the ranks, and Petr Jiracek and Vaclav Pilar netted in their last win.

The eastern European nation are second in the standings before the fixtures, and as such a draw may be good enough to get them through to the quarters, as long as Greece don’t beat Russia.

Poland have drawn both of their fixtures 1-1 so far in the competition, with Robert Lewandowski getting the goal against Greece and Jakub Błaszczykowski scored a stunner against Russia. Franciszek Smuda’s men have played in fits and starts, but to get through to the knockout stages they must improve and play to their best for 90 minutes.

Draws in their first two games have been acceptable results, but Poland now need a win to get through to the next stage. The nation’s fans will cheer them on and with home advantage there is no reason why they can’t get three points and book a quarter-final place.

Two evenly-matched games, with Russia looking very likely to command top spot in Group A. It is therefore a straight shoot-out between Poland and Czech Republic, with it too tight to pick a winner.

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Czech Republic Euro 2012 Greece Poland national team Russia national team