Russia expected to secure UEFA Euro 2012 quarter-finals tickets
Before the commencement of Euro 2012, Russia were tagged as Group A favourites. At the admiration of the public, they did not crumble under pressure in their first match.
They finished off the Czech Republic with 4 goals. Even the disappointing performance of key player Alexander Kerzhakov did not punish the entire team; Alan Dzagoev shined at Russia’s rescue.
In fact, coach Dick Advocaat has an homogenous squad led by skipper Andrei Arshavin. The Russians are fierce on the pitch. Like they showed against the Czechs, they have a great attacking flair which forces opponents to defend or accept a straightforward loss.
Poland’s assistant manager, Hubert Malowiejski, believes that if Russia play so well it is because “their best players are playing in Zenit [St Petersburg] and CSKA [Moscow] and they know each other well, so that is their main strength.”
On Tuesday, the Russians will try to finish what they started last Friday as last 8 tickets are at stake.
Poland ready to go one better than on June 8
However, Poland have vowed to bring flying Russia back to planet Earth. Defender Lukasz Piszczek was in confident mood in an interview with the press over the weekend.
“Russia has a lot of experience and they are the favourites in this game. But we have the fans behind us and we want to win this match.”
The pressure will be on Przemyslaw Tyton to pull out yet another impressive performance in post. The goalkeeper replaced first-choice shot-stopper Szczesny after the latter was shown a straight red card against Greece.
Tyton spectacularly saved Poland from losing the match by punching Karagounis’ penalty kick. More of the same will be required from the Polish keeper against Russia.
Meanwhile, the intelligence of Poland’s coaching staff will be put to the test. What have they learnt from the Czech Republic’s terrible 4-1 defeat against Dick Advocaat’s men?
“We have no fear, we will be tactically prepared for this match. They [Russia] will not surprise us,” assistant coach Hubert Malowiejski insisted while speaking to reporters last week.
Russia are on an unbeaten 15-game streak while Poland are yet to taste their first ever victory in a European Championship tournament. Tuesday would be the perfect moment for the Polish to find their breakthrough in front of roaring home fans.
