June 8, 2012 7:45 PM BST
Stadion Miejski — Wrocław
Referee: H. Webb
Team News
Russia
Sporting Lisbon's Marat Izmailov was the only slight injury concern
coming into the tournament but he is back in full training and will vie
for a starting berth with youngster Alan Dzagoev, alongside captain
Arshavin.
The more mobile option of Alexander Kerzhakov looks favoured over Pavlyuchenko and Pogrebnyak up front.
The only other position that may be up for grabs is a place between the
posts, with Akinfeev hoping to stave off competition from Malafeev
despite training separately from the group with a knee problem over the
weekend.
Czech Republic
The Czech's will be relieved that playmaker Tomas Rosicky has overcome
any injury concerns prior to the tournament to be in contention and he
should start in behind the striker as he did in the last half of the
season to great effect with Arsenal.
Striker Milan Baros, however, does have a muscular problem and underwent
a scan on Wednesday as a precaution, with the likes of Necid and
Pekhart in reserve.
Other key players will include experienced internationals such as Cech,
Kadlec and Plasil, with the winger spots potentially the only ones up
for grabs.
Probable Lineups
Russia (4-3-2-1) : Akinfeev, Zhirkov, Ignashevich, Berezutsky, Anyukov, Shirokov, Denisov, Zyrianov, Arshavin, Dzagoev, Kerzhakov.
Czech Rep. (4-2-3-1) : Cech, Selassie, Hubnik, Sivok, Kadlec, Plasil, Hubschmann, Petrzela, Rosicky, Rezek, Baros.
Match Facts
Russia have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 matches in EURO Cup.
Czech Republic have won their last 3 matches in EURO Cup.
Russia are undefeated in their last 8 matches in EURO Cup.
Prediction
Russia will probably go into what is undoubtedly seen as the weakest
group at the tournament as the favourites to progress, though every game
is likely to be extremely tight, with this one no different.
Both of these teams are very experienced at this level, and both
managers will be looking to their creators in attacking midfield to
spark some magic that could decide this game.
As is customary on the opening day of such a big tournament, the match
could be an edgy encounter at first and will be decided by the team that
settle into their style of play the quickest, and Russia will hope to
impose themselves on the group with a win here.
Russia 2 - 1 Czech Republic
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