Poland vs. Russia Preview

Co-hosts Poland take on big rivals Russia in Warsaw on Tuesday June 12 looking to build upon their opening day draw against Greece. It could have been so much more for Franciszek Smuda’s side after starting the game so well, however they were unable to capitalise a one man advantage when a goal to the good courtesy of star man Robert Lewandowski’s first half header.

And things went from bad to worse for the Poles in the second period when keeper Wojciech Scziecny was dismissed for a blatant foul in the penalty area.

Fortunately for Poland, veteran Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis fluffed his lines from the spot and the spoils were shared at the final whistle –a slightly disappointing result but one which ensured that Poland are still in the hunt for the last eight nonetheless.

A far stiffer test lies just around the corner however for Poland who will not relish the proposition of a Russian side in flying form.

Dick Advocaat’s charges arrived at the tournament brimming with confidence following a superb recent 3-0 win over Italy and they fully justified their tag as championship dark horses against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw. Ruthlessly efficient on the counter-attack, Russia sauntered to a consummate 4-1 success which certainly made the rest of Europe sit up and take note.

Although lone-striker Aleksandr Kerzakhov missed a plethora of chances in front of goal, attacking midfielders Andriy Arshavin and Alan Dzagoev stepped up to the plate – the latter netting a brace either side of a goal from Roman Shirokov whilst Roman Pavlyuchenko added a fourth after coming off the bench. And most of all, Russia gave the impression that there is a lot more still to come.

That definitely spells bad news for a rather limited Poland outfit however they are in with a shout due to being the home team and will fancy their chances of frustrating the opposition.

It would be no surprise to witness a bore draw in this contest as Poland are likely to pack the midfield and leave Lewandowski roaming as a lone striker, hoping to grab something late in the game or from a set piece.

And Russia would perhaps be satisfied to consolidate their fine result over the Czech’s with a solid stalemate in Warsaw.

But in terms of the betting, it is hard to get away from the generous odds against being offered about the group leaders who can all but qualify for the quarter-finals with another victory.

Russia are a best priced 13/10 to make it two wins out of two and that has to rate as an attractive punt considering that Poland may even be slightly weaker and less resourceful up front than the Czech’s who did give Russia a thing or two to worry about at the start of the second half in Wroclaw.

Expect Messrs Arshavin and Dzagoev to pull the strings again for Russia in the middle of the field, whilst Pavlyuchenko is likely to get the nod over Kerzakhov after the Zenit striker’s horror show on match day one.

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10/06/2012     © Frixo 2026