Friday June 8, 2012 Group Stage: Group A Finished Stadion Miejski

Russia 4 - 1 Czech Republic

  • Dzagoev 15’, 79’
  • Shirokov 24’
  • Pavlyuchenko 82’
  • Pilar 52’

79 comments | Write your comment

  1. Dzagoev inspires Russia rout of Czechs

    Dzagoev inspires Russia rout of Czechs

    Alan Dzagoev scored twice as Russia justified their billing as Group A favourites with a 4-1 dismantling of the Czech Repubic in Wroclaw. More

  • Live Commentary

    Time:90'
    • Russia
    • Czech Republic
    • 90+2' Petrzela scores for Czech Republic, but he is offside. The final whistle goes. A 4-1 win for Russia. Fine start to the tournament for them.
    • 89' We are into two minutes of time added on.
    • 88' At 21, Alan Dzagoev is the second youngest player to score a brace at the Euros after Wayne Rooney - two at 18 years old.
    • 87' That Czech defence has lacked any sort of cohesion. Awful, awful stuff.
    • 86' Kokorin turns inside Kadlec, but ends up driving the shot straight at Cech.
    • 85' David Lafata comes on and off goes Baros for the Czechs.
    • 84' Kokorin arrives to replace Dzagoev. He is making his debut this evening for Russia.
    • 83' Rosicky whacks a shot into the arms of Malafeev. Good hit, but straight at the goalkeeper.
    • 82' Have been a lot better than the Czechs, who look to be playing for second place in this group with Poland and Greece.
    • 81' GOAL! Pavlyuchenko drills home the fourth goal from just inside the box. A stunning strike as Russia lead 4-1. A lot more like it from Russia.
    • 80' Kerzhakov is the first ever player to have seven shots off target in a single game at the Euros - 1980-2012.
    • 79' Offside flag goes up against Pilar. All looking a bit forlorn now for the Czechs.
    • 78' Pavlyuchenko plays provider with a lovely little pass into Dzagoev and the finish was utterly convincing.
    • 77' GOAL! Dzagoev scores for Russia. A blistering shot. No chance for Cech. Surely all over now. A 3-1 lead.
    • 76' Zhirkov smashes the ball at goal. Shot deflects behind the goal for a corner-kick to Russia.
    • 75' All very mild weather in Poland as Jiracek departs to be replaced by Petrzela for the Czechs.
    • 74' Malafeev gets down quickly to save from Rosicky. Gets a spot of luck with the ball coming back into his palms.
    • 73' Pavlyuchenko now with Lokomotiv Moscow after his spell at Tottenham in the Premier League. Not a bad figure to bring on.
    • 72' Kerzhakov departs to be replaced by Roman Pavlyuchenko.
    • 71' Selassie goes for goal with an audacious attempt at a volley. Just pulls it over the bar, but not a bad hit.
    • 70' Looks like Russia coach Dick Advocaat has seen enough of Kerzhakov. He wants his subs to get warmed up.
    • 69' Kerzhakov leaves Kadlec for dead. Takes a look at goal before smashing the shot miles wide. Truly awful finish from Kerzhakov.
    • 68' Hubnik decides to join the party from deep. A strong, surging run but no end product to the run. Ball back with Cech in the Czech area.
    • 67' Kerzhakov takes on Hubnik before drilling a shot miles wide of goal. Kerzhakov not exactly covering himself in glory.
    • 66' The Czechs somehow still in this match after being threatened to be cut open in the first period. The Czechs rewarded for their persistence.
    • 65' Dzagoev's cross is cut out by Kadlec. Better play from the Czech Republic left-back.
    • 64' Shirokov dinks the ball into the middle only for Sivok to rise to head clear. Russia piling on the pressure.
    • 63' Kerzhakov drags a shot wide of goal after being played in by Arshavin. What a miss that is! Awful stuff really. Should have at least hit the target.
    • 62' Pilar dances to the edge of the Russian box, but unloads a shot straight at a red shirt.
    • 61' Zyryanov sees the whites of Cech's eyes. Smashes the shot at goal, but wide of the target.
    • 60' Kerzhakov races into the Czech area, but Sivok does well to stick to his man and gets the luck of the draw as it comes back off Kerzhakov for a goalkick to his side.
    • 59' Selassie brings down Zhirkov with a late challenge.
    • 58' The real danger for the Czechs is being exposed to these breaks from Russia. The speed of the Russians is a clear and present danger.
    • 57' Rosicky drives at the Russian defence, but the move breaks down as Russia look to break.
    • 56' Pilar takes out Anyukov with a late challenge. Russia try to steady themselves as an offisde flag goes up against Arshavin.
    • 55' Czechs in the white shirts looking hungry to get on the ball. Cech does well to clear the ball after Sivok almost gave away a corner.
    • 54' Rosicky dinks the ball into the middle, but Malafeev comes off this line to collect. Czech fans roaring their side on.
    • 53' Dzagoev tries a little through ball, but Kadlec wallops the ball clear. Czechs looking a whole lot hungrier.
    • 52' Suddenly this game is back on as Michael Bilek pumps his arms in celebration. A 2-1 lead for Russia.
    • 51' GOAL! Pilar scores for Czech Republic. Superb run from Plasil's ball. Rounds Malafeev and slips the ball into the net. Game back on.
    • 50' Kerzhakov thumps an effort well wide of goal from inside the box. Slashed at that a bit, but more space in the box.
    • 49' Arshavin scurries down a flank. Feeds Kerzhakov, who stumbles in the key moment. The Czechs leaving so much room at the back.
    • 48' Plenty of Czechs warming up on the side of the pitch. They look busier than the men on the park. Russia again collecting the ball.
    • 47' One change for the Czechs in this half as Hubschmann replaces Rezek.
    • 46' We are off and running in the second half. Work to be done for the Czechs in this half.
    • 45+2' There goes the whistle for the break. A 2-0 lead for Russia. Well in control of this Group A encounter.
    • 44' We are into two minutes of time added on.
    • 43' Jiracek decides to try his luck from distance, but the shot is high and handsome.
    • 42' Kerzhakov runs at Kadlec. Czechs looking nervy at the back before Cech thumps it away from his goal.
    • 41' Plasil's cross ball flies across goal, but again no takers on hand to convert.
    • 40' Kerzhakov brought down by Plasil. Czechs try to break without too much joy as Russia race back to get numbers behind the ball.
    • 39' The state of the pitch has certainly favoured Russia this evening. Wet and fast moving. Malafeev taking his time with the ball in his goal.
    • 38' Pilar comes up with a decent looking run, but a poor return pass from him looking for Jirecek. Sums up the first period for the Czechs.
    • 37' The first Mexican wave of the tournament begins. Russia continue to break almost at will. The Czechs have to hang in there at the moment.
    • 36' Russia look strong favourites to top Group A having watched Poland and Greece earlier today. No doubt about that.
    • 35' Plasil nudges the ball on for Rezek, who is just offside.
    • 34' Selassie rises to head the ball out of play. Russia going from side to side with long and short balls. Tremendous variation in their play.
    • 33' Pilar tries to go beyong Anyukov, but just overdoes the run as the ball flies out of play.
    • 32' Kadlec limping after that chance. Czechs can't keep the ball for longer than two passes. A long, long night for them and we are only in the opening 33 minutes.
    • 31' Another chance for Russia as Kerzhakov lifts the ball over the bar. Should be 3-0 to Russia. Utterly dominant.
    • 30' Baros just fails to get on the end of a ball into the middle as Malafeev collects the cross.
    • 29' Czech Republic won all three of their group games at Euro 2004 despite conceding the first goal in each match.
    • 28' Arshavin wallops a ball across the face of goal. Evades Cech and the rest of the Russian team. All Russia now.
    • 27' Kerzhakov seemed to be fouled in the area under pressure. A lot of whistles and a few appeals, but Howard Webb says no. Czechs living on the edge here.
    • 26' Kadlec prods the ball at goal under pressure, but easy for Malafeev to dive and make the stop.
    • 25' The Little General Dick Advocaat off his line celebrating that moment. All going Russia's way.
    • 24' His seventh international goal after netting five goals in the Champions League for Zenit St Petersburg. Plasil penalised for giving the ball away in the middle of the park.
    • 23' GOAL! Shirokov chips the ball over Cech and Russia have a 2-0 lead. Lovely sweeping move from Arshavin's pass. Russia pulling away here.
    • 22' Rezek heads the ball across goal from Plasil's corner, but straight into the waiting arms of Malafeev. Decent by the Czechs.
    • 21' Pilar knocks the ball to the back post, but sensible defending by Zhirkov to head behind his own goal for a corner.
    • 20' Hubnik has his pocket picked by Zyryanov in the middle of the park. Russia have come to life since that opening goal.
    • 19' Czechs well and truly sliced opened there. This is going to be a long night unless they get their house in order at the back.
    • 18' Dzagoev slams a shot wide of goal. Awful finish from Kerzhakov's pass. Poor, poor finish. Should be a 2-0 lead for Russia.
    • 17' Russia looking utterly relaxed. Composed and assured as they begin to keep the ball. Showing glimpses of the form that carried them to the last four of Euro 2008.
    • 16' A breathless start to the match then. Czechs have opened the match well, but find themselves a goal behind.
    • 15' Referee Howard Webb forced to halt the match after a flare comes on the pitch. Zyryanov also involved in the build-up to that opening goal.
    • 14' GOAL! Dzagoev slams the ball home for Russia after Kerzhakov had hit the post with a header. Czechs cut open and Russia have the lead here.
    • 13' Arshavin showing some lovely footwork to play provider for Kerzhakov, but he slips the effort just wide. Superb move from Russia.
    • 12' Denisov flicks on the cross from Arshavin. Rezek bumps Berezutsky in the area. Was a bit clumsy there.
    • 11' Arshavin's cross deflects off Selassie before falling behind for a corner.
    • 10' Interesting to note that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Czech President Vaclav Klaus will not attend this match.
    • 9' Rezek keeps the ball alive by hammering a cross into the box, but nobody following in for the Czechs.
    • 8' Berezutsky forced to head clear moments later. Czechs certainly looking the busier lot. Taking the game to the Russians at every opportunity. Decent play by Jiracek.
    • 7' Dzagoev picks the ball up. Looking for Kerzhakov, but overcooks the pass. Russia starting with a 4-3-3 formation out there this evening.
    • 6' Appeals for a penalty against Berezutsky moments ago when it seemed to tickle his arm, but the referee was right to wave play on. Never intentional.
    • 5' Hubnik nods a header over the bar from Plasil's delivery. No control over the header and Russia have some respite.
    • 4' Berezutsky brings down Rezek and the Czechs have a free-kick from 35 yards out here.
    • 3' Early corner for the Czechs. Decent delivery from Plasil but no takers before Malafeev is out to punch clear another corner from the other side by Rosicky.
    • 2' Plasil attempts to float a ball into the middle looking for Baros, but Malafeev is off his line to collect. First touch of the finals for him.
    • 1' We are off and running in the second match of these Euro 2012 finals.
    • 19.40 The Czechs will also play Greece and tournament co-hosts Poland in Wroclaw's Municipal Stadium where coach Michal Bilek expects a big boost from the potential tens of thousands of supporters who could pour into the city. "It really is an advantage," Bilek said of the location just about an hour from the border with Poland. "We will expect a big, big crowd of supporters." Officials say Czechs snapped up all 9,000 of the tickets available to the country's football association.
    • 19.35 The Czechs will feel right at home when they face Russia as thousands of their fans make the short trip to Wroclaw to roar on the team in their opening Euro 2012 game. Unlike many supporters from nations like England or Spain who have opted to stay home due to cost and other worries, Czechs are finding it easy to hop on a train or drive to Wroclaw.
    • 19.30 Russia defender Alexander Anyukov has shook off a slight niggle to make the match on what will be a rain-swept pitch. In case you fancy a bet, Russia are 13/10, Czech Republic 12/5 and the draw is 21/10.
    • 19.25 Here is how the opening match of the tournament worked out earlier today in Warsaw. Two see red as Greece hold Poland
    • 19:20 Former Liverpool striker Milan Baros starts for the Czechs after shaking off an injury. Tomas Rosicky was also mildly doubtful, but he's in the XI too.
    • 19:15 There were no new fitness worries for Russia, and this is represented in a first-choice XI; Malafeyev continues in place of Akinfeev in goal, while Roman Pavlyuchenko and Pavel Pogrebniak are left on the bench with Andrei Arshavin and Alexander Kerzhakov preferred.
    • 19:10 TEAMS - Russia: Vlacheslav Malafeyev, Alexander Anyukov, Alexei Berezutsky, Sergei Ignashevich, Yuri Zhirkov, Roman Shirokov, Igor Denisov, Konstantin Zyryanov, Alan Dzagoyev, Alexander Kerzhakov, Andrei Arshavin /// Czech Republic: Petr Cech, Theodor Gebre Selassie, Roman Hubnik, Tomas Sivok, Michal Kadlec, Jaroslav Plasil, Petr Jiracek, Vaclav Pilar, Tomas Rosicky, Jan Rezek, Milan Baros
    • 19:05 FACT: Six of the Czech’s 15 goals in qualifying came from defenders; more than any other side in the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.
    • 19:00 FACT: Overall, Czech Republic have only won two of 13 internationals against Russia (D5 L6). Russia, meanwhile, have won three of their last four European Championship group stage games.
    • 18:55 FACT: These sides have met twice before in European Championships (including games played as Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia). The Soviet Union defeated the Czechs 3-0 in the semi-final in 1960, while the sides played out a 3-3 draw in the group stages of Euro 96.
    • 18:50 MATCH ODDS: Russia 7/5, Czech Republic 9/4, Draw 21/10
    • 18:45 Michal Bilek (Czech Republic): "It's always important to start well. We hope to succeed in this match. I believe the team is well-prepared and the current relaxed state of the squad will be important. Maybe we have our toughest opponent in the first match, the favourite in our group, Russia, who won their last friendly against Italy 3-0. That creates huge respect, but I believe in my team, and believe we will succeed in this match."
    • 18:45 Dick Advocaat (Russia): "We have a good team, we have the quality, and it is very important that the players start believing in that. So, yes, if we have the form and everything is going the right way, we have a very dangerous team. [Andrei Arshavin] is a crucial player for us, but he still has to improve his game. He did not play [much] at Arsenal, so I was very happy he went back to Zenit and started getting his form back. Arshavin is a player of moments - he can score out of nothing."
    • - Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the second Euro 2012 match of these finals, as Russia face Czech Republic in Wroclaw. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

  • Summary

    • 81' GOAL! Pavlyuchenko drills home the fourth goal from just inside the box. A stunning strike as Russia lead 4-1. A lot more like it from Russia.
    • 77' GOAL! Dzagoev scores for Russia. A blistering shot. No chance for Cech. Surely all over now. A 3-1 lead.
    • 69' Kerzhakov leaves Kadlec for dead. Takes a look at goal before smashing the shot miles wide. Truly awful finish from Kerzhakov.
    • 63' Kerzhakov drags a shot wide of goal after being played in by Arshavin. What a miss that is! Awful stuff really. Should have at least hit the target.
    • 51' GOAL! Pilar scores for Czech Republic. Superb run from Plasil's ball. Rounds Malafeev and slips the ball into the net. Game back on.
    • 31' Another chance for Russia as Kerzhakov lifts the ball over the bar. Should be 3-0 to Russia. Utterly dominant.
    • 23' GOAL! Shirokov chips the ball over Cech and Russia have a 2-0 lead. Lovely sweeping move from Arshavin's pass. Russia pulling away here.
    • 18' Dzagoev slams a shot wide of goal. Awful finish from Kerzhakov's pass. Poor, poor finish. Should be a 2-0 lead for Russia.
    • 14' GOAL! Dzagoev slams the ball home for Russia after Kerzhakov had hit the post with a header. Czechs cut open and Russia have the lead here.
    • 13' Arshavin showing some lovely footwork to play provider for Kerzhakov, but he slips the effort just wide. Superb move from Russia.
    • 19:10 TEAMS - Russia: Vlacheslav Malafeyev, Alexander Anyukov, Alexei Berezutsky, Sergei Ignashevich, Yuri Zhirkov, Roman Shirokov, Igor Denisov, Konstantin Zyryanov, Alan Dzagoyev, Alexander Kerzhakov, Andrei Arshavin /// Czech Republic: Petr Cech, Theodor Gebre Selassie, Roman Hubnik, Tomas Sivok, Michal Kadlec, Jaroslav Plasil, Petr Jiracek, Vaclav Pilar, Tomas Rosicky, Jan Rezek, Milan Baros

Team Line-up & Ratings

  • Line-up

    Live Team Line-Up

  • Rate Players

    Rate Players

    Please to rate the players.

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    • Player Y! Users Expert My Rating
      Goalkeeper
      7.3 7
      Defenders
      6.6 7
      7 7
      6.9 7
      7.2 7
      Midfielders
      6.7 7
      Goal 7.8 7
      6.8 6
      Strikers
      Goals ×2 Substitution Out85′ 8.5 8
      8.1 6
      Substitution Out73′ 6.5 4
      Subs
      Substitution In85′ 6.7 6
      Substitution In73′ Goal 9.1 7
    • Player Y! Users Expert My Rating
      Goalkeeper
      6 5
      Defenders
      4.6 6
      4.7 5
      4.2 5
      4.9 5
      Midfielders
      5.1 6
      Substitution Out76′ 5.4 5
      Substitution Out45′ 4.5 5
      6.5 5
      Goal 6.5 6
      Strikers
      Substitution Out85′ 5.1 5
      Subs
      Substitution In45′ 3.8 5
      Substitution In76′ 4.2 6
      Substitution In85′ 3.5 6

Comment 59 - 79 of 79

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  1. A clean game enjoyed by most who saw and who watched.­ We need more of such in Euro 2012 !

    From Nnamezie, on Sat 9 Jun 21:24

  2. ...... and a good example of how a game should be­ refereed - stay in the background, let the players get­ on with it and ignore amateur dramatics. Well done­ Howard Webb and his team,

    From Marx, on Sat 9 Jun 15:57

  3. As a Scotland supporter, I was so pleased to see those­ cheating Czechs get truly stuffed. Let's face it,­ they were only there last night because of Rezek's­ blatant dive in the box for a penalty at Hampden!­ They're undoubtedly a skillful side, so it's a­ shame that they had to cheat in the way they did. ­ The Russians were absolutely brilliant to watch,­ though, and you can see why they beat the Italians so­ well away from home the other week. Arshavin was pure­ class last night and Russia would have won by a whole­ lot more if Kerzhakov hadn't been on the pitch ...­ he couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo!!! Five­ shots he had at goal and not one of them was anywhere­ near testing the goalie! If Russia keep playing like­ they did here then I fancy them to be in the shake up­ at the end. Semifinals at least. The Czechs will­ probably win their games against Greece and Poland and­ get through the group behind the Russians.

    From Barney Rubble, on Sat 9 Jun 14:53

  4. Phew! Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko were one of my main­ concerns (Russia fan) going into this championship.­ Sure, they were stars in Russia but once they moved to­ England (with high class players all around) they spent­ most of their time keeping the benches warm for the­ guys that actually play the game, and in the process­ lossing the form that got them to be stars in the first­ place. I was worried that their 'star' status­ was all that remained. This match put my concerns to­ rest.

    From Andrew, on Sat 9 Jun 12:21

  5. the ref had a good game fintan

    From Fintan, on Sat 9 Jun 11:23

  6. this the true arshavin.....class.he was played out of­ position by wenger.should have played in the similar­ slot a as modric does for spurs.wenger nearly ruined a­ great talent....fool

    From ping pong, on Sat 9 Jun 11:20

  7. Arshavin was playing, not semsjov....

    From Jonathan, on Sat 9 Jun 11:07

  8. Excellent perfomance Russia.And what wa wonderful way­ to get back to yourself Arshavin.Very happy to see you­ perform like the Arshavin we know.Hopefully,Wenger will­ bring you back to Arsenal where you can play well.

    From Adirocks, on Sat 9 Jun 9:33

  9. ru

    From IAN, on Sat 9 Jun 7:07

  10. What a performance by the russians, they could be one­ of the dark horses for the euros. They played out of­ their skins and it should have been 8 not 4. Don't­ write russia off after this performance, see how they­ perform in their next game but i have got a feeling­ that something good is happening.

    From Alan, on Sat 9 Jun 3:41

  11. was putin on the pitch?

    From Third Uncle, on Sat 9 Jun 1:11

  12. Serves the Czechs right for diving and cheating an­ equaliser against Scotland. Your tears are sweet !

    From ian, on Sat 9 Jun 0:18

  13. Russia had discipline, wise use of energy, old veterans­ and new talents, and good strategy. No reason for­ Russia not to go to next round.

    From Nnamezie, on Sat 9 Jun 0:13

  14. A. Semsjov is actually Andrey Arshavin. Nice work­ yahoo!

    From Florian, on Sat 9 Jun 0:08

  15. awesome Russia

    From Ferdian Fredd, on Fri 8 Jun 23:02

  16. Umm Yahoo! No Ashervin in your line-up

    From Ado, on Fri 8 Jun 22:59

  17. super super super pav super- super pav

    From John G, on Fri 8 Jun 22:56

  18. The new match stats on here are fantastic! Great stuff,­ Yahoo.

    From Joel H, on Fri 8 Jun 22:32

  19. Wonderful game by Russia!!

    From Juan sabaldo, on Fri 8 Jun 22:30

  20. Rosicky best player on the pitch for the Czechs. They­ didn't get the ball to him enough, although when­ they did he was was effective and creative. Wish­ Arshavin played like that for Arsenal!!

    From Patricia, on Fri 8 Jun 22:27
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