I see Russia as the favorites in this match. I can't remember any good match from CZ in the last years and their squad seems quite poor to me in comparison to Russia's. I don't think it will be impossible for CZ to win this match, but in my opinion Russia have a much higher probability to not lose this game.
Baroš is questionable to start due to a muscle injury in practice yesterday, which would be just fcking great a great opportunity for one of our young forwards to step up.
wondering how this one will play out.. opening games are usually cagey affairs in these tournaments so I'm not expecting many goals.. maybe 1-0 Russia...
Just read indication that the Czech starting lineup will be:Čech, Gebre Selassie, Sivok, Hubník, Kadlec - Rezek, Rosický, Plašil, Jiráček, Pilař - Baroš.Hubník and Baroš were the only two spots questionable, but it looks like they will start.
i never saw the czech choke at any of the last 4 euros. 96 did well, 00 in group of death and unlucky to go out v favourites holland and france, 04 not bad and 08 very unlucky to lose to turkey 3-2 in the final group match. i think russia are far more likely to choke, especially if they are actually thinking of making the semis like arshavin is predicting. also advocate is not a great coach like gus imo.
On to Wroclaw, and Howard Webb in charge. At least we know if someone suffers a cardiac arrest on the pitch, death will be far less likely. Sounds like a game plan Cech is used to.
Howard Webb is the ref.. he's not a very popular figur in Poland.. didn't he receive death threats after awarding a penalty against them in the last Euros vs. Austria?
You were a bit late on that. Russia just got a few good shots, and a nice set of possession. This might be a match yet.
Great combinations leading up to that goal - good header by Kerzhakov; he was unfortunate not to score himself. Nice follow up by Dzagoev - I think he is going to have a great tournament!
Great shot, good grab on the deflection, caught Cech flat-footed. And Cech dodges a bullet on that shot.