Euro 2012: Match Report - Poland vs Russia

Poland 1-1 Russia: (Blaszczykowski 57′||| Dzagoev 37′)

Line Ups

Champ of the Match: Jakub Blaszczykowski

The inspirational man was Poland’s hero tonight with an explosive goal! At the age of 11, Blaszczykowski watched his dad knife his mum to death, today he is captain of Poland. Didn’t turn to crime, but was determined to make something of himself.

Tonight must have been one of his proudest moments. With an hour of football nearly been played, Poland were attacking Russia who were 1-0 up. He picked up the ball, ran towards the goal and rifled the ball into the top corner, equalising for Poland, whose supporters erupted with joy! Sensational goal from him.

Unsung hero at Dortmund this year. Away from the goal, he was pivotal when Poland were attacking. Brilliant tonight.

Chump of the Match: Aleksandr Kerzhakov

To be fair to Kerzhakov, he was nowhere near as bad as he was against Czech Republic. It was a hard pick though, and yet again ‘Kerza’ failed to hit the target with any of his 4 shots. He was lucky to start for Russia tonight, especially as Pavlyuchenko had scored a screamer against Czech on Friday. He repaid his manager by missing all of his chances.

He had one key chance for Russia midway through the first half, he picked up the ball, went on a weaving dribble, got inside the area and blazed the ball over bar. Poor game again, I doubt Advocaat will stick with him against Greece, especially with ‘Pav’ and ‘Pog’ waiting in the wings.Referee: Wolfgang Stark

Again, another quiet game for the referee. Few incorrect decisions, but nothing to have a song and dance about (no major decisions were wrong).

Tweets of the Match

@BenLeeder – Lewandowski is a very talented player. Makes runs in behind. Can hold up the ball. Technically very gifted. PL here he comes.

@LlewAFC – Well-worked (disallowed) goal from Poland. Smuda really is keeping to his promise of attractive football from Mainz’s Polanski.

@CainJBennett (Me) – I was sceptical when Malafeev was chosen over Akinfeev. I can see why now.

@samuelj29060 – Arshavin in the second half: The Arshavin from Arsenal.What to expect next from Poland and Russia

Poland must play the way they did tonight, and not the way they did against Greece in the second half. They’re a big threat and they need a win to go through. As for Russia, great yet again. Possibly should have won, but likely to beat Greece in final group game. Written by Cain O’BennettFollow me on Twitter @CainJBennettCheck out his wonderful site, Euro 2012 BloggerPlease like O-Posts on FacebookFollow the site on Twitter