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1. Group A is Exciting and Wide Open
With the Czech Republic winning against Greece last night, and Poland drawing against Russia, the next two games will turn out to be deciders for Group A. Defeat would have the left the Euro 2012 co-hosts needing a win against the Czechs and some luck to reach the quarterfinals come Saturday, but a draw leaves Group A finely poised ahead of the final round of games. Group A has also turned out to be the most exciting group so far, and watching the remaining games will be a definite thrill.
2. Arshavin was wasteful in the 2nd half
With three assists, Andrey Arshavin is currently leading the Euro 2012 field in that category, but has done most of his work in the first 75 minutes of both of his games before fading. Unfortunately for Russia, it doesn’t seem as if Arshavin could last the entire 90 minutes and have an impact on the game throughout. Though He did provide the assist for the first goal, however, it was an error by him that lend to the Polish counter and subsequent equaliser.
3. Roman Pavlyuchenko needs more play-time
Pavlyuchenko has scored one goal and assisted one, proving that he can be effective. He is the kind of back-to-goal hold-up player that Russia need up front. Bringing him on as a sub for Kerzhakov wasn’t entirely worth his while for he hardly got a chance to do anything dangerous in Poland’s box. Pavlyuchenko could replace Kerzhakov against Greece with the latter coming on as a sub.
4. Russia were well-prepared for Lewandowski
One word to describe Robert Lewandowski last night would be ‘frustrated’. The Dortmund striker worked hard up front and tried to create space for his team mates, but only had one good opportunity to score a goal. He wasn’t given much time on the ball, especially in the second half and was marked closely right from the start.
5. Poland can dream of Brazil 2014
If the current Polish team continue playing the way they currently do, we can definitely hope to see them in Brazil in 2014. They have impressed everyone with their play so far and with their home support being as strong as it is, Poland definitely are a strong team. If they work on their key players and figure out their strengths and weaknesses, we have a team which will be present in Brazil two years from now.
