The Euro 2012 football tournament got off to a flying start for Russia on Friday as they thrashed the Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening game in the Polish city of Wroclaw. The same cannot be said for co-hosts Poland, who could only manage a 1-1 draw against 2004 champions Greece at the National Stadium in Warsaw. Both teams had a man sent off in a high-tempo, entertaining game. The Russians have established themselves as a serious contender to win the competition with a breathtaking display of attacking football. They could easily have doubled their tally if it were not for some wasteful finishing in front of goal from their frontmen. Their usually classy opponents proved quite hapless in all areas of the pitch.
The tournament, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, is the 14th held by Europe's governing football body UEFA. The tournament has been marred by controversy in its build-up, which has threatened to overshadow the football. There were initial concerns about whether the infrastructure would be in place in time, which seems to happen with every major sporting event. The BBC aired a documentary last month portraying racism at stadiums in the host countries. Politics has also played a part with European politicians boycotting the games in Ukraine over the imprisonment of former president Yulia Tymoshenko. However, the quality of the opening two games has made sure the focus is on the football.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق