Roman Shirokov celebrates after scoring the second goal for Russia in the Euro 2012 match against the Czech Republic. Photo from WP
Russia's national football team defeated the Czech Republic 4:1 in the two teams' first match in the group phase at UEFA Euro 2012.
With the win in the Polish city of Wroclaw, the Russians grabbed the top spot in Group A. Poland and Greece played to a 1-1 draw in the tournament opener in Warsaw.
Alan Dzagoev scored for Russia in the 15th minute. Nine minutes later, Roman Shirokov doubled Russia’s advantage and sent them into the half with a 2-0 lead.
Czech Republic’s Vaclav Pilar got on the end of a brilliant through ball, navigated a charging Vyacheslav Malafeev and tucked home a goal to bring the Czech Republic back to life.
However, in the 79th minute when Dzagoev blasted another right-footed shot past goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Euro 2008 hero and second-half substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko scored for 4:1 at the very end of the match.