Day 1 Recap

I probably won't write one of these every day. But hey, who cares!

Day one saw everyone's whipping boy of a group, Group A get the Euro 2012 under way with 2 more entertaining encounters than most would have predicted.

Poland and Greece played out to a fitting 1-1 draw in a disjointed game that fizzled after several critical incidents.  This was in truth a very sloppy game, and both of these two will have to raise their games significantly if they are to trouble Russia and their uber-cohesive attacking front 6.  Poland look the more equipped to do so however but they looked awfully impotent after the Socrates got sent off and Samaras was mercifully pushed up top allowing Greece to clog the aortal bleeding down their right flank. Karagounis was also terrible.

I wasn't expecting much from the Czechs, but I have to say that I was shocked at the space they allowed all of Russia's midfielders.  Blame will be thrust upon their defenders, but Plasil or Jiracek, or anyone needs to a least feign an interest in defending or the Czechs will take the party plane home pointless.  I might have gotten a goal if I was allowed that much space in the midfield, just criminal.  Russia might think they'll coast right through this group, (and they probably will) but I think once they run up into a side with a better-drilled midfield, (like they did with the dutch in 08), they'll be in trouble.  None of the four sides defense inspired much confidence tonight.  Greece might have the best backline in this group which is a scary thought.