EURO 2012 LIVE: Russia starts with impressive win

WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Russia started the European Championship in impressive style, beating the Czech Republic 4-1, while host Poland drew 1-1 with Greece, who squandered a chance to take all three points by missing a late penalty.

Here is a running account of Friday’s developments. The times, which indicate when each update was filed, are Polish time, which is two hours ahead of GMT and 7 hours ahead of EDT.

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2240: A superb attacking performance from Russia. They passed the ball well, looked dangerous on the break and the movement from the likes of a rejuvenated Andrei Arshavin and Alan Dzafoev were just too much for the Czech Republic to handle. It’s been a good start to the tournament. Holland vs. Denmark and Germany v Portugal have a lot to live up to tomorrow night.

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2239: mikecorder (via twitter): RUS beats CZE 4-1, an emphatic and stylish win for Dick Advocaat’s team to open its Euro2012 campaign. Petr Cech looks shellshocked.

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2235: FULL-TIME: Russia 4, Czech Republic 1.

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2230: Milan Baros has gone off for the Czech Republic, with David Lafata replacing him. For Russia, Aleksandr Kokorin replaces two-goal man Alan Dzagoev.

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2227: It’s turned into a rout. Two goals in a matter of minutes. Alan Dzagoev nets his second goal of the game to cap a great evening for the 21-year-old. The ball falls to Pavlyuchenko who plays a great first-time pass into the feet of Dzagoev, who drives home. Then, Pavlyuchenko weaves his way into the penalty area and holds off a Roman Hudnik challenge with a twist before turning and unleashing a powerful left foot drive past Petr Cech to make it 4-1.

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2224: GOAL! Russia 4, Czech Republic 1

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2221: GOAL! Russia 3, Czech Republic 1

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2218: The pace has slowed and some of the players are looking a bit leggy. Aleksandr Kerzhakov’s night has come to an early end as Roman Pavlyuchenko replaces him. Fifteen minutes left to play. Theodor Gebre Selassie goes close now for the Czech Republic. Plasil floats the ball over to right back, who takes it first time on the volley but the ball hits the side netting at high speed.

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2211: Russians now finding space: Kerzhakov looks desperate for a goal. He runs at the Czech defense and forces his way into a meter of space, but shoots wide to add to his growing frustration. Another chance missed by Aleksandr Kerzhakov. Andrei Arshavin spots Kerzakhov’s run across the defense and picks him out, Kerzhakov spins and shoots but sees his shot flash wide of the far post. He looks to skies in dismay.

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2205: The game is getting a bit scrappy at the moment. The Czech Republic seem reluctant to commit too far forward at this stage, knowing that conceding a third will kill them off. Russia are also anxious about conceding another and allowing all the momentum to be with the Czechs.

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2200: simonhaydon (via twitter) “Howard Webb is showing the ref of Poland vs Greece how to ref. At least one red was unnecessary. Webb’s cards still in pocket.

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2156: Vaclav Pilar is known as the Czech Lionel Messi and with a such a finish, you can begin to see why. He picks up on a through ball and rounds Malafeev before passing the ball into an empty net. Could a second-half comeback be on for the Czech Republic?

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2153: GOAL! Russia 2, Czech Republic 1

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2148: The second half is underway. One change: Jan Rezek is replaced by Tomas Hubschman for the Czech Republic. The Czechs are moving the ball around better but lack movement to pull a stern Russian defense out of position.

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2139: Alan Dzagoev has enjoyed a great first half for Russia. He started the move that led to Russia’s first goal, releasing Andrei Arshavin down the right flank. He should have done better with a chance moments later when he was released by Kerzhakov, again down the right, but blasted wide of the near post. The first half an hour was electric. The Czech Republic began the brighter but a goal from Alan Dzagoev was a catalyst for the Russians to play some good attacking football of their own, with pin-point passing and fast movement causing chaos. They doubled their lead through Roman Shirokov and deserve to lead 2-0 at half time.

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HALF-TIME: Russia 2, Czech Republic 0

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2129: A downward header from Vaclav Pilar brings the first real save of note from Russia’s Vyacheslav Malafeev. The Russians win a free kick inside the Czech Republic half, Plasil bringing down Kerzhakov, but nothing comes of it. The Czechs are trying to keep possession inside Russia’s half as much as possible. The Czechs are trying to battle their way back into the match, but Russia’s defense is starting to look a bit stronger than it did during the first 30 minutes of this match.

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2119: Russia are causing the Czech Republic all sorts of problems with their movement going forward. The ball is pulled back from the left to Kerzhakov who should at least hit the target, but instead blazes high and wide. That said, they look a little edgy in defense. Could be a lot of goals tonight. There was a good penalty shout for Russia, Andrei Arshavin taking a tumble after a knock from Plasil. Looked like there may have been something in that but Howard Webb was not convinced.

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2110: What a turnaround in fortunes. Having been up against it, Russia look like they are going to score every time they make it into the final third of the pitch. Andrei Arshavin plays a superbly weighted through ball into the path of Roman Shirokov, who dinks the ball over Petr Cech from little more than eight yards out.

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2108: GOAL! Russia 2, Czech Republic 0.

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2107: Konstantin Zyranov escapes down the right and floats an inviting cross to Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who had just side-footed wide from eight yards. Kerzhakov hits the post with a downward header but the ball rebounded to Alan Dzagoev who blasted home to give Russia the lead.

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2059: GOAL! Russia 1, Czech Republic 0

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2049: Good positive start from the Czechs – and a replay shows a Russian player handled the ball in his penalty area but the referee didn’t see it. The Russians are on the defensive here.

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2048: mikecorder (via Twitter): All smiles at the toss between Arshavin and Rosicky. Russia to kick off.

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2045: Russia, playing in red, kicks off against the Czech Republic, in white.

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2039: 2010 World Cup final referee Howard Webb of England is taking charge of the match tonight.

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2038: Russia and Czech Republic are in the tunnel, kick-off for the second match is imminent.

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2018: Russia substitutes: Akinfeev, Shunin, Sharonov, Granat, Nababkin, Izmailov, Kombarov, Kokorin, Glushakov, Semshov, Pavlyuchenko, Pogrebnyak.

Czech Republic substitutes: Lastuvka, Drobny, Suchy, Limbersky, Rajtoral, Petrzela, Hubschman, Kolar, Darida, Necid, Pekhart, Lafata.

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2017: Zenit St Petersburg goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev starts in goal, ahead of Igor Akinfeev. It is unclear if Akinfeev is still struggling with fluid on his knee or Malafeev is outright first choice for manager Dick Advocaat. Milan Baros, who finished as joint top-scorer in 2004, has overcome a muscle strain and starts tonight for the Czech Republic. Here are the lineups:

Czech Republic: Cech, Gebre Selassie, Kadlec, Hubnik, Sivok, Rezek, Rosicky, Plasil, Pilar, Jiracek, Baros.

Russia: Malafeev, Anyukov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Berezutski, Shirokov, Denisov, Zyryanov, Dzagoev, Arshavin, Kerzhakov.

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GAME OVER: POLAND 1 GREECE 1. Honors even in first game of the Euros. Loads of action, two goals, two red cards and a missed penalty. It’s a great start.

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1944:Lewandowski unleashes a stinging half volley from the right corner of Greece’s penalty area. It swerves into the side netting, but signs are there that Poland will try to snatch a goal here. Eugen Polanski tries his luck from 20 yards out, but it is straight at Kostas Chalkias. Six minutes left for Poland or Greece to find a winner. Kostas Fortounis replaced Fanis Gekas moments before the Greece penalty, by the way.

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1937: Dimitris Salpingidis has been at the heart of everything since he came on at half time. He has a goal ruled out for offside now. He timed his run well, but Kostas Fortounis was ahead of the play before he centered the ball. Greece have the upper hand.

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1931: Greece missed two penalties in their last warm-up match against Armenia. One was taken by Georgious Samara, the other by Kostas Katsouranis. This time, captain Giorgios Karagounis steps up and brings a fine save from substitute goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton, who dives low to his left and claws the ball away with his first touch of the game.

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1930: (via Twitter)

PhillipsIan: But advice to the referee: After giving a red card, don’t get caught on TV cameras smiling and joking with the opposition.

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1929: (via Twitter)

PhillipsIan: What a start from the Polish substitute ‘keeper , saving penalty with first touch.

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1927: A ball over the top is taken down by Dimitris Salpingidis, who in the process looks to take it round Szczesny. His stray foot catches Salpingidis though, who goes to ground leaving the referee with no choice but to send Szczesny off and give Greece a penalty.

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RED CARD: WOJCIECH SZCZESNY, POLAND. GREECE PENALTY SAVED.

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1924: Chance for Greece. Samaras turns his marker as a ball is chipped over the top. But the ball refuses to sit up for him and in the end Samaras slices high and wide from a tight angle.

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1918: A second look at Greece’s goal shows that Ninis had a header blocked by Szczesny before it dropped to Salpingidis. The Arsenal keeper will feel he could have got back in position quicker for that.

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1912: Captain of Greece, Giorgos Karagounis is booked for handball moments after the games get underway again. That goal has seen the volume levels drop inside the National Stadium. Poland had rarely been threatened until then.

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1909: Greece attack down the right this time and deliver a cross into Fanis Gekas, who attacks the ball as Szczesny comes to claim. They clash and the ball is spilt. For a split second nobody realises where it is, except for Dimitris Salpingidis who runs on to the ball and slots home from no more than six yards.

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GOAL: POLAND 1 GREECE 1

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1904: The second half is underway and Lewandowski comes close to doubling the lead for Poland and his tally for the match. He pulls away from his marker but blazes over the bar from inside the penalty box. Decent chance.

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1902: Dimitris Salpingidis replaces Sotiris Ninis for Greece at the start of the second half. No changes for Poland.

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1900: Poland manager Franciszek Smuda has spoken very highly of his side in the build up to the curtain-raiser of Euro 2012. “This team has convinced me I can rely on them; they have convinced me in every way during the last two and a half years,” said Smuda. They have not let him down so far today.

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1857: The referee today is Carlo Velasco Carballo of Spain. He gave 15 red cards and 141 yellow cards in 19 matches last season.Jose Holebas is booked now for Greece. Defender Perquis loses his footing trying to deal with a ball in and seems to handle on his way down. Holebas is booked for protesting to the referee, who waves the play on. A good thing for Greece that half-time is now as a few players seems close to losing their temper.

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HALF TIME POLAND 1 GREECE 0

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Papastathopoulos has received the first red card at Euro 2012 after bringing down Rafal Murawski. It seemed harsh as Murawski looked to be on his way down already. The referee thought deeply about sending off Sokratis…

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1844: Away from events here at the National Stadium for a moment. AP reporter Karl Ritter says Denmark midfielder Niki Zimling left the team’s training session in an ambulance today. It is unknown what the problem is at the moment.

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RED CARD. Sokratis Papastathopoulos picks up a second yellow in a few minutes and it’s the first red of the tournament.

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1840: Poland should be 2-0 up but it is a horrible miss from defender Damien Perquis who drags his shot wide after Greece fail to deal with a set-piece. And the first substitution, too. Avraam Papadopoulos has picked up a knock and Kyriakos Papadopoulos replaces him.

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1838: Sokratis Papastathopoulos gets the first yellow card of the tournament after a challenge with the lively Lewandowski.

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1830: Signs in the last few minutes that Greece are getting back into the game but Poland look dangerous and fast on the counter attack. Greece win a free kick just outside the right hand side of the penalty area. Sotiris Ninis, who was fouled, takes it and Poland clear.

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1826: Kostas Katsouranis tries his luck from 25 yards out for Greece, but his effort bounces tamely wide of Szczeny. The Polish fans are waving their red and white scarves in unison and chanting the name of their team. That goal has seen the atmosphere go up another gear. Poland are looking to get forward at every oppoRtunity.

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1819: Poland attack down the right once again and this time, they take full advantage of another opportunity. A cross from captain Blaszczykowski finds an unmarked Lewandowski, who dispatches his header with ease and sends the National Stadium into raptures. Minutes earlier Lewandowski was inches away from giving Poland the lead. A neat interchange of passing releases Lukasz Piszczek and his ball across the six yard box is millimetres away from the head of Lewandowski, with goalkeeper Chalkias stranded.

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1817: Poland 1 Greece 0. Robert Lewandowski scores the first goal of the tournament with a close range header.

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1807: Greece are looking to keep the ball and take the pace out of Poland’s early advances. When Poland win back possesion, Greece are quick to get at least eight men behind the ball. And it is not long until Chalkias is in action again, this time having to tip a shot from Rafal Murawski over the bar from 20 yards. The resulting corner is dealt with by Greece, but Poland have the upper hand in the opening minutes.

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1805: Lewandowski and Obraniak look to link up in Greece’s penalty area, but Lewandowski’s overhead flick falls to Kostas Chalkias in the Greek goal. AP reporter Derek Gatopoulos says the majority of Greek fans in Poland are from the immigrant community in Germany. It is Greece who get the game underway. The pitch looks in immaculate condition.

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1800: The Euros have started. Poland and Greece teams on the field on a hot, humid day in Warsaw.

Today’s match will be played at the newly built National Stadium. The first game there for Poland saw them draw 0-0 against Portugal.Stadium looks to be packed with red and white fans of Poland with a handful of Greeks.

Greece will look to Giorgios Samaras for goals today, as he will lead the line for them. They go into today’s match on the back of a 1-0 victory over Armenia, where Samaras missed a penalty.Defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos scored for the 2004 champion Greece, who later missed a second penalty through Kostas Katsouranis.

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1713: No surprises there from Polish manager Franciszek Smuda, as Robert Lewandowski leads the attack for the co-host. Ludovic Obraniak, who normally plays behind Lewandowski, is also one to look out for. He is a Ligue 1 winner with Lille, too.

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1709: GREECE: Chalkias, Torosidis, Papadopoulos, Papastathopoulos, Holebas, Maniatis, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Ninis, Gekas, Samaras

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1717: POLAND: Szczesny; Piszczek, Wasilewski, Perquis, Boenisch, Blaszczykowski, Polanski, Murawski, Rybus, Obraniak, Lewandowski.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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