Russia opts for attacking tactics

 

Russia is well to start their Euro 2012 campaign with their opening match today against Czech Republic at Municipal Stadium in Poznan, Poland.

The Russian side is having a great run this season as they haven't lost any of the last fourteen games. They have been on the attacking spree most of the time, and manager of the team Dick Advocaat will not compromise on the attacking principles that got Russia this far. 

The Russians, then USSR, were the champions of the inaugural Euro Cup in 1960, and ever since they haven't been able to clinch the title.

 

So, owing to the current form, and also having beaten Italy 3-0 in the warm up match, expectations are really very high on the Eurasian side to repeat the feat of 1960. 

 

On being asked on the team's comprehensive victory against the Italian side in the pre-match conference, Russian coach said, "It was a little flattering, but it gave the team a lot of confidence. It'll be totally different tomorrow against a totally different opponent."

Further on being asked about the team's game plan, the coach added, "If we're really honest, it's all about results. But we can't change our way of playing. That's our way, a more attacking way."

Meanwhile Czech Republic's coach Michal Bilek isn't settled with the playing XI but will most likely to play 4-2-3-1. Milan Baros is struggling with a groin injury since they have arrived in Poland and is in for late fitness test. If he doesn't pass the fitness test Tomas Pekhart is the man most likey to replace him on the frontline.

Though the Czech side is not much well reputed, but they have managed to win 3 of their last 5 games; losing only one to Hungary 1-2.

On being asked about the way they qualified to the tournament, and considered the weakest side, Bilek sees no reason why the Czechs should feel overawed as he says "The group is very evenly balanced. I don't think we're the weakest team in it. I think we'll show our ambition, which is to get through the group. That would be a success for us."

Looking in to the FIFA ranking of both the teams, Russians are placed on the 13th spot, while the Czech team is on the 27th position.

The last time the two teams encountered in European championship was way back in 1996, where the match ended in a draw as each team scored 3 goals each.

But looking to the statistics of the two teams in the recent games, odds seem pretty high on Russia, who is considered the favorites in the group.
But they would certainly not take the opposition lightly, as hinted by their coach. 

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