Poland 1 - Russia 1: Enemies Collide In Warsaw

Poland and Russia, bitter enemies, battled to a 1-1 tie in Warsaw.  Whenever two heated rivals square off an extra dimension is added to any game.  The struggle between these nations dates back several centuries, and after the Polish home crowd delivered a raucous national anthem there was a feeling that the game would be memorable.  While the
Russians were favored, the Poles had adrenaline and the home crowd behind them.

The game was evenly played during the initial half hour.  Although the Russians had slightly more possession, the Poles were the more dangerous side.  They nearly got on the board off of a set piece in the 7^th minute, but the deflection went right to the Russian keeper.  Only minutes later, Robert Lewandowski nearly scored the goal of the tournament as his volley from outside the eighteen went just over the bar.  In the 18^th minute the Poles put together a beautiful build-up in which five players touched the ball that resulted in Eugene Polanski putting the one in the back of the net as the entire nation erupted.  However, Polanski was clearly offside when the through ball was played, and the goal was taken away. 

After a half hour the Russians were not only controlling the ball, but they created better opportunities.  Andrei Arshavin continued the fine form he displayed in the opener.  He was easily the most creative player on the field.  His distribution nearly resulted in several goals.  In the 38^th minute, Alan Dzagoev scored his third goal of the tournament when his header off a set piece got past Polish keeper, Przemyslaw Tyton.  Dzagoev continues to make me regret not including him in the Top Five Breakout Players list. 

Dzagoev’s goal seemed to deflate the home side.  The Russians took the initiative and continued to press forward as the Poles looked for answers.  Just before the half, the Poles were very fortunate as a defender clearly knocked a Russian forward down in front of their own net, which should have resulted in a yellow card and a penalty kick.  As the whistle blew Polish fans held their breath, as dreams of advancing seemed doubtful. 

With hopes of advancing dependent upon the second half, the Poles came out firing on all cylinders.  In the opening minute they nearly tied the game but a through ball was just out Lewandowski’s reach.  The ball should have been played to him in stride, but the opportunity was wasted. They showed a complete willingness to attack, sending numerous men forward.  They reaped their reward when Borussia Dortmund’s Jacob Blaszczykowksi scored the goal of the tournament as he curled a shot from the eighteen into the far corner past the outstretched arms of Russian keeper, Vyacheslav Malafeev. 

Although the Russians dictated the tempo for the remainder it was basically an even match.  However, it must be noted that the referee did an appalling job as the Russians were on the wrong end of several calls.  The Russian breakaway in the 69^th minute was negated when their player was clearly hauled down.  The referee let the play go as he did on several other fouls against them. 

The 1-1 draw leaves Group A wide open as all four teams remain in contention going into the finale.  The Poles have a winner take all game against the Czech Republic.  They must win, as a draw will not suffice.  Things usually seem to work out for the host nation so I think Poland will win and advance.  I hope they do for the sake of the tournament because it always feels exciting when the host nation is involved.

Meanwhile, they hype that surrounded the Russians after their initial game is gone.  They did not look as sharp this time around.  After appearing almost unbeatable against the Czechs, they were ordinary. They must get a tie against the Greeks to advance, but Greece can also advance with a victory so it will be a tough matchup. 

By Jeff Graceffo