Euro 2012: Team of the Night- Russia

Qualified for Euro 2012 by winning an “easy” Group B, Russia surely is an underdog in this competition. Then started off the tournament with a 4-1 win over Czech Republic last night, a win that shows that this team could go far.

The first thing I want to mention is of course their hero, Alan Dzagoev. Still at the very young age in international football, at 21, Dzagoev succesfully netted two of four Russian goals into Cech’s net. (Pfff I laughed when @YouAreMyArsenal tweeted: Where was this Petr Cech in the Champions League?)

To be honest, this is the first time I’ve watched him play and in my eyes, Dzagoev really played well; superb all evening. Czech’s back four just couldn’t read his movement. Yes, it’s too early to claim him as the tournament’s potential breakthrough act but who knows? Plus his contract at CSKA will expire next year, so is any team brave enough to put a bid on him?

Meanwhile, their captain Andrei Arshavin was one of the best players on the pitch too, having a hand in two goals. And coming on as the substitute, there’s Pavlyuchenko who gave a goal and an assist to Dzagoev’s second goal. He indeed completed a fine Russian performance.

But personally I am disappointed that Advocaat didn’t use two of my FM Russian heroes last night, Izmailov (Sporting) and Pogrebnyak (Fulham). I just couldn’t believe Advocaat favors Kerzhakov instead of Pavel. But well, I have to admit that they have a couple of good strikers up front.

On the other side, Czech Republic failed to impress. They played well actually, and you can see how Rosicky works so hard, creating and all, even laying an excellent ball to Baros, who wasted the opportunity. (PS: Does anyone knows how many times Baros kicked the ball?)

So that’s all for today, will try to give you all my thoughts on tonight’s game tomorrow.

Thanks for reading and take care folks. Cheers.

Written by Jason LeonardoFollow me on Twitter @jason040404Please like O-Posts on FacebookFollow the site on Twitter

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