Russians signal intent with crushing victory

Russia went top of Group A as Alan Dzagoev’s double helped them to an impressive victory over the Czech Republic at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw last night.

Despite being favourites to top the group, Russia took almost a quarter of an hour to muster a meaningful attack, and when they did they came close to taking the lead. Andrey Arshavin brilliantly played in Yuri Zhirkov near the left-hand byline but striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov steered his effort wide.

But it was a brief reprieve for the Czechs as Alan Dzagoev drove at the heart of their defence to tee Konstantin Zyryanov up for a cross that was headed against the post by Kerzhakov, Dzagoev followed up to slam home.

Czech Republic’s Jan Rezek saw a glancing header saved by Vyacheslav Malafeev at the other and but an error from Jaroslav Plasil allowed Russia to make it 2-0 in the 24th minute. The midfielder gave away possession and Arshavin seized on it, the Arsenal player’s pass was meant for Kerzhakov but the striker’s miscontrol saw the ball reach Shirokov, who lofted over the advancing Cech.

Having been second best for much of the opening stanza the Czechs hit back in the 52nd minute. Bordeaux midfielder Plasil produced a superb pass to cut the Russian defence, allowing diminutive winger Pilar to round Malafeev and find the net.

Just as the Czechs came back into it, Russia killed the game off when sub Roman Pavlyuchenko set up Dzagoev to plant a firm shot beyond Cech. Pavlyuchenko then put a gloss on the win as he tricked his way into the box before blasting to the net.

Subs for Russia: Pavlyuchenko for Kerzhakov 73, Kokorin for Dzagoev 84,

Sub for Czech Republic: Hubschman for Rezek 46, Petrzela for Jiracek 75, Lafata for Baros 85.