08/06/2012 Match of the Day

A nice low-key start, as always. Your highlights of the first two

games of Euro 2012 are here. With me, a man who spent many a summer

travelling to major international tournaments, another who spent many

a summer on his way to Spain with his mates. David James and Robbie

Savage are here for all of this. The big kick-off was in Warsaw. We

will see how Poland faired against 2004 winners Greece. Russia faced

the Czech Republic. After the action, we will hear from Roy and

his England boys. We will assess the Republic of Ireland's chances

Now, as most people know, this is Europe. Poland's capital, Warsaw,

is approximately 900 miles from London. The Ukraine's first city,

Kiev, 1340 miles. Lesson over. Kiev, 1340 miles. Lesson over.

These are the venues in Poland and Ukraine there are eight cities

hosting matches, split across the two countries. The final is in Kiev

on July 1st. Russia, Czech Republic on the way. First an expectant home

nation who take on Greece in the nation who take on Greece in the

nation who take on Greece in the opening match in Warsaw. Poland

start the race as the lowest rank side at Euro 2012. Arsenal keeper,

Wojciech Szczesny could have a busy type of it. Robert Lewandowski sent

his team to a league double. For Poland to progress, his form is key.

Greece are not fancied either to run a big race this this summer. In

2004 they finished first-past-the- post. They surprised everyone eight

years ago and have vowed to succeed in 2012 to give their crisis-hit

country so some much-needed cheer. Commentating is Simon Brotherton

face in goal today, Wojciech Szczesny of Arsenal. Their right

back loves to get forward. The captain will start on the right.

Look for him to be a key figure today. The third player with the

German double winners Lewandowski leads the attack. He scored a hat-

trick against Bayern Munich in the last three major tournament, the

oldest player at euro 2012 starts left hand side. Geks --Gekas will

at every opportunity. He's done well. Lewandowski!, a superb save.

It was Lewandowski with the shot. That will get the crowd going. A

showpiece save really. Greece under pressure for the first time. It

falls kindly. It's sent wide of the goal. A shot from Rebus. Lovely

play here. Looking promising for Poland. He fired that ball from

close-range. Number nine goes to the near-post. In front of his

defender. Sidefoot into the back of the net. They are knocking on to

the door, Poland, here. They have great footballing traditions in

Poland. They haven't had much to cheer about for a long time for

their international time. They said that Group A is the easest game and

said if they don't get through it, they only have themselves to blame.

Tes -- it is Lewandowski. The star striker has the goal. The roof may

be on, but it's threatening to come off the stadium here. The perfect

start. Where is the goalkeeper going? Where are you going? You are

nowhere near that ball. Lewandowski knows what to do when the goal keep

her is approaching. Head it down. The atmosphere is electric inside

here. Perfect start for Poland. home crowd will be sitting easier

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 47 seconds

in their seats. They were nervous tournament goes to Papadopoulos.

Red card here. They could have a red card. The Spanish referee has

sent him off. When you look at what he has done in those two challenges,

he has done, very very little. couldn't be worse for the groups,

could it? That was a soft red card, two yellows. The first yellow, I

can't understand it. A genuine challenge which he wins the ball,

fair and square. That ball clearly touched his hand. The referee said

it was the motion of the way the play was going. We have additional

assistance. He can't see where that ball is. It touches him on the arm.

He is looking to the assistant behind him. Absolutely. Greece have

lost all previous eight occasions that they played on Polish soil.

History favours the home team. This means absolutely nothing, it's

about what happens down there today. Lewandowski, every time he gets the

ball around the penalty area everybody around the stadium stands

up. You can feel that buzz of be a chance. It's an equalliser.

Greece are level. It's Salpingidis the substitute. Two mistakes by

both goalkeepers have led to the goal. A good ball. Reverse pass. He

is nowhere need it. Into the back of the net. Their first ever

Wolverhampton Wanderers quol goal in South Africa, he has another big

one there. The ten men of Greece the ball to drop, it was always

going wide off the offside of the boat. What a chance. Runs off-the-

shoulder. He is onside. Miscues completely. Samaras. Good ball

stays down. Szczesny is all over the place. Will Greece have a

penalty? Szczesny is sent off. The Arsenal goalkeeper is given a

straight red. He comes from the ball. He doesn't get it, catches

the ankle. What an impact he's had, Salpingidis. Salpingidis, the

goalscorer for Greece, the man involved. Szczesny took it and

walked off. Absolutely. There was a man relaxing in the chair a minute

ago, not expecting to come on. That's what it means. It has not

gone in yet. It's a penalty and they are down to ten men. The

player who is being sacrificed is Rebus. He could be the hero of the

day. It could be an opportunity for him. He is not expected to save it.

He is good at mind games, clearly. Karagounis has placed that ball

exactly where he wanted it. Giorgos Karagounis, the captain of Greece,

what a big moment here. In the very first match. Karagounis to put

Greece ahead! Oh, it's saved. What an introduction to the game. Not a

bad penalty. Gambles and gets it right and keeps his country in the

game. A wonderful chance has gone astray there for Greece. There is

the most relieved man in Warsaw. Szczesny will not play against

There is space in the centre of the field. Here's Samaras! Compose

yourself, bring the ball down. It's wild. He doesn't get a good

wild. He doesn't get a good connection on it. Sometimes, in the

opening game of a major tournament, you get a giant killing. Most of

the time they are a damp squib. Because of the mistakes you take

that game, it had a lot in it? fantastic opener. Poland dominated

the first half. Greece deserved the draw. Goals, penalty saves, sending

offs, good openinger. Good day to have a goalkeeper sitting with us.

Szczesny, discuss. Your thoughts? The first half he was OK. He didn't

have a lot to do. It changed in the second-half. I mean, you are

second-half. I mean, you are looking at 51 minutes. A game which

was comfortable for Poland, given they were 1-0 up, with the

advantage. Positioning here was questionable to start with.

Obviously, the defender should have come across to cover the attacker

coming in. The big mistake wasn't so much his ending up position, as

the contact was made with the defender, but the fact he went

towards the ball. If he had stayed still, the shot would of hit him

and he would of been in a position to pick the ball up. Not good.

words would of gone, "Not good". What about this? Strange, Samaras's

best contribution to the game, I think, that little pass. The attack

by the goalkeeper, once he committed himself I znd didn't

understand why he stuck his foot out and brought him down. When the

touch was made by the centre forward, had he stopped, it

wouldn't of been a penalty. Have you been in this situation? It's a

pressure situation. He lifted the ball auch the penalty spot. Mind

games. Still, Szczesny gets off the hook. Have you been in that

situation where you had to come on for a keeper in a penalty against

I have, in the Ukraine in the World Cup qualifiers. Rob Green got sent

off. I did not touch the ball beforehand. I used some Jedi mind

tricks against Shevchenko. He put it wide. We will always have to

talk about referees. I am not sure there was even a foul committed

clearly wins the header. Lewandowski has gone down like he

has been hit by a bus. It is never a yellow-card. If you give I

yellow-card for that, there would be several people sent off. Here,

the guy is slipping before he makes contact. It is never a yellow card.

Never Semenov. We will talk about at their heads never went down. It

was a game driven by mistakes. It is hard to pick out one player who

made more mistakes than others. But he did. This is how not to play in

a major Championship in the opening game. I have got to highlight

Samaras. Not the best start. This was a great run, composer? No. Good

options. He did not play well. He had a good chance of a strike and

smashed it over the bar. The guy is thinking to himself, you have got

lovely hair, gorgeous. Lewandowski was the opposite. In the first half

he was a real threat. He looks like a real prospect. 30 goals for

Borussia Dortmund. He has brought it into this tournament. Yes, in

the first half he got the service. He played really well. The second

have, he did not get the ball down the right side. He was poor and the

the right side. He was poor and the the right side. He was poor and the

second half. Greece were really up against it. They had a Hall of

Poland on their backs. Their heads never went down. They thought the

whole game. They did. Greece. They did. The penalty miss, the captain

will be kicking himself. It was a poor penalty. If he scores that,

what a start for Greece. What about Poland? A little bit of a man on

quantity because of a lack of competitive games. -- on a known

quantity. Interestingly enough, you said Greece will be kicking

themselves, I think there will be cattiness as lucky they got away

with the draw. They were sold Open and the first 15 or 20 minutes.

Poland had opportunities to take advantage of that. I think Poland

will put themselves in a position to contest qualification. A lot of

that will be down to the other game in this group, Russia against the

Czech Republic. Managed by Dick Advocaat and captained by Andre

Arshavin, Rochette could do all right here. They have high hopes to

better their showing four years ago when they made the semi-finals.

Runners up three times and they won the novel event in 1960. The Czech

Republic could look to three Amigos, Petr Cech, Milan Porras and Tomasz

Radzinski. Their coach will take inspiration from their record in

the competition. Winners in 1976, runners up in 1996 and semi-

for the same prize. Both teams at full strength. The big news as far

as Russia are concerned is their No. 1 goalkeeper is not fit enough to

start. The other question was who will play off front. That role goes

to Kerzhakov of Zenit St Petersburg. Dzagoyev is in from the start. The

two captains need little introduction. Andre Arshavin and

Thomas Rosicky, two makes for many years in the English Premier League

at Arsenal. Howard Webb is the Republic is that Milan Barajas is

fit enough to start. He had been doubtful with a thigh injury.

Rosicky is fit to lead the team. Petr Cech, fresh from this

Champions League success with Chelsea, wins his 91st cap. Second

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 47 seconds

now and the country's all-time list Followed up by Dzagoyev! Rochette

in front. The man who scored four goals in hit games in qualifying,

Oscars his country's first goal of the tournament. -- in eight games

in qualifying, scores his country's first goal of the tournament.

Dzagoyev kept his composure. With the extremely cool finish, he makes

it Russia one, the Czech Republic male. -- Russia 1, Czech Republic 0.

This is where they can be so dangerous. Look at the space.

Dzagoyev should have made it two. That was a let-off for the Czech

Republic. He should have had his and his country's second. Look at

the Space Dzagoyev had. Petr Cech narrowed the angle. But he will

feel he should have hit the target. Dick at the cat experiencing an

international tournament for the 5th time as a manager. After the

tournament he heads back to PSV Eindhoven for a second spell in

Czech Republic coach played in the World Cup in 1990 for

0. Shirokov doubles up Russia's lead. Russia breaking with pace and

precision. Shirokov was the first to react. He kept his cool. Lovely

finish over Petr Cech. Another one who has had a very good season with

the Zenit St Petersburg. Bringing his form in the euro 2012. -- into

Kerzhakov slams the ground in frustration. The Czech Republic

again living dangerously. It was a chance. His reaction tells you he

feels that was an opportunity. And they wanted. His second for the

Czech Republic has got them right back in it. The 22 year-old kept

his cool. It is game on again. It was all about the ball through to

him. Terrifically time to run. He kept his cool and rounded the

goalkeeper. Calmly into the back of the net. His second international

cole mack. It is a big one. It attack. Extremely pleasing on the

Kerzhakov cannot take the chance. Will he and Rochette look back on a

some of these chances not taking? - - Russia. Time to steady himself

and he's good it across the front that it would have been. It would

have been his first international together the second ball, too.

Rosicky saw the opening. The goalkeeper at full stretch. He

it for Russia. His second, his country's third. Their two-goal

cushion is restored. Dzagoyev enhancing his ever-growing

reputation. Pavlyuchenko whip the ball in. Lovely first touch. That

created the opportunity. He still had plenty to do. That rocketed

past Petra checked. -- Petr Cech. The Czech Republic, the work so

hard to get back into it, now trail substitute settles it. The man who

got three goals at the European championships four years ago, opens

his account in Poland. He seals a convincing win for Russia. He took

his time. But when the shot eventually arrived, it caught Petr

international goal, Russia 4, Czech Republic 1. Arismendi, final few

seconds. -- Arshavin, final few seconds. This will be the last

action. The offside flag is up. It won't count. That is the last

action of an enthralling evening. One were Russia have sent out a

message. They have lived up to their billing as Group favourites.

They have blown the Czech Republic away by 4-1. The Czech Republic

have to regroup for Greece. 100% start for Russia. Russia 4, the

Our first live Group table to show Russia sending the first message of

this tournament. Of all the players who impressed you, who put the

stamp on the message? Arshavin. When he played for Arsenal, every

time the ball comes to him when he plays for Russia, he is on the

plays for Russia, he is on the front foot. He has 70 caps, 17

goals. Fantastic today. His energy levels, as captain he leads and has

confidence for Russia. He went on- loan, is there a collective

responsibility foi playing international football for Russia.

Does that suit him rather than higher profile? Yes. Playing for

Russia is a hard thing to do. He battles away. He likes being part

of a successful team. They won the League, he was part of that. As

captain of his country he leads by example. He was exceptional today.

The body language, you could see it from the first whistle, couldn't

snu he was hungry for the ball. He was making space all the time.

Everything was going forward. was positive, everything. The ball

for the goal there. I'm not sure it for the goal there. I'm not sure it

was meant for him there. A great ball. A great day to have you in.

You were sinking in your seat during the two games, not another

keep tore talk about. Petr Cech on his day is world-class. It wasn't

his day today? JT said to me when he joined Chelsea this guy came for

everything. The first goal wasn't about the shot, it was the cross

about the shot, it was the cross that came in. A few years ago he

would of eaten that up. He was far advanced. On his day, there are not

many keepers better than him in Europe. I don't know about the

world. The goals he conceded here, he won't be happy with them. Long,

long season for him. He had to play two Cup finals and a league

programme? It's difficult. His season has been hinged on

qualifying for the Champions League. The unexpected highs of getting

through to the Champions League. Picking yourself up after the low

of winning it, if you like, and having to deal with this Russian

having to deal with this Russian team. Robbie Savage was given this

Bible. No matter who scores goals, Robbie has to know everything about

Robbie has to know everything about them. Right, Dzagoev? He was 125-1

to finish top goalscorer. He is a player with class and reputation.

This competition brings people to the forethat they might not know

about. He has been in a squad for three years. He was very, very good

today. To be fair, the left back of the Czech Republic helped him

immensely today, he was awful. I have to say, that was one of the

worse performances I have seen. Lack of composure, puts it wide.

This goal here. It shows his class. He gets the ball through. He smashs

it past Cech. Cech should have done better. People will start talking

about this guy. Fantastic player. 22 years old. I enjoyed watching

22 years old. I enjoyed watching him a lot. Russia, I know you are a

big fan of, before any ball was kicked today. It was the first team

you talked about, the dark horses of the tournament. From a

goalkeeper and defensive point of view did you see enough there?

was an open game, granted. They looked dangerous in zone 14. I have

been on my coaching course, where the Czech Republic set up the block.

They were able to get through there. The left back, the second worse

left back performance after the first game. Yes. How were they in

Zone 11? It's not an area we would like to go into. David James,

keeping it real. Zone 14 that is what it is about. Euro 2012, Five

Live with commentary of every game on the radio. Tomorrow two cracking

matches on the telly: start working This these shows are late for you,

or you fall asleep during them, you can access them at your leisure on

the BBCi player. They are available for seven days online. You can

watch them straightaway when you log in. We head off for the first

time to the England camp as they prepare for a massive first game on

Monday against France. Here's Gabby. Kicking in Krakow. This was the

first look at the New England in Poland. Training with the doors

thrown up. A couple of thousands locales had a look. One lucky

punter went home with a souvenir. An entirely difficult constituency

to those who were reported to have racially abused the Polish players

yesterday. Much of this area is untouched. The pitch will be one of

the finest in the fourth tier of Polish football next season. No

penalty spot. Why would you need to practice those! Nearly half the

squad retired to the team after the PR was complete. All part of the

plan insist the FA. No new injuries to report, not for the want of

trying. After that, most of the players spent the afternoon on a

tour of of the camps. Several players went to Auschwitz. So

gripped were they that Joe Hart said you could hear a pin drop.

Today was emotional for all. glad I came. I've got to say, it's

not a pleasant experience. It's a very harrowing experience. I think

it's something that people should really try to do because it's...

You know, it's very difficult to imagine this type of inhumanity. To

see it so clearly documented and have the guide explain so clearly

and so graphicically how everything took place, and the scale, it's

still very worrying today, 60 years after the event. The scale of the

place. The numbers that walked through these doors with no hope of

living. I've just been in there where the bodies were cremated. So,

90% of the people who came through the door didn't last over an hour.

The pictures of people who lived. One hour later they were dead.

we went in to see the Hume hair. We moved next door and started seeing

suitcases and we saw the age difference between 60 year olds and

three-year-olds. Having kids myself, seeing young kids' shoes was the

point were it brings a tear to your eye and hitting home really hard

then. Next door you see the selection of shoes. Let's be honest,

we saw 40,000 pairs of shoes, that would of been nothing compared to

the amount of people who, obviously, died and lost their lives here.

Tomorrow, attention refocuss on France. It's the last day of

training before the flight to don Ideally, you win your first game.

If you don't, win the other two. Beat whoever is in front of you.

Exactly. Positive mentality. We made David work for his fee by

coming up with his England 11, who he would start against France. I

will run you through it first. We will look at the high points and

low points. Obviously, Joe Hart is low points. Obviously, Joe Hart is

the keeper. Picks itself. The back four, who is there and who isn't.

Johnson, Terry. Lescott Zone 14. I'm not doing a coaching badge,

Cole at left back. Your midfield. This is were there were a few

raised eyebrows at home. Walcott, Gerrard, Parker and Milner and then

you want Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck. Rooney banned

for the first two matches. No Ashley Young. You have Milner on

Ashley Young. You have Milner on the left. Thoughts? I like James

Milner. I think he is the sort of play that Roy Hodgson will like as

well. He is versatile with regards to what side he can play on. As

to what side he can play on. As much as Ashley Young is a great

player. He will have a big role in the tournament as it progresses the

idea of having Theo Walcott with the pace, the way he links in with

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is on fire at

the moment. This is an opportunity for the two of them to really

attack Zone 14. Why can't Oxlade- Chamberlain be the hero of Euro

2012? As a nation we search for a hero. We haven't got one, arguably,

this tournament because of the suspension for Wayne Rooney who has

been our hero in the last few tournaments. Oxlade-Chamberlain is

a young player, looking fantastic for Arsenal, good for England as

well. This is a good opportunity for him. Robbie, as David mentioned

17 times today, he is doing his coaching damages. Do you think he

has a future as an England manager given his starting 11? Possibly.

was going to start with Wales and work up. You have to start Ashley

Young on that team. You can't sit back against France and wait to get

beat. You have to attack them, beat. You have to attack them,

surely? The thing with France is, they are bang on form at the moment.

You can't go gung ho against them. You have to win games. Play young

Walcott. We will see. 1-0 England. You love 1-0. I haven't been right

yet. Ireland kicked off against Croatia on Sunday. We have

highlights of that game at 11.35pm This is the longest wooden pier in

Europe, apparently. Twin with Southend on sea as well, classy.

Home away from home for Republic of Ireland during Euro 2012. Over

10,000 locals turned up to the Republic of Ireland's first

training session earlier in the week. Excitement about all things

green and all things euro. I'll be at the stadium when Ireland is

going to play with Spain. Yeah. Yeah. They have a lot of fans here.

A lot of Poland work and live in Ireland. So, I think, that you will

have a big support here in Poland. I saw the team yesterday. In 73-

year-old Trapattoni the Republic have the oldest team in the

Championship. We must be proud about our country, our people,

because they make very big, or great, sacrifice, the money, the

travel, the trip. The players know this. A warm welcome for the

Ireland team. The draw has been a quick kick where it hurts, Croatia,

Spain, Italy, ouch. Ireland could be back on the beach soon, this

time on holiday. Croatia is before us in ranking. We met them in

friendly game. Many players play in England, I know many players. Our

team know. They are good quality, our quality. Our attitude. It is in

the life never say never. Never say never. He is a wonderful man I have

to say. Inspirational. You looked look at the fixtures. They are all

It is mouth-watering. I am going to suggest they have got a real chance

of getting through this group because they do not concede goals.

I totally agree. In Jack Charlton they had at God in the Republic of

Ireland. He was a legend. In Giovanni Trapattoni they have

somebody who can closely follow him. I think they have a real chance.

Has this ever happened before? He named his team before anybody else.

Unless anybody gets injured, he is playing it. When the appointment

was made it was looked at as a strange decision by both parties, I

think. He has proved himself to be a tremendous manager. He could do

some very wonderful things for Ireland back this trip. The fact

they do not concede goals, with that confident going in before the

game starts, you know that I knew a day with that discipline you can

beat anyone? For sure. I think they had one of the best defensive

records in the qualifying campaign. They will be tough. One down, 23

more to go. Here are v early headline makers. Salpingidis gave

Greece and new lease. Tyton spared the blushes of Wight TEC chairs me.

-- Wojciech Szczesny. Off the pitch this was the only thing worth

seeing from the opening ceremony. Event Samaras played better than

this man. That is the curtain coming down on the first day. We