Russia were impressive on opening night against Czech Republic but there seems to have been an overreaction to their performance and they are unlikely to find things quite so easy versus Poland.
Dick Advocaat’s side were unquestionably worthy winners on Friday but the 4-1 score line probably flattered them slightly and I want to see them follow up that win before getting too carried away with regards their long-term prospects.
Russia have halved in price in the outright market from pre-tournament odds of 20/1 but they were expected to top Group A beforehand and I’m not sure they are now the fourth most likely team to lift the trophy, as their current odds suggest.
Avoiding defeat will see Russia all but secure a place in the knockout stage and a stalemate would probably suit Poland too following their curtain-raising draw with Greece.
Poland were in control of their clash with the 2004 winners until goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny experienced 20 minutes he’ll never remember fondly, at fault for the equaliser before being sent off, but I was disappointed overall with the co-hosts and it will take a decent effort from here to reach the last eight.
In the end Poland were grateful for a draw but European Championship hosts have an awful record in their opening fixture and I’m willing to give them another chance on home soil by siding with them to get a point.
Friday’s clash was Poland’s first competitive fixture for two years and that coupled with such pressure in front of their own fans might just have taken it’s toll.
If Russia are to make it maximum points from two games then they will be looking to Andriy Arshavin and the excellent Alan Dzagoev to dominate once again but while that is possible it is a far from guaranteed and Advocaat might just urge his troops to be that little bit more cautious having already got a win on the board.
1pt Back Draw (Poland vs. Russia) @ 3.25 (various)