POL 1-1 RUS: Two Points Lost

June 13th, 2012 | by: nick | Comments Off

Russia walked away from Warsaw with a point after giving up the lead against co-hosts Poland. Speed and firepower were the main difference this time around as Russia failed to find the sharp edge that produced four goals last Friday. The match started mostly in Russia’s favor but fatigue wore the team down and late attacking substitutions were not enough produce a needed winner. Poland clearly focused on possession and were able to pin Russia down for several spells during the match.

Lineup
Dick Advocaat made no changes to the lineup and really had no reason to do so after the first match. But as the game progressed it was evident that a halftime substitution was needed to shake up the lineup and provide the attacking spark. Arshavin and Dzagoev did well on the wings in the first half but looked completely fatigued. Up front Kerzhakov was a constant threat but was closely marked in the Polish half. At the back, Sergei Ignashevich and Aleksei Berezutski had another lapse and allowed Jakub Błaszczykowski to pick up a neat pass and fire a volley past Malafeev.

Formation
The formation was the same as the one used against the Czech Republic. A 4-3-3 that actually functioned as a 4-2-3-1 with Shirokov roaming in the attacking midfield. Much like the other players, Shirokov was looked very fatigued in the latter minutes of match. Denis Glushakov could have been an ideal replacement to latch on some of the passes that streamed across the Polish penalty area.

Best Moment
Minute 37: Arshavin provides a perfectly coordinated free kick for Dzagoev to head in behind Przemysław Tytoń.

Worst Moment
Minute 73: Dzagoev makes a run into the box and back heels a pass to Kerzhakov who fails to convert. Possibly the best chance to win the match.

Russia will now face Greece in Warsaw on Saturday needing at least a draw to progress to the quarterfinals.