Russia 4 Czech Republic 1

Russia lined up for the kick off to this match determined to show Europe their intentions. Malafeev, a somewhat surprise selection ahead of regular stopper Akinfeev, patrolled the edge of his 18 yard box. Just in front of him was his steady back four led by Ignashevich leaving the remaining six players spaced out along the half way. What appeared a clear signal of their attacking intentions, however, was lost in a nervy opening fifteen minutes as the notoriously slow starting Russians conceded possession far too easily to their Czech opponents.

In fact for the first quarter of the match Advocaat's men looked lost; searching for inspiration from goodness knows where. That was until Dzagoev smashed home the rebound after Kerzhakov hit a post, and from then on the Russians were fantastic. Within ten minutes it was two as Arshavin, showing the form that had most of Europe's elite clubs fighting over him four years ago, released Shirokov with a superb pass. The elegant midfielder, running from deep, as predicted by John Bradley last week, calmly slotted past the advancing Cech and suddenly Russia looked contenders. By half time they should have been out of sight with Denisov and Shirokov pulling the strings and creating chances for their front men. Unfortunately Kerzhakov was having an off night and couldn't find the target no matter how hard he tried.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, with the Czechs bossing possession. Except this time they got a goal for all their hard work through Vaclav Pilar who rounded Malafeev to score, after being put through brilliantly by Plasil. That goal could have unsettled the Russians but, to their credit, they continued to play their own game. Shirokov remained at the heart of everything, creating yet more chances for the misfiring Kerzhakov. The Zenit front man had a strange game up front; torturing the Czech back line with his clever runs and getting himself into fantastic scoring positions. But each time he worked the opportunity his shots became increasingly more wild and never seriously tested Petr Cech.

It looked set up for a nervy last ten minutes before Dzagoev came to life again. The diminutive schemer latching onto a pass from substitute Pavlyuchenko to fire home his second. Within five minutes it was four with the former Spurs man, after receiving a pass from Arshavin, weaving his way into the box before smashing past Cech. Arshavin was putting in a master class and many an Arsenal fan must have been scratching their heads at how he lost his way at the Emirates. 

The final whistle brought an end to an entertaining match which suggested that Russia might just challenge for the ultimate prize. Clearly there are bigger challenges ahead but, after scoring four in their opening match, confidence will be high in the Russian camp.