This year’s European Championships co-host Poland has drawn the opening game of the tournament 1-1 with Greece, however their coach Franciszek Smuda is confident they can still progress.
Robert Lewandowski had put Poland ahead but Greece, down to 10 men, responded early in the second half through Dimitris Salpingidis.
Greece could have won it midway through the second half when Wojciech Szczesny conceded a penalty and was sent off, but captain Giorgos Karagounis had his spotkick saved by substitute keeper Przemyslaw Tyton.
Smuda admitted the players felt the pressure on the occasion in Warsaw.
“For sure the players were under pressure. Before the match, during the break, I saw their aggression. Perhaps some are burned,” he said.
Russia won 4-1 over Czech Republic in their group game and Smuda, ahead of their clash with the Russians, added: “I believe in this team, and know that against Russia they will play a good game.
“We have two meetings left and we have to win them. I think that the first meeting usually ends in a draw.”
What's your take? Write a comment (0 comments)