Jakub Blaszczykowski scored a wonderful 58th-minute equaliser to help 2012 European Championships co-hosts Poland claim a 1-1 draw with Russia on Tuesday, with coach Franciszek Smuda now aiming for a spot in the knockout stage.
Poland move to two points from two games after their opening 1-1 draw with Greece, who lost 2-1 to Czech Republic also on Tuesday.
The co-hosts take on the Czechs in their final group game, with the winner to progress to the final eight.
“It is getting better and better. Today’s match proved that we are good enough to win against the Czech Republic,” Smuda said.
“Our team can see that we have a chance of reaching the knockout stage and we will do everything we can to use that chance.”
Smuda also insisted his side were getting used to the level of pressure placed on his players.
“The pressure is always there. It is not getting any greater - in fact it was probably at its worst before the first game,” he said.
“Now that the tournament is up and running, and the first game is out of the way, the adrenalin level is lower and the pressure is dipping. Now we have a few days to prepare and to rest, to recover and regain our freshness.”
What's your take? Write a comment (0 comments)