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Dzagoev: Czech Republic supporters made it hard for Russia
Posted Saturday, June 09, 2012 by Goal.com

Dzagoev: Czech Republic supporters made it hard for Russia

Alan Dzagoev has intimated that Czech Republic's fans made for a tough match, even though Russia eventually went on to record a 4-1 victory in their opening match of Euro 2012.

The 21-year-old played a crucial part in Friday's victory by opening the scoring early on and sealing the win for Dick Advocaat's troops with only 10 minutes remaining.

Despite playing in Wroclaw, a large number of fans travelled from neighbouring Czech Republic to watch the game, a scenario which the attacker acknowledged.

"It's always difficult to play against teams that are playing at home," Dzagoev told reporters. "Their fans push them on to score and win [the game]."

Meanwhile, fellow Russia team-mate Yuri Zhirkov added: "The Czech team played respectably but we scored more and won.

"There was a worry [at 2-1] but we overcame it. Thanks to Dzagoev, who scored the third goal. It got easier."

Next up for Russia in Group A are co-hosts Poland on Tuesday.

Standings
    Rank Team W/D/L Pts

    Cities & Stadiums

    The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments

    Year Winners Runner-up Third place
    2008SpainGermanyRussia / Turkey
    2004GreecePortugalNetherlands / Czech Republic
    2000FranceItalyNetherlands / Portugal
    1996GermanyCzech RepublicFrance / England
    1992DenmarkGermanyNetherlands / Sweden
    1988NetherlandsSoviet UnionItaly / West Germany
    1984FranceSpainDenmark / Portugal
    1980West GermanyBelgiumCzechoslovakia
    1976CzechoslovakiaWest GermanyNetherlands
    1972West GermanySoviet UnionBelgium
    1968ItalyYugoslaviaEngland
    1964SpainSoviet UnionHungary
    1960Soviet UnionYugoslaviaCzechoslovakia