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Russia fully fit for Czech Republic clash
Posted Friday, June 08, 2012 by SNTV

Intro:

Russia coach Dick Advocaat has a full squad to choose from during Russia's opening Euro 2012 match against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw on Friday.

Script:

Russia enjoyed a light training session on Thursday at Wroclaw's Municipal Stadium, 24 hours before they return to the venue to begin their Euro 2012 campaign against the Czech Republic.

Head coach Dick Advocaat will have a fully-fit squad to choose from, with goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, defender Aleksandr Anyukov and striker Roman Pavlyuchenko all overcoming minor injuries.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Dick Advocaat, Russia Coach

"I think that on the day before the game it is just a case of stay fit and there are no special exercises because everybody is watching us. There is no need to do so, we know everybody is fit and tonight we make a decision about the line-up and tomorrow we will tell the players."

Russia go into the tournament on form after defeating Italy 3-0 in a friendly last week.

The Russians are favourites to top Group A, which also includes co-hosts Poland and Greece, who kick off the tournament in Warsaw just a few hours before Russia take to the field against the Czechs on Friday.

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